Former APSU Soccer player Tatiana Ariza helps make history in magical Round of 16 run

APSU Sports Information

Clarksville, TN – Colombia shocked the soccer world in the 2015 World Cup, and former Austin Peay State University women’s soccer standout Tatiana Ariza had a front row seat.

Las Cafeteras – team nickname meaning The Coffee Growers – had never scored or earned a victory in a World Cup prior to this year’s competition north of the border. However, that all changed in the group stage which created some buzz around the globe.

In its debut match against Mexico, Colombia’s high-paced attack came from behind to level the score at 1-1 before the final whistle. One substitute helped create scoring chances in the attacking third, none other than Ariza. Similar to her days of exchanging passes between herself and twin sister Natalia, Ariza connected with teammate Daniela Montoya in the center of the pitch for the equalizer.

The underdog run was just getting started. Colombia came into its second match against third-ranked France with the odds stacked against them, but pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the tournament. Ariza appeared as a 90th minute substitute, and joined in the celebration of Colombia’s 2-0 shutout.

Ariza entered in the 74th minute for the final group stage match against England, with Colombia on the wrong end of a 2-1 score. Nevertheless, they would advance to the knockout stage after being one of the best third-placed teams in the field.

Awaiting them in the Round of 16 would be second-ranked United States in a rematch of their 2012 Olympic Games matchup. Ariza’s streak of World Cup appearances ended after a red card forced Colombia to play with 10 women, and the Americans triumphed with a 2-0 victory.

Colombia were eliminated from the World Cup, but not before Ariza helped make history for her native country.