Salma Ghazal Competes with Jordanian National Team

HOUSTON – For much of the 2021 season, goalkeeper Salma Ghazal was an incredibly steady presence in net for the Houston soccer team. Now across the Atlantic Ocean, Ghazal has settled in with a different team: The Jordanian Women's National Team.

A Sugar Land, Texas, native whose father is Jordanian, Ghazal spent many of her childhood summers in the Middle East nation. Ghazal has made nearly 20 appearances for the National Team as most recently she made four previous caps for the squad between the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers and 2019 Olympic Trials.

Named to the American Athletic Conference Honor Roll the week of March 1, she has made eight appearances for the Houston program this season with 23 saves. Ghazal has only allowed eight goals in over 740 total minutes for the Cougars since transferring from Texas Southern.

"Salma has been an incredible addition to our roster," Head Coach Diego Bocanegra said. "She has strengthened our Goalkeeper unit and became an integral part of our backline. After the season she was having, she deserved to be called up to her national team."

At the start of April Ghazal played in a trio of friendlies across the region with the squad. Taking on Lebanon, Lithuania, and Armenia, Ghazal and her Jordanian teammates went 1-1-1 in the stretch featuring a 6-0 victory over Lebanon. This summer she will return to the squad as they compete for a World Cup qualification in the West Asian Football Federation Championships in June and then the Asian Cup Qualifiers in September.

"It's always an honor being able to represent my country and my school playing the sport that I love," Ghazal said. "I'm super excited to be here!"

As she transitions from American Athletic Conferences foes to international opponents, she plays a key role in the country's search for an Olympic appearance and also the nation's first World Cup appearance. The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup will take place in Australia and New Zealand from July 10 to August 20.

While the program was without her against Temple on April 2, and again for the season finale against UCF, her teammates and coaches could not be prouder of the opportunity. Gaining experience, leading a group, and helping the nation chase history.

"I am thrilled that Salma has been called in with the Jordanian National team," Bocanegra said. "It's a big deal anytime someone gets to represent their national team. It makes it even more special that she has the chance to help Jordan qualify for the Olympics this summer."

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