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It was in London where the women’s national team won the hearts of the country, battling back to claim the bronze after a heart-breaking controversial loss to the United States in the semifinal.

“There’s kind of the before London reality of the national team and the after reality,” Matheson said. “The attention we were able to get after London is incredible, and for those of us who were around before, appreciate it more that people care, and we really embrace that role to be able to affect young kids coming up.”

Photo by Ian Kucerak / Postmedia

In her time with the national team, Matheson has become one of the faces of women’s soccer in Canada, along with Christine Sinclair. Their performance on the international stage has inspired young girls all over the country to take up the sport.

“Girls participation in soccer was growing before us, it’s already the top participation sport in Canada,” Matheson said. “I think the next step is for girls to stay involved longer in sports. The dropout rates for girls are still higher than boys, and then it’s about getting them more in leadership roles in soccer or in the community whatever it is, get them involved in that cycle of them inspiring that next generation.”

When not with the national team, Matheson plays for the Seattle Reign FC of the National Women’s Soccer League. Matheson spent the previous four seasons with the Washington Spirit, scoring four goals in 67 games.

She has yet to make an appearance for Seattle as she is recovering from a knee injury.