Canadian forward Amanda Allen, 18, signs with NWSL's Pride

Amanda Allen has always dreamed of playing soccer professionally. And the teenager isn't wasting any time making it a reality.

The forward from Mississauga, Ont., who turned 18 on Feb. 21, has signed a three-year contract with the Orlando Pride of the National Women's Soccer League.

"I really did just want to get going," said Allen. "I've been wanting to go pro since I was young. It was a pretty difficult decision, yes, but I think I made the right one."

Allen, who has already won one international cap at the senior level, is in camp with sixth-ranked Canada this week ahead of an April 11 friendly with No. 5 France in Le Mans.

She is also expected to see action with the Canadian under-20 team which takes part in qualifying later this month for the CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship, scheduled for May 24 to June 3 in the Dominican Republic.

Allen helped the Canadian under-17 team qualify for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup last October in India, where she started all three games and scored a goal.

Canada head coach Bev Priestman says the teenager reminds her of a young Janine Beckie.

"She had a really good run for the under-17s," Priestman said last week in announcing her roster for the April international window. "Again, you talk about the future Janine-type player, I think Amanda Allen has an engine and a similar profile. It's just how soon will she be able and ready, but the door again is open there."

Haley Carter, Orlando's vice-president of soccer operations and GM, sees Allen as a good fit in a franchise looking to take care of the future while aiming to excel in the present.

"She is a young talent but it's clear to us, it's clear to Bev, everyone in the Canadian program, that her ceiling is tremendously high," said