Kadeisha Buchanan first Canadian to win UEFA Women’s Champions League
Canadian Women’s National Team defender Kadeisha Buchanan has become the first Canadian to ever win the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Canadian Women’s National Team defender Kadeisha Buchanan has become the first ever Canadian-born female to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Buchanan achieved the feat, winning the competition with French side Olympique Lyonnais. They defeated fellow French club Paris Saint-Germain 7-6 on penalties.
With this win, Lyon becomes the second women’s professional team to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League four times, tying Frankfurt atop the standings. Buchanan was also the first Canadian-born female to be involved in winning this prestigious tournament, surprisingly enough.
Kadeisha Buchanan slides in to celebrate with her GK after winning the UEFA Women's Champions League. First Canadian ever to do so. #CANWNT pic.twitter.com/yQmMATJ9LO
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) June 1, 2017
Buchanan has made a name for herself in the NCAA, for the Canadian National Team, and now as the first ever Canadian-born winner of this tournament. During her time with the national team, to this point, the 21-year old defender has made 69 appearances for Canada, starting in 65 of them, scoring three goals and adding two assists to her total.
Along with her impressive individual career, Buchanan has won multiple competitions at the international level with Canada as well. Buchanan won a Bronze medal with Canada at the 2016 Olympic Games, as well as winning the Championnat de France and Coupe de France this season with Olympique Lyonnais.
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During her time in the NCAA, with the West Virginia Mountaineers, Kadeisha Buchanan was a four-time NSCAA All American, the only WVU women’s soccer player to ever do that. Along with that honor, she also won the 2016 NCAA Tournament Defensive MVP. Buchanan was also the first WVU women’s soccer to win the MAC Hermann Trophy, and first defender to win since 2003.
Regardless of whether Lyon or PSG won, there was going to be a Canadian-born winner. Ashley Lawrence, a young forward from the Toronto area, plays her club soccer for PSG. Lawrence has made 52 appearances for the Canadian National Team, scoring four goals and adding three assists to her tally.