Old Dominion opened Conference USA play at UTSA without junior Ece Turkoglu. Turkoglu returned to Turkey to compete with the Turkey National team in hopes of qualifying for the 2023 Women's World Cup.
In the last two seasons, Turkoglu has accrued several awards and recognitions including All-Conference USA First Team, United Soccer Coaches All-South Region Team, All-State Second Team, All C-USA Freshman Team, and was the 2019 Conference USA Co-Freshman of the Year, and All C-USA Freshman Team. She has started six games so far this season while recording one assist and seven shots.
Head coach Angie Hind expressed how supportive the Monarchs are in regards to Turkoglu's absence saying, "Playing for your country is the pinnacle, it's one of the most proud moments for any athlete. Ece is such a talent and we are so proud of her and I know she is a key part of the Turkish National team and their qualifying ambitions and so of course we as a family support her."
Turkey faced Portugal on Thursday, September 16 in a FIFA World Cup Qualifying Match. That match concluded in a 1-1 tie. Turkoglu started for Turkey, played all 90 minutes of regulation as well as four minutes of additional time, and recorded two shots.
The winner of the nine qualifying groups will automatically qualify for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup which will take place in Australia and New Zealand. Turkoglu has over 60 appearances for her national team.