Charlotte Lady Eagles Feature - www.charlotteeagles.com
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
The Charlotte Lady Eagles are proud to have Leah Fortune as part of their 2012 squad. With Brazilian National Team experience, Fortune should prove to be a great asset this season.
"The Charlotte Eagles are very excited to see how Fortune fits into the Lady Eagles squad," General Manager Jeremy Auyer said. "She is very quick and has exceptional technical skill. With her experience and ability we are eager to see where she will pose the biggest threat."
Fortune was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 1990, and her skill on the ball has led her to many high-level teams and competitions. At the age of 17 Fortune's ability to play at a high level was quickly noticed by the Brazilian national coaches. As Fortune returned to Brazil for a tournament with the U.S Olympic Development Program (ODP) in March 2007, she was immediately invited to play for Brazil.
In 2008 Fortune was a member of the U-20 National Team in which she earned 13 Caps and helped the team win the U-20 CONMEBOL championship. She also participated in the 2008 U-20 World Cup. Fortune's success with the national team would only get better. She was a member of the Brazilian 2010 U-20 FIFA World Cup squad where she scored in Brazil's 4-1 win against New Zealand. Fortune's hard work and dedication for the national team allowed her to participate in the Brazilian Women's National Team training camp as part of its training for the 2011 World Cup qualifying tournament.
Fortune is a current student at Lee University where she is majoring in Communications. She recorded 18 goals and 24 assist for the Lady Flames as they ended the 2011 season with a record of 23-2-0 and captured an NAIA championship. She is a transfer student from the University of Texas, where she played three games her freshmen year due to an ankle injury. In her sophomore year (2010) she scored a game-winning goal at N.C State in her first match back.
Fortune is a perfect fit for the Lady Eagles on and off the field. As a first-year player she already has a good understanding of the mission of the Lady Eagles.
"Playing with the Eagles this summer allows me to not only play the game of soccer at a high level but also enter into a program surrounded by people with yet a greater goal and passion," Fortune said. "Soccer becomes a beautiful game worldwide because of passionate people who love the game.
"The same concept applies to people who have a heart for the gospel and are passionate about living it out. Before arriving I knew this environment was on fire and alive combining the two. I knew I would be entering a team with older girls and a coaching staff that would challenge me not only on the field, but also influence and empower my heart."
Fortune is very specific in her immediate goals for the 2012 season.
"My goal for this year is to learn as much as possible from the veterans and the rest of my teammates. Each player brings something new and valuable on the field. I don't want to leave this season without having noticed, valued and learned from that. I am coming off of an ACL surgery and I want to visibly perform and compete in a way that influences and gives confidence to those who aren't playing because of an injury or setback. Soccer specific, I want the Eagles to win the league. More importantly, I want to see the power of prayer and tangibly witness the work of the Lord through this team."
Catch Fortune and the rest of the Lady Eagles in their first match of the W-League season Friday night at Charlotte Christian Stadium at 5:30. The Lady Eagles will host the newly formed VSI Tampa Flames. This game is part of the first doubleheader of the year. Purchase tickets today at www.charlotteeagles.com.