Canadian international forward Adriana Leon has joined the NWSL's Portland Thorns on a short-term loan from Manchester United.
The hope is the deal, which runs through June 30, gives Leon playing time ahead of this summer's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The Canadian team is expected to head to Australia at the start of July for a pre-tournament camp. Leon has seen limited action of late in England, with injuries playing a part.
The 30-year-old from King City, Ont., signed with Manchester United last July after 3 1/2 seasons with West Ham United. She has made nine appearances with three goals since joined Man United. "An opportunity was presented to us to bring Adriana to Portland and we believe this is a move that is beneficial for both the club and Adriana," Thorns GM Karina LeBlanc, a fellow Canadian, said in a statement. "She wants to be here and take advantage of the opportunity in a competitive environment ahead of the World Cup.