It’s a story that in many ways was lost amid the early Pan Am Games fanfare, the dozens of other stories and the early games success of the host country.

Yet it’s a terrific story, fairytale-like in its composition, a story that gives buoyancy and joy to all those who believe in the long shot coming in.

Good on Shelina Zadorsky.

Zadorsky, a 24-year-old Londoner, returned from the periphery of the Canadian women’s soccer team picture in a flashy return.

Almost 2½ years ago Zadorsky played her first game with Canada’s senior women’s team. She didn’t get another call from them.

As difficult as that had to be to accept, especially at 21, Zadorsky didn’t let it prevent her from moving on with her career. It didn’t prevent her from developing her skills.

She graduated from University of Michigan, played with Ottawa in the W-League and then travelled to Perth to play in Australia’s women’s league. She recently moved to Sweden to play in that country’s top women’s league.

Less than a month ago, Zadorsky got the call she was hoping to get. She was named to Canada’s team for the Pan Am Games. All the script needed was a splashy opening scene. Zadorsky and her teammates provided that.

Canada defeated Ecuador 5-2 in their opener. Zadorsky started at the left-back position, which she hadn’t played since her last appearance for Canada.

Zadorsky scored two goals in the win.

Scoring twice in an international game would be a remarkable rush for most soccer players. Scoring two goals as a defender in an international game is a rarity. But scoring two goals in a return to the international stage after a long absence is epic.

“It was awesome,” Zadorsky said as she prepared for Canada’s second game, against Costa Rica in Hamilton. “To start the way we did as a group and personally, was awesome.”

This version of the national team is younger and more inexperienced than Canada’s recent World Cup team although it does feature several members of that team.

Canada is the defending Pan Am gold medal winner and playing in front of a home crowd, is expected to do well again.

Zadorsky got her first of the game to give Canada a 2-1 lead going into the half. Zadorsky took a pass from fellow Londoner Jessie Fleming and attempted a cross that wound up in the net.

Some players might claim that their intent was to fool the goaltender all along. Not Zadorsky.

“It happens to many players,” she laughed. “I tried to put the ball into a dangerous area and just caught (the goalie) off the line.

“It was a bit of a shock to see it go in but it was a good feeling to put us back ahead in the game.”

Zadorsky’s second came from a corner.

“It was one of those things when you are in the right place at the right time,” she said. “It’s all just about who is going to fight for it more. Janine (Beckie) put it in a great place. We really performed well as a group and created a lot of opportunities.”

Zadorsky certainly enjoyed her return. Not just the fact she was playing on the national team but that as the luck of the draw would have it, returning to the team in a major tournament at home and close to her family.

She said while she had some nerves, they were good nerves.

“I was in a good head space,” she said. “I felt great. It was just more the excitement of knowing you are going to hear the crowd, knowing you are going to play in a big stadium. It was just a good opportunity for all of us.

“It’s funny how timing goes. It’s in Canada, close to home so my family and friends are able to be there. It was a really meaningful day for me, a great way to step back out and hopefully back (into the national program.)”

Zadorsky has been nothing but gracious in how she’s handled the ups and downs of her young career.

She has learned a great deal.

But young women like Zadorsky and Fleming also teach a great deal to other young athletes especially those in this area. Their success and tenacity against a high profile background makes them models to all those women with dreams and hopes.

Yes, the long shot does come in.

What once many thought unattainable is now within reach and that may be their most valuable contribution of all.