Tara McKeown

Last updated
Tara McKeown
NC Courage vs Washington Spirit (Nov 2024) 030 (McKeown).jpg
McKeown with the Washington Spirit in 2024
Personal information
Full name Tara Leana McKeown [1]
Date of birth (1999-07-02) July 2, 1999 (age 25)
Place of birth Newbury Park, California, U.S.
Height 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Position(s) Center back
Team information
Current team
 Washington Spirit
Number 9
College career
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
2017–2021 USC Trojans 76 (33)
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
2021– Washington Spirit 68 (5)
International career
2017–2018 United States U20
2019 United States U23
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of April 22, 2023

Tara Leana McKeown (born July 2, 1999) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a center back for National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) club Washington Spirit. Formerly a forward, she played college soccer for the USC Trojans before being drafted eighth overall by the Spirit in the 2021 NWSL Draft.

Contents

Early life

Born to Conor and Tracy McKeown in Newbury Park, California, McKeown was raised with two sisters and one brother. She attended Newbury Park High School, where she played soccer and competed in hurdles in track. [2]

College career

McKeown attended the University of Southern California and featured in 76 matches for the Trojans from 2017 to 2021. In her freshman year, McKeown appeared in all 20 games during the season and was included 2017 Pac-12 All-Freshman team. [3] In her junior year, McKeown transitioned from playing as a fullback to a forward. [4] She finished the year with 15 goals and 8 assists, getting named the 2019 Pac-12 Forward of the Year and becoming a semifinalist for the Mac Hermann Trophy. In her final year of college, McKeown started all 14 games and led the team in assists. [5]

Club career

The Washington Spirit selected McKeown with the eighth overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NWSL Draft. [6] Earlier, the Spirit had traded $100,000 in NWSL allocation money and its second-round pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft to Sky Blue FC in order to obtain the pick. [7] After being selected, McKeown chose to play in her final year with USC before joining the Spirit after the college soccer season concluded. [8] On May 15, 2021, the Spirit signed McKeown to a two-year contract with an option for a third year. [9]

On May 16, 2021, McKeown made her NWSL debut, coming on as an 87th-minute substitute for Ashley Sanchez in a 1-1 draw against the Orlando Pride. [10] [11] On September 26, 2021, McKeown scored her first goal for the Spirit in a game vs Kansas City in a 2–1 victory. Later in the season, McKeown appeared in the 2021 NWSL Championship, helping the Spirit beat the Chicago Red Stars in a 2-1 result and earn the first NWSL Championship win in club history. McKeown directly contributed to the victory, drawing a penalty in the 66th minute of the match after being fouled in the box by Chicago defender Tierna Davidson. [12] McKeown's teammate, Andi Sullivan, converted the penalty kick and drew the two teams level. [13]

In 2022, McKeown appeared in 12 regular season games and scored 3 goals. [14]

On January 19, 2023, the Spirit announced that the club had re-signed McKeown on a three-year contract with a team option for 2026. [15] On July 24, 2023, McKeown was announced as the Spirit's team Ambassador in the 2023 Nationwide Community Impact Program. She partnered with DC Scores, working to support the girls' soccer pipeline in Washington, D.C. [16] [17] At the start of the 2023 NWSL season, McKeown was converted from a forward into a center back. [18] [19] McKeown played in 21 of the 22 regular season matches for the Spirit, leading the NWSL in clearances. [20] On June 21, 2023, McKeown was selected as the NWSL Player of the Week after scoring 2 goals (in separate competitions) and making several important defensive actions. [21] [22] [23]

McKeown played every minute of the 2024 season for the Spirit, becoming an iron woman for the first time. [24] During the Spirit's quarterfinal playoff game against Bay FC, McKeown scored a goal from outside the box in the 86th minute. McKeown's strike equalized the score at 1–1, pushing the game into extra time. The Spirit would later go on to win the match 2–1, advancing to the semifinals. [25] [26]

International career

McKeown has played internationally for the United States women's national under-20 soccer team. On July 17, 2018, McKeown was named to the roster for the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, alongside USC teammate Savannah DeMelo. [27] [28] [29] McKeown appeared in the starting lineup for the United States in the team's second group stage match, versus Paraguay. [30]

In 2019, McKeown was a member of the United States women's national under-23 soccer team. She was part of the squad that participated in the 2019 Women’s International U-23 La Manga Tournament. [31] McKeown was the lone goalscorer for the United States in its second match of the competition, a 3-1 loss against France. The goal was McKeown's first international goal at any level. [32]

Career statistics

As of June 9, 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueCup [a] Playoffs [b] Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Washington Spirit 2021 NWSL 2310030261
2022 12320—143
2023 21141—252
2024 120——120
Career total6856130776
  1. ↑ Includes the NWSL Challenge Cup
  2. ↑ Includes NWSL Playoffs

