Greenville, S.C. -- Furman University incoming freshman Emily Cooper has been named to New Zealand’s roster for this month’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Germany, it was announced this week by the New Zealand Football Federation.

The 18-year-old Auckland, New Zealand, native will join the Junior Football Ferns as they play a friendly match against Switzerland on July 5, before opening World Cup group play in Bielefeld, Germany, against Sweden on July 13.  New Zealand will remain in Bielefeld to face Korea DPR on July 16, and wrap up group play in Dresden against Brazil on July 20.

A central midfielder, Cooper travelled with the New Zealand squad to Los Angeles, Calif., in May to face the United States in a pair of matches.  She appeared as a second half substitute in the second match versus the USA on May 16, as her squad dropped a 4-0 decision.

A graduate of Mount Albert Grammar, Cooper has been a standout for New Zealand Women’s Premier league side Lynn Avon United and was named the club’s “Best Young Player” in 2009.

Cooper will join the Paladins in August as they begin preseason training in preparation for the 2010 season opener against Jacksonville University on August 20, at Eugene Stone III Soccer Stadium.