Taru Laihanen

Taru Laihanen (born 15 April 1986) is a Finnish former professional footballer who played as a striker for SGS Essen.

Club career
Laihanen began her career at the age of eight at JJS Hämeenlinna. She later transferred to FC United Pietarsaari and in 2005 to FC Honka. Laihanen won the Kansallinen Liiga twice with FC Honka in 2006 and 2007. In the 2007 season, Laihanen became the top scorer for in Kansallinen Liiga with 21 goals. In January 2008, Laihanen moved to Bundesliga club SG Essen. She scored her first Bundesliga goal on her debut for Essen against SG Wattenscheid 09. Liahanen left Essen at the end of the season. At start of the 2009 season, Laihanen signed for Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi, and subsequently retired at the end of 2010.

International career
Taru Laihanen represented Finland at senior level 13 times between 2007 and 2008.