Honors

Washington Spirit

Individual

Related Research Articles

The 2013 National Women's Soccer League season was the inaugural season of the National Women's Soccer League, the top division of women's soccer in the United States. Including the NWSL's two professional predecessors, Women's Professional Soccer (2009–2011) and the Women's United Soccer Association (2001–2003), this was the seventh overall season of FIFA and USSF-sanctioned top division women's soccer in the United States. The league was operated by the United States Soccer Federation and received major financial backing from that body. Further financial backing was provided by the Canadian Soccer Association and the Mexican Football Federation. All three national federations paid the league salaries of many of their respective national team members in an effort to nurture talent in those nations.

The 2015 National Women's Soccer League season was the third season of the National Women's Soccer League, the top division of women's soccer in the United States. Including the NWSL's two professional predecessors, Women's Professional Soccer (2009–2011) and the Women's United Soccer Association (2001–2003), it was the ninth overall season of FIFA and USSF-sanctioned top division women's soccer in the United States. The league was operated by the United States Soccer Federation and received major financial backing from that body. Further financial backing was provided by the Canadian Soccer Association and the Mexican Football Federation. All three national federations paid the league salaries of many of their respective national team members in an effort to nurture talent in those nations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Caprice Dydasco</span> American soccer player (born 1993)

Caprice Ka'anohikula Dydasco is an American professional soccer player who plays as a right back for Bay FC of the National Women's Soccer League. She previously played for Pali Blues, the Washington Spirit, Newcastle Jets, NJ/NY Gotham FC, and the Houston Dash. She was voted the NWSL Defender of the Year while with Gotham FC in 2021. She played college soccer with the UCLA Bruins, winning the NCAA championship in 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shelina Zadorsky</span> Canadian soccer player (born 1992)

Shelina Laura Zadorsky is a Canadian professional soccer player who plays as a centre-back for Women's Super League club West Ham United and the Canada national team. She previously played for Australian W-League club Perth Glory and Swedish top-division club Vittsjö GIK. Zadorsky won a bronze medal with Canada at the 2016 Rio Olympics and won a gold medal with Canada at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rose Lavelle</span> American soccer player (born 1995)

Rosemary Kathleen Lavelle is an American professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for NJ/NY Gotham FC of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States national team.

The 2016 season was Washington Spirit's fourth season, competing in the National Women's Soccer League, the top division of women's soccer in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andi Sullivan</span> American soccer player (born 1995)

Andi Maureen Sullivan is an American professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for the Washington Spirit of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States national team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ashley Sanchez</span> American soccer player (born 1999)

Ashley Nicole Sanchez is an American professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for the North Carolina Courage of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States national team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Midge Purce</span> American soccer player (born 1995)

Margaret Melinda "Midge" Williams-Purce is an American soccer player who plays as a forward for NJ/NY Gotham FC in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States women's national soccer team. She previously played for Portland Thorns FC and the Boston Breakers. A 2023 NWSL Champion and Championship MVP, she is known for her strength on the ball and her willingness to defend from the attack.

The 2017 Chicago Red Stars season was the team's ninth season. The team competed in the National Women's Soccer League, the top tier of women's soccer in the United States. In 2017, for the third consecutive season, the Red Stars made it to the post-season playoffs and was eliminated in the semi-final.

The 2018 North Carolina Courage season was the team's second season as a professional women's soccer team. North Carolina Courage played in the National Women's Soccer League, the top tier of women's soccer in the United States. On August 5, the Courage clinched the 2018 NWSL Shield for the second consecutive season after a 2–1 win over Portland. The Courage finished the 2018 regular season with only 1 loss and broke the record for most wins in a season (17), most points (57) and most goals (53).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emily Fox</span> American soccer player (born 1998)

Emily Ann Fox is an American professional soccer player who plays as a right back for Women's Super League club Arsenal and the United States national team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Natalie Jacobs</span> American professional soccer player

Natalie Ann Jacobs is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender for the Houston Dash.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trinity Rodman</span> American soccer player (born 2002)

Trinity Rain Moyer-Rodman is an American professional soccer player who plays as a forward for the Washington Spirit of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States national team.

Anna Heilferty is an American professional women's soccer player who plays as a defender for the Washington Spirit of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

Kaylie Ann Collins is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Washington Spirit of the National Women's Soccer League.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zoe Burns</span> Canadian-American soccer player (born 2002)

Zoe Mackenzie Chabot Burns is a professional soccer player who plays as a defender for the Utah Royals of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Born in the United States, she represents the Canada national team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Savannah DeMelo</span> American soccer player (born 1998)

Savannah Marie DeMelo is an American professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Racing Louisville FC of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). She was the fourth pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft after playing collegiately for the USC Trojans. She debuted for the United States national team at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Croix Bethune</span> American soccer player (born 2001)

Croix Collette Bethune is an American professional soccer player who plays as an attacking midfielder for the Washington Spirit of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States national team.

