A program-best five players from the NC State women’s soccer team were selected for All-ACC honors this year. Senior forward Tziarra King was selected to the first team, the German trio of senior defender Krissi Schuster, senior midfielder Ricci Walkling and redshirt sophomore Lulu Guttenberger were all selected to the third team, and freshman forward Jameese Joseph was selected to the all-freshman team.
This is King’s fourth All-ACC selection and she is just the second player to be selected four times in program history. With 13 goals this season, King is just four shy of her single-season record of 17, which she achieved her sophomore year. King has also bagged six assists this season, the most recent of which set up sophomore forward Anna Toohey’s game-winner in the final game of the season.
Schuster has been an ever-present member of the Wolfpack’s backline ever since her freshman year with the defender missing just four games throughout her college career, all coming in her junior season. This is Schuster’s first multi-goal year with the outside back scoring three and assisting two more from her defensive position. Schuster has started each of the Pack’s games this year and is a rock-solid defender with impressive attacking abilities.
Walkling is the Wolfpack’s creative powerhouse in midfield. Able to play in any of the different midfield positions Walkling can do it all: shoot, dribble, pass and defend. With eight assists and two goals on the year, Walkling ranks second on the team in points behind only King. This is Walkling’s third selection to an All-ACC team.
Guttenberger was selected to the all-freshman team in 2017 but missed the 2018 season due to injury. With her return this season however she has formed a formidable partnership with sophomore Jenna Butler which has been rock solid all year. Guttenberger is also an offensive threat with the center back contributing two goals and four assists this season.
Joseph has had an impressive season with three goals and three assists but the numbers do not tell the whole story. The heir-apparent to King’s crown, Joseph has an ability to turn her defender and run at defenses that is rarely seen in a freshman. The forward is undoubtedly skilled and as she gets more experience playing at this level she will be a truly fantastic player.
All five of the All-ACC honorees will be back in action for the Pack on Friday as it takes on rival UNC-Chapel Hill in the semifinals of the ACC Championship at WakeMed Soccer Park. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.
Freshman forward Jameese Joseph moving the ball upfield versus Wake Forest during the match on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019 at W. Dennie Spry Soccer Stadium. Joseph finished the game with two shots in a match that saw Wake Forest and NC State tie 1-1.
