In a remarkable testament to her outstanding season, Super Falcons midfielder Deborah Abiodun, who plays her club football for the University of Pittsburgh women’s soccer team, has earned a well-deserved spot on the prestigious TopDrawerSoccer Post Season Best XI Team. The announcement, made on Tuesday afternoon, marks a significant achievement for the talented player.
The TopDrawerSoccer.com National Award is an annual recognition bestowed upon the best men’s and women’s players in American college soccer, making Deborah Abiodun’s inclusion a remarkable accomplishment. As a freshman, Abiodun had an exceptional year, starting in 19 out of 24 games played during the season, accumulating an impressive total of 1424 minutes on the field.
Her contributions were not only in terms of time played but also reflected in the statistics. The midfielder posted a remarkable 15 points on the season, courtesy of six goals and three assists. Abiodun’s stellar performance did not go unnoticed, earning her a place on the All-ACC Freshman and Third Team, as well as the United Soccer Coaches All-Atlantic Second Team.
Deborah’s impact extended beyond individual recognition, as her efforts significantly contributed to the University of Pittsburgh women’s soccer team setting program records across various categories. The team achieved milestones in most wins overall (17), ACC wins (6), home wins (9), points (194), goals (64), and assists (66). The Panthers secured victories against five top 25 teams, including three in the top ten, advancing to the ACC Championship Semifinal and the NCAA Elite Eight fields for the first time in program history.
As 2023 unfolds, Deborah Abiodun continues to dominate the soccer scene. Recently, she clinched a spot in the top three for the African Young Player of the Year (Women) award, sharing the limelight with Comfort Yeboah of Ghana and Morocco’s Nesryne El Chad. This recognition further cements Abiodun’s status as a rising star, leaving an indelible mark on the world of women’s soccer.
Abiodun’s presence on the TopDrawerSoccer Post Season Best XI Team is not just an individual achievement but a reflection of her invaluable contribution to the success of the University of Pittsburgh women’s soccer team. Congratulations to Deborah on this well-deserved honor!