References

  1. ↑ "FIFA U-20 Women's WC France 2018 – List of Players: USA" (PDF). FIFA . August 24, 2018. p. 16. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 3, 2019. Retrieved September 22, 2021.
  2. ↑ "Tara McKeown - Women's Soccer". USC Athletics. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  3. ↑ "Tara McKeown - Women's Soccer". USC Athletics. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  4. ↑ Berg, Aidan (2019-09-20). "McKeown has taken the NCAA by storm". Daily Trojan. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  5. ↑ "Tara McKeown - Women's Soccer". USC Athletics. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  6. ↑ "National Women's Soccer League Official Site | NWSL". www.nwslsoccer.com. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  7. ↑ Curley, Joe. "Newbury Park's McKeown drafted by Washington Spirit in first round of NWSL draft". Ventura County Star. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  8. ↑ Floyd, Thomas (June 30, 2021). "Amid the pandemic, Spirit's Tara McKeown makes a unusually swift college-to-pros transition". The Washington Post.
  9. ↑ Spirit, Washington (2021-05-15). "Spirit Sign 2021 Draft Pick Tara McKeown to Rookie Contract". Washington Spirit. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  10. ↑ "Orlando 1-1 Washington (May 16, 2021) Final Score". ESPN. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  11. ↑ Carlisle, André (2021-05-16). "Recap: Spirit share points after late Orlando equalizer". Black And Red United. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  12. ↑ "Chicago Red Stars fall short in the NWSL championship game, losing 2-1 to the Washington Spirit: 'It's been hard because we've had that taste in our mouth of losing in a final'". Chicago Tribune. 2021-11-20. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  13. ↑ "NWSL final: Washington Spirit a fitting champion after overcoming year of turmoil". ESPN.com. 2021-11-20. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  14. ↑ "National Women's Soccer League Official Site | NWSL". www.nwslsoccer.com. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  15. ↑ Spirit, Washington (2023-01-19). "Washington Spirit Signs Forward Tara McKeown to New Contract". Washington Spirit. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  16. ↑ Spirit, Washington (2023-07-24). "Tara McKeown Selected as Spirit Ambassador in 2023 NWSL Nationwide Community Impact Program". Washington Spirit. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  17. ↑ "National Women's Soccer League Official Site | NWSL". www.nwslsoccer.com. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  18. ↑ "x.com". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  19. ↑ "Washington Spirit sends Ashley Sanchez to North Carolina, trades Sam Stabb during busy draft day". WTOP News. 2024-01-13. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  20. ↑ "Tara McKeown and the (actual) hardest thing to do in soccer". The District Press. 2024-02-19. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  21. ↑ "x.com". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  22. ↑ Tara McKeown really DOES IT ALL! Bud Light Player of the Week ✅ | By National Women's Soccer League | Facebook . Retrieved 2024-06-10– via www.facebook.com.
  23. ↑ "Tara McKeown". Washington Spirit. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  24. ↑ "Seven NWSL Players Declared 2024 Iron Women". National Women's Soccer League. 2024-11-04. Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  25. ↑ "Tara McKeown Sparks Washington Spirit Comeback Playoff Win Over Bay FC". SI. 2024-11-11. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
  26. ↑ Floyd, Thomas (November 10, 2024). "Tara McKeown's last-gasp strike saves the Spirit in playoff opener". The Washington Post . Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  27. ↑ "USA Roster Named for 2018 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup - U.S. Soccer". 2018-07-17. Archived from the original on 2018-07-17. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  28. ↑ "USA roster set for 2018 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup". SoccerWire. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  29. ↑ "DeMelo, McKeown and Hocking to Represent USA at U-20 World Cup". USC Athletics. 2024-06-06. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  30. ↑ Yang, Stephanie (2018-08-09). "Savannah DeMelo hat trick helps buoy USA 6-0 win over Paraguay at U20 Women's World Cup". Stars and Stripes FC. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  31. ↑ "U.S. U-23 Women's National Team heads to La Manga Tournament". SoccerWire. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  32. ↑ "U.S. U-23 WNT Falls to France 3-1 at La Manga Tournament in Spain". www.ussoccer.com. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
  33. ↑ NWSL (2024-11-18). "NWSL Announces Winners of 2024 NWSL Best XI Awards, presented by Amazon Prime | National Women's Soccer League Official Site". NWSL. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.