Emma Regan received an added reward following Canada’s title win at the inaugural CONCACAF under-15 girls’ soccer championships.
The converted Burnaby midfielder was named to the tournament all-star team following Canada’s 4-1 shootout win over Haiti last Sunday.
The 14-year-old Mountain United FC product was groomed as a defender for the continental region championship, but was left out of the starting lineup for Canada’s opening 5-0 win over Puerto Rico on Aug. 7.
“It motivated me to work even harder,” said the Grade 9 Burnaby Central Secondary student. “When I didn’t see myself on the starting list, I figured I had to work 10 times harder.”
She did, starting in all five of Canada’s remaining games and playing so well the coaching staff kept her on the pitch for all but the final five minutes of Canada’s 1-1 draw with Haiti in the group stage.
“Every game I think I got better,” said Regan. “I thought it was a great result for us to be put together and win the whole tournament. It was amazing.”
Now Regan has her sights on bigger goals.
“Yeah of course. My next thing is the u-17 World Cup in Jordan, that’s my next goal. It’s a great experience to represent Canada. If I can do it again, I will, of course,” she said.
