Two-time Olympic bronze medalist Diana Matheson has announced her retirement from soccer.
I'm announcing my retirement today ❤️🇨🇦
— Diana Matheson (@dmatheson8) July 7, 2021
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The Canadian has been at the heart of Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team for almost a decade, beginning her international career in 2003 at the age of 18.
She scored a historic goal for Canada at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, securing Canada Soccer’s first of back-to-back bronze medals. It was also the country’s first medal in a Summer Olympic Games team sport in 76 years.
She’s also appeared in three FIFA World Cups for Canada as part of 206 total appearances with the team.
“Representing Canada has been the greatest honour of my life,” she wrote. “This decision has come somewhat easily, as my body told me in no uncertain terms it’s time to hang up the boots.”
Matheson has also had a lengthy NWSL career as a member of the Washington Spirit, Seattle Reign and Utah Royals. She helped lead the Washington Spirit to its first ever playoff berth in 2014 with eight goals and six assists during the regular season. With the team in 2013, she was named team MVP and was named to the NWSL Best XI.
Matheson has had injury issues throughout her career, including an ACL tear that made her miss the entire 2017 season with Seattle and a foot injury that kept her out of the 2019 season with Utah.
The Canadian women are set to open the Olympics in Group E against host Japan on July 21.