It’s just my humble opinion, but I believe that women’s soccer contains the smartest athletes in the world (ok, not so humble). And when I get around to figuring out just how many ivy leaguers there are playing women’s professional soccer, Canadian Diana Matheson will be at the top of the list.
U.S. Soccer fans first caught a glimpse of Diana Matheson's fiery style of play while she was tearing up the midfield at Princeton University. The economics major was voted Ivy League Player of the year in 2007 and awarded the prestigious Princeton Women’s Athlete of the Year for 2008.
At 5-foot-nothing and 116-pounds, Diana may be petite in stature but her level of fight and determination always makes her a large presence on the field. So it's only natural that this small kid with the extra large spirit will be a member of the Washington Spirit when the National Women's Soccer League opens in April.
Spirit supporters will love her "never-surrender" style and "win at all costs" mindset. Diana is like an old-school fighter who just keeps swinging even when she's battered and bloody. Diana Matheson is a great pick up by Washington and a real treat for NWSL fans!
NWSL Team: Washington Spirit
Position: Midfielder
Age: 28 (will be 29 when the season starts)
Citizenship: Canadian
Background:
After Princeton, Diana joined Team Strømmen in the Toppserien where she played for about two seasons. Her first appearance for the Canadian Women’s National Team came in 2003 at the ripe ol’ age of 18. Since then, the small-but-mighty midfielder has garnered 147 caps and 13 goals for the national team.
Notables:
Diana scored the dramatic bronze medal-winning goal in the 92nd minute of the Canadian Women’s National Soccer Team’s 1-0 victory against France at the 2012 Olympics in London (check out the video). One of Diana’s favorite players is England National Team midfielder Steven Gerrard of Liverpool.
Washington Spirit:
Diana comes to the Spirit by way of allocation, joining fellow CWNT teammate Robyn Gayle. With her exceptional ball skills and speed, Diana should have a great time working the ball to a young and strong frontline which includes the likes of Tiffany McCarty, Megan Mischler, Caroline Miller and Stephanie Ochs. Diana will join fellow veterans Lori Lindsey (USA) and Guadalupe Worbis (MEX) in the Washington midfield.
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