BURNABY, B.C. – After finishing her NCAA career with Simon Fraser last season, Kayla Goncalves' efforts to build a professional soccer career have brought her to Paris, France. That's where she is currently playing for Club Athlétique Paris 14, a team competing in France's Ligue 2 Feminine (Groupe A).
 
Goncalves, a left back from Vaughn, Ont., has played all 180 minutes of CA Paris 14's two matches so far this season, which will run until the end of May.
 
"I am so excited to begin my professional football career in Paris with an equally dedicated team of women," said Goncalves. "A key quote I take with me from my time on SFU's women's soccer team comes from coach Annie Hamel who always reminded us, 'they lace up their boots the exact same way you do, at the end of the day it's about who wants it more.'"
 
Goncalves spent four years at Simon Fraser, and played three seasons (the 2020 campaign was cancelled because of the COVID pandemic). She appeared in 46 games, making 32 starts. After finishing at SFU, Goncalves played for Altitude FC of North Vancouver this past summer during the inaugural League 1 BC season.
 

"At this point in my career, I feel like I have already achieved so much in such little time," remarked Goncalves. "When people say I am so lucky to be living out my childhood dream, I remind them dreams without hard work, sacrifice and persistence will always remain dreams. I believe my relentless pursuit of excellence and passion for the sport has led me here."

Wherever the sport takes her, Goncalves will always have the support of the Red Leafs.
 
"I am so proud of Kayla for continuing in her development and embarking on this journey abroad. It takes a lot of courage and an immense love for the game, Kayla has both," said SFU head coach Annie Hamel. "Kayla is very talented but most importantly, she has the attitude it takes to elevate that talent. She is committed, hard-working and knows exactly what it takes to be great. She will have the time of her life and we send her strength and much success in chasing her dreams."
 


The current SFU team is on the road Saturday at Central Washington, with a 12 noon kickoff in Ellensburg. The Red Leafs will host their first GNAC home matches Sept. 29 and Oct. 1 at the SFU Stadium at Terry Fox Field. Eight-game season passes are on sale now for $68 and can be purchased here.

For the latest information on SFU Athletics, visit athletics.sfu.ca. You can also find us on social media at @SFU_Athletics.

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