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Team Canada has one of the most recognizable stars in women’s soccer in captain Christine Sinclair, but if John Herdman’s squad is going to make a deep run as hosts at the 2015 World Cup, the role players will have to step up.
Among that group is Kaylyn Kyle, who has a bevy of international experience and can really control the game in the midfield. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about her.
1. She is 26 Years Old and Was Born in Saskatchewan
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Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to be exact. She began playing soccer at a young age and was named Saskatchewan Soccer Association Youth Female Player of the Year three consecutive years from 2004 through 2006.
“Growing up and playing soccer together, I just knew it,” said Kyle’s sister, Courtnee. “She just had it. I can’t tell you what “it” is but she was different and I always knew that she was going to do something amazing.”
2. She Plays for Portland Thorns FC
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Kyle has moved around quite a bit in the last couple of years. She made 21 appearances for Seattle Reign FC in 2013, scoring three goals . She began 2014 with the Boston Breakers, but after a short time there she was traded to the Houston Dash, where she made 19 appearances. The allocation process then brought her to Portland, although she was only able to make one appearance off the bench before shifting her attention to Team Canada and the World Cup.
Despite limited time there, Kyle has expressed admiration towards the organization:
The organization is top class, the players are so skillful it's crazy, and the coach is incredibly intelligent! https://t.co/d0WaTKfFpb
— Kaylyn Kyle (@KaylynKyle) June 5, 2015
She is joined by several other international stars in Portland, including Sinclair and U.S. Women’s National Team notables Alex Morgan and Tobin Heath.
3. She Won a Bronze Medal at the 2012 Olympic Games
Sophie Schmidt (L) and Kyle celebrate after Canada won bronze at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. (Getty)
Team Canada would probably like to forget everything about the 2011 World Cup, as they stumbled to three consecutive losses and failed to grab a single point before departing Germany. However, Kyle received some positive experience, starting all three games.
That experience proved to be crucial the following year, as she made six appearances (two starts) at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, helping Canada to a bronze medal.
Kyle, who began playing for Team Canada’s youth teams when she was 16 years old, recently made her 100th cap for the national team. She is among the most experienced players on the roster for the World Cup.
4. She is Dating Professional Soccer Player Gabriel Farfan
Kyle and boyfriend Gabriel Farfan (Instagram)
Gabriel Farfan, 26, played in the MLS with the Philadelphia Union and Chivas USA before being loaned to Liga MX club Chiapas F.C. and eventually sold in 2014.
In the above picture, which was posted three months ago, Kyle’s caption reads: “Extremely lucky to have this man in my life!!!”
5. Her Family is Full of Athletes
Kyle (R) with sister Courtnee and Courtnee’s fiance (Instagram)
Kaylyn’s father, Doug, was a talented hockey player who had stints in the SJHL, WHL and IHL. During his career, which spanned eight years, he tallied over 600 points in 451 games.
Her mother, Pat, was a competitive volleyball player, and her sister, Courtnee, played soccer at the national level.