Former Tennessee soccer player M.A. Vignola makes USWNT debut in hometown Cincinnati crowd

Former Tennessee soccer standout M.A. Vignola made her debut for the senior U.S. Women's National Team in front of her hometown of Cincinnati on Thursday.

Vignola, a defender for Angel City FC, subbed into the USWNT game vs. South Africa at halftime and played the entire second half of the 3-0 win. It was Vignola's first call-up to the senior USWNT, though she had played for the national youth teams before. The USWNT will play another friendly against South Africa on Sunday in Chicago.

Tennessee soccer coach Joe Kirt, who was an assistant coach when Vignola played for UT from 2016-19, said her debut was exciting for not just Vignola, but the program as a whole.

"M.A.'s been through a lot and to see her come out at the end of it and make an appearance to go represent her country is – she's always had that ability, but it's really special," Kirt said. "So excited for her and what she's put in. Her journey hasn't always been a straight line, but she's continued to excel and manage whatever comes her way. To have this opportunity at home, so, so excited for her and proud of her for the player and person she's become."

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Vignola, 25, is in her second full season with ACFC in the National Women's Soccer League and has earned a starting role. She has started in 12 of her 15 matches and scored two goals from the back line.

Vignola was a standout at Tennessee, earning All-SEC first team honors her senior year and second team honors her junior year. She logged 12 goals and 11 assists her final two seasons and led the team with nine goals and five assists as a forward her senior year.

Vignola was third on the team with 12 points, playing an integral part of Tennessee's historic run to the Elite Eight in 2018. She was part of a defense that limited opponents to a program-best 15 goals on the season.

Cora Hall covers University of Tennessee women’s athletics. Email her at cora.hall@knoxnews.com and follow her on Twitter @corahalll. If you enjoy Cora’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that allows you to access all of it.