User:Laylla DaCruz

Laylla Mariana Rodrigues da Cruz (born November 12, 1990) is a Brazilian professional football player. She is currently playing for the Östersunds DFF of Sweden.

Early Life
Born in Ouro Branco, Minas Gerais - Brazil to Wanderley Neto da Cruz and Valeria Cristina Rodrigues Carneiro da Cruz, Laylla attended Colegio Arquidiocesano de Ouro Branco (Ouro Branco – MG) from 1997 through 2007 and Liceu Santista (Santos - SP) in 2008 and 2009 while playing for the “Sereias da Vila,” where she won the 2009 Libertadores das Americas, and the 2009 2009 Women’s Brazilian Cup and 2010 Sao Paulo State League Championship.

University
Laylla DaCruz attended the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and played for the Roadrunners as attacking midfielder during the 2010 – 2013 seasons. As a freshman, she appeared in 23 games for the Roadrunners, scored 5 goals – including a winning goal and gave 5 assists (team second best) to become the second players with most shots on goal (24 out of 48) and helped her team to win the Southland Conference Tournament Championship Title.

During her sophomore year, she played 20 games and became the leader on assistances – 6 total and scored 2 goals, including 1 winning goal. As a junior, Laylla DaCruz played 16 games, provided 1 assist and was the third player with most shots on goal – 10 out of 26 on her team. In her senior year; however, Laylla DaCruz captained the Roadrunners, scored 1 goal in 15 games, and was the third player with most shots on goal – 10 out of 23. Laylla DaCruz was honored to the Roadrunners Soccer Hall of Fame.

Women's Brazilian National Team Laylla DaCruz played for the U20 Brazilian National Team in 2009; however, in 2013, she debuted at the senior level as a starter, in a Florida game where Brazil lost 4 x 1 to the USA.

Clubs
Östersunds DFF

As part of the team desire to grow and play at a higher European level; Laylla DaCruz signed on December 24, 2014, a one season deal the Swedish side Östersunds DFF.

New Jersey Wildcats

On summer 2014, while still playing for the Texas Roadrunners (UTSA) and ineligible to sign a professional contract, Laylla DaCruz defended the colors of the W-League team NJ Wildcats, where she was elected W-League All Conference Team Player. She ended the season with 1 assist and scored 7 goals in 11 games to become the team goal leader.

Sao Jose dos Campos FC

In 2010, Laylla DaCruz signed a one season deal with Sao Jose dos Campos and became a second place on Sao Paulo State League.

Santos FC – Sereias da Vila

In 2007, after two seasons with Atletico Mineiro, Laylla left the club and her mother state – Minas Gerais, to make history on one of the most important and recognized teams in the history of the Brazilian female soccer – As Sereias da Villa. The Sereias da Vila, as that phenomenal Santos FC team was known, had world-known players such as Marta, Erika, Cristiane and Andrea Suntaque among others. As a defensive midfielder, Laylla DaCruz became the lungs of the team and won the 2009 Copa Libertadores das Americas, the 2009 Copