Canada Soccer – Canada Soccer would like to share the following statement from Erin McLeod, a member of Canada’s Women’s National Team since 2002, who has made a significant contribution to the team’s success with 115 international appearances and 43 clean sheets.

Statement from Erin McLeod

Thank you to everyone for your sentiments and support. I want to apologize for not making a public statement until now about my injury, but I was waiting for all the information to make sure when I went public I was sure of what I wanted.

First, I want to say how grateful I am to have the Canadian Soccer Association, the team, and staff, and of course medical staff behind me and supporting me every step of the way. I am also grateful for my current club, FC Rosengard, and all the support they have shown. It is clear to me that both parties are mostly interested in my health as a person first and foremost, and my life as a soccer player second.

I tore my ACL in the Champions League semi-final game a few weeks ago. The biggest question is the Olympics and because I have already had two operations it makes a third one, well, extremely complicated. What I know for sure is I won’t be ready for August. My surgical options means it will take between one and two years to come back, and there are no guarantees, as there never really are in life.

This news was of course heartbreaking because going to the Olympics is a dream as well as an honour. This Olympic team is one that will excite you, I know for me, it feels like I have been waiting for this group my whole career. The people on this team work harder than any other people I know, and, well, I know they will give anything for the emblem on their chests.

As for me, family, friends, fans, thank you for your love, but know that I am grateful for every moment I have put on a Canadian jersey and this is not the end of the road for me – know that I’ve still got a lot of fight left and I hope to be on that field again someday soon.

Thanks again for all of your support,

Erin McLeod

Message from Victor Montagliani

“On behalf of Canada Soccer, I want to thank Erin for her outstanding commitment and impact on the Women’s National Team program for the past 14 years,” stated Victor Montagliani, President of Canada Soccer. “As a veteran leader of the team and a world-class goalkeeper, her presence will certainly be missed both on and off the pitch and we wish her the best for a full recovery that will see her represent Canada again in the near future.”

Message from Head Coach John Herdman

“Erin is an incredible athlete and her absence in the lead up to and during the Rio Olympics will be felt,” said Head Coach John Herdman. “She really puts her whole self into playing for Canada and has been a driving force in every area, including playing a key role on the off-field leadership of the team. Erin needs to take this time to recover and we are fully supportive of her choice to take this time to recover properly and hopefully come back stronger than she was before.”

McLeod is an Olympic bronze medalist and FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup silver medalist for Canada.

Canada Soccer, in partnership with its membership and its partners, provides leadership in the pursuit of excellence in soccer, both at the national and international levels. Canada Soccer not only strives to lead Canada to victory, but also encourages Canadians to a life-long passion for soccer. For more details on Canada Soccer, visit the official website at canadasoccer.com

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Media Contacts

Richard Scott

Men’s National Teams Program
rscott@canadasoccer.com
m. 613-818-0305

Carrie Croft

Women’s National Teams Program
ccroft@canadasoccer.com
m. 613-406-4986