Representing the host nation is 22-year-old Adriana Leon who made her professional debut for Canada under-20’s in 2009 before making her senior debut 2 and a half years ago at the age of 20. The occasion was extra special for her as she grabbed the winner in a 1-0 friendly win over China. However this is just a result of Leon’s hard work and dedication growing up as a teenager that saw her take part in two sports which were hockey and of course football, where she settled for the latter. In 2010 she earned a scholarship to the University of Notre Dame and duly impressed for the University in her debut season in the NCAA championship. During that season she finished as Notre Dame’s second highest scorer in the league. After her successful season there, Leon transferred to the University of Florida where she juggled playing for the University side and her beloved Canada under-20’s. Despite missing a number of games due to international duty she managed to help Florida win the South-eastern Conference in 2012 by contributing a number of match winning goals along the way. Leon made the professional step up by joining the Boston Breakers for the 2013 NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) season, but was traded halfway through 2013 to Chicago Blue Stars, resulting in her record for Boston finishing (6/1). So far for Chicago Leon has played over 30 times, scoring twice. Leon is highly rated by her country due to her many attributes including her goal scoring and finishing ability, pace and her mobility on and off the ball. Given the fact that she has been allocated the number 19 jersey it seems as though Canada will utilise her skill set from the bench as opposed to starting games, however she is more than capable of holding down a starting 11 place. She heads into the World Cup hoping to add to her 5 goals in 33 caps for her country. Despite Leon being fairly young she doesn’t lack experience having already participated in a number of youth World Cup’s and tournaments and I feel this will set her in good stead to have an excellent tournament and she has the potential to be the home nations hero.
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