Leon scores four in eleven-goal Canada victory

Adriana Leon

 

West Ham United's Adriana Leon netted four times as Canada began their CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying campaign with a thumping 11-0 victory over Saint Kitts and Nevis. 

In a match where Christine Sinclair broke the record for all-time international goals scored by an individual player, the Hammers forward also enjoyed a sensational personal performance, scoring a first-half hat-trick before adding another in the 80th minute. 

Sinclair equalled the record on seven minutes, scoring from the penalty spot, before Leon grabbed her first with a sweeping first-time effort on 12 minutes. 

We worked really hard out there and we made sure to keep the tempo high. We didn't back down.

Adriana Leon

The 27-year-old was then found by a fantastic through-ball, splitting the Saint Kitts and Nevis defence, on 26 minutes, and Leon confidently netted her second of the game with a low left-footed effort. 

The hat-trick was secured prior to half-time with Leon securing the match ball, before the attacker completed the rout on 80 minutes with a mazy run and powerful strike. 

Sinclair's brace took Leon's international teammate to 185 international goals, while Ashley Lawrence also scored twice for Canada. 

"I feel really good," Leon said after the match. "We worked really hard out there and we made sure to keep the tempo high. We didn't back down, which was really good for us. 

Adriana Leon

 

"It was important to get those goals in and get the confidence up, which was great."

The forward also played the assist for Sinclair's record-breaking finish, and Leon is delighted to have been involved in her friend and colleague's incredible achievement.

"I was hoping it would be me!" she added. "Sinc was in a good position so it was hard to not get her the ball there. It's always an honour to play with Sinc so it's good to be part of that history."

Canada return to action on Saturday evening with an away clash against Jamaica.

 

Brighton