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“For a long time, people compared the women’s game to the men’s game, but now more people see them as two separate games and appreciate the differences. Yet, having said that, we have been training and developing and becoming more like the men. It is becoming a more universal game,” she added.

When she is not trying to thwart the world’s best female strikers, McLeod is at home in front of a blank canvas. She is an artist and some of her work was snatched up at a gallery event in Toronto in 2013.

She finds the creative process a relaxing change from the high intensity focus she brings to her role as a goalkeeper.

“The two things complement each other. I am probably one of the worst over-thinkers, so drawing, sketching and painting is the only time I am ever fully at peace. It is my meditation, and with all the mental training that has become a huge part of our game, it’s good to take time away from that. With art, I am totally chilled and at peace. It’s a good way to refuel for me,” McLeod said.

With 100 caps for her country, McLeod, who currently plays for the Houston Dash during the summer months, is one of the Canadian team’s old guard, but goalkeepers mature later than outfield players, so she has no plans to turn in her cleats any time soon.

“When you look at some of the top ‘keepers, they are 30 to 37 years old. So I will be around for a few years yet.

“I am playing the best I have ever played, and that is pretty exciting. There are so many new things that are happening as far as my game is concerned, so I am going to stick with it. I used to say I would retire after the next Olympics, but if things stay the way they are right now, then I can’t imagine retiring,” she added.

No goals in 2015. If Canada’s women do reach the World Cup final at BC Place in Vancouver on July 5, the entire country will be hoping for exactly the same thing from her.