AMBASSADORS CLEVELAND MIDFIELDER FULFILL DREAMS ON WORLD STAGE

Written By: Thomas Costello
Photo by: Elysian Studios

Tuesday, June 27, Ambassadors Cleveland was down 2-1 to Beadling Soccer Club. After getting level in the 76^th minute, Cleveland still needed another goal to solidify another WPSL conference title. In the 86^th minute, midfielder Maria Alagoa took advantage of a midfield interception and sent a chance from 30 yards out into the back of the net. The next day, Alagoa received the news that she has the chance to win another trophy: The World Cup.
 

Initially left off the early June roster release, the NCAA National Champion with Florida State received the call to join up with the Portuguese Women’s National Team. 
 

On the field Alagoa impresses. The midfielder can dribble out of difficult situations, find teammates with creative passes and hit shots on target. When Alagoa isn’t making shots from 30 yards out, the World Cup athlete is scoring backheel goals in front of net. 
 

“Being called up to the full national team has been my biggest dream since I started playing football,” Alagoa said. “So, I couldn’t be more proud and happy for what I just achieved.”
 

Alagoa replaces injured substitute midfielder Joana Martins, who plays professionally with Sporting CP of Portugal. The Alagoa’s addition to the national team adds another name to an impressive list of former Ambassadors to go to this year’s World Cup including USWNT defender Naomi Girma and forward Sophia Smith. 
 

What makes this call-up even more special, is that it isn’t only a historic moment in the life of Alagoa, but for Portugal women’s soccer overall.
 

“The fact that it is the first time ever that Portugal makes it to the World Cup makes everything even more special,” Alagoa said.
 

Like Alagoa, Portugal didn’t qualify for the World Cup at the first chance. In UEFA qualifying, the confederation for European international teams, Portugal didn’t get to a qualifying spot but made it to the International Playoff Final where it defeated Cameroon 2-1. 
 

Now Alagoa and her Portugal teammates have traveled to New Zealand to make history – where all of Portugal’s group stage matches will take place. The European side was placed in a tough group featuring both finalists from the 2019 World Cup - the Netherlands and four-time champions, the United States.
 

“Being able to help this team that has so much potential, quality, and mainly history is a big responsibility for me,” Alagoa said. “I couldn’t feel more excited to learn with the best and have this amazing opportunity to experience a World Cup.”
 

Since qualifying, Portugal’s battled with some of the best teams in the world. After falling in a close 2-1 defeat to former World Cup-winning Japan, Portugal had two draws against Wales and England - the latter happening on July 1 in front of a strong home crowd for England. 
 

“Now, it’s time to focus on what’s important and give my best every day in order to help the team go as far as possible in such an important tournament,” Alagoa said. 
 

Portugal opened its World Cup campaign on July 23 against the Netherlands where it fell 1-0 after a 13^th-minute goal from Stefanie Van der Gragt. Portugal rebounded against its second opponent with a 2-0 win over Vietnam on Thursday, July 27. The final match of group play comes against the USWNT on Tuesday, August 1^st.