Gilles Earns First Cap with Canadian Women’s National Team

CINCINNATI - Vanessa Gilles, one of the most decorated players in University of Cincinnati women's soccer program history, made her international soccer debut Sunday as she earned her first cap with the Canadian Women's National Team in their 3-0 victory over New Zealand in the International Women's Football Tournament in Yongchuan, China. Gilles, who starred for the Bearcats from 2014-17, donned the #24 jersey and entered the match in the 46' and played the entire second half as the Canadians closed their year with another shutout.

"Getting to wear the Canadian uniform at the highest level is an official match along side players I've looked up to for years was unlike other soccer experience I've had yet," Gilles said following the match. "Getting to play with the maple leaf on my chest pushes me to want to be a better player and person."

Gilles, who has been on several rosters for Canada ahead last week's competition, saw her first action for her native land with Sunday's debut. At the final whistle, Gilles had logged 45 minutes in her debut and helped the team to its 10th shutout of the season, the second-most in a single year for the program. Additionally, she was on the field for history as she helped the defense keep a clean sheet for the eighth time this year with Stephanie Labbe in goal, a total that ties for the most in a single season in Canada's history.

Currently, Gilles continues to star on defense for her club side, Girondins de Bordeaux, who compete in the French top division. As of Sunday, Bordeaux sits fourth on the league table on 15 points, just one off Montpellier HSC for third. Through eight fixtures this season, Gilles and her teammates sit 5-3-0 overall.