Injury forces veteran goalkeeper Erin McLeod to retire from NSL's Halifax Tides

When I think about the London 2012 Olympics, one specific memory comes to mind: the foul called on Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod for holding the ball for more than six seconds during the women's soccer semifinal against the U.S.

It was a call I had never seen before in my almost 30 years of playing, watching, and writing about soccer. My children and I sat shocked at what happened. We watched McLeod, in her signature headband, continue to play with strength and a dedication that endeared her to the country, and the world of women's football. 

Canada went on to win a bronze medal, and it's a moment that felt like the nation galvanized their support for the women's national team.  

For years I thought about how McLeod handled that situation with tenacity and dedication. McLeod, who hails from St. Albert, Alta., continued on a lengthy career path that included playing in Germany, the U.S., Sweden, Iceland and finally with the Halifax Tides for the inaugural season of the Northern Super League. The two-time Olympic medallist has 119 caps and 47 clean sheets for Canada. She is a leader on and off the field. 

But McLeod is putting away her gloves and hanging up her soccer cleats. Although she retired from international competition in 2023, a season-ending foot injury has forced the 42-year old into permanent retirement from play. She made the announcement Tuesday morning.

In a statement provided by the club, McLeod admitted this was not her choice. 

"This is not the way I imagined my final season ending but I am incredibly grateful for every moment I've had in this game," she said. 

During her career she battled multiple knee injuries, but her role as a leader and visionary has never wavered. 

She has been a player