Nov. 5, 2015
By Jack Dougherty, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Goalkeeper Rose Chandler traveled to Spain last week with the United States U-20 Women's National Team for World Cup qualifying prep.
The redshirt freshman performed exceptionally well, leading the United States to two convincing wins and earning player of the tournament honors for the team. Chandler notched a shutout against Atletico Madrid and only surrendered one goal to Rayo Vallecano in a 4-1 victory for the U.S.
"It's the best feeling to go out there and wear that crest," Chandler said. "The crest comes with so much pride, and it's so exciting to get out there. Everyone on the field is so good at that level and it's incredible that I get to be a part of it."
This wasn't Chandler's first international experience, however. The Atlanta native was a member of the U-18 national team in 2013 and began playing with the U-20 team last year.
In her first eligible year for the Nittany Lions, Chandler has appeared in four games and has totaled 80 minutes this season.
"The ages are the biggest difference," said Chandler. "I was the oldest player there, and here I'm one of the youngest. Both teams present different challenges, but there's a lot to learn from both."
As the oldest and most polished player on the U-20 team, Chandler has had to adapt to the leadership role she's been thrown into. Chandler is one of two players on the team who currently plays in college. The rest of the group was pulled from various high schools across the country.
"I got to take a leadership role because I have experience in college," Chandler said. "Especially as a goalkeeper we're in charge of so much communication and there's so much coaching in the nature of the position itself."
Chandler has been the backup to starter Britt Eckerstrom all season. This comes as no surprise, as Eckerstrom has shown she's one of the best in the country this season. A lack of playing time can easily hinder a goalkeeper's abilities, but not Chandler's.
"Rose is a neat story," said head coach Erica Walsh. "Arguably the toughest role in soccer is the role of backup goalkeeper. You don't get a ton of minutes, but when you do get minutes you 100 percent have to be prepared."
A lot of her preparedness is thanks to assistant coach and goalie coach Tim Wassell. Wassell has worked Chandler all year like she's in game situations, and her play has even improved despite barely seeing the field.
Eckerstrom has been a mentor and teacher to Chandler throughout the year as well.
"Tim's done a great job with training and live practice," Chandler said. "Britt, as a redshirt senior, has showed me the ropes since I got here. Her technical ability and game management is incredible. I can learn so much in this environment so when I did get on the field I knew what to do."
"I give Tim a lot of credit in his ability to prepare her," said Walsh. "All the credit in the world obviously goes to Rose and her mental preparation to stay sharp when she's not getting minutes during games."
Chandler and the United States U-20 team will travel to San Pedro Sula, Honduras, on Dec. 3 for the 2015 CONCACAF U-20 Women's Championship. There, the team will compete for a spot in the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Papua New Guinea.