Teenage forward Annabelle Chukwu already turning heads with Canada, Notre Dame

Just 18, Annabelle Chukwu is already turning heads

The young forward has a Canadian record 39 goals in 42 international youth-level appearances, surpassing the previous Canadian youth record of 27 goals (set by former Canada captain Christine Sinclair) in September at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia.

Sinclair scored her 27 goals in 19 youth international matches from the U-19 to U-21 levels from 2001 to 2002.

On Friday, Chukwu made her senior debut off the bench in the 64th minute of Canada's 4-1 win over Costa Rica at Toronto's BMO Field and quickly made her presence felt.

In the 74th minute, she rose above a Costa Rican defender at the far post to head a Jade Rose cross into the path of Vancouver Rise forward Holly Ward, who roofed a right-footed shot for a 2-1 lead.

After scoring four late goals to dispatch No. 43 Costa Rica, the eighth-ranked Canadian women have a far stiffer challenge Wednesday when they take on the top-ranked U.S. in Washington, D.C.

Canada coach Casey Stoney calls Chukwu "incredibly technically gifted" and a striker who is "unplayable at times."

"Talent like that is quite rare," she added.

The current call-up is her third from the senior side.

"Every single time, I never know what to expect but I'm just grateful for the opportunity and grateful to learn, develop and grow. Be surrounded by players that I look up to," said the soft-spoken Chukwu.

Stoney likes what she sees.

"Annabelle's been great. She's a very exciting young player," said the former England captain. "She's definitely like a rare talent and I think has just got a real special quality. If you're a fan, you'd pay to come and watch her play."

Canada defender Jade Rose, a Harvard grad who just signed with England's Manchester City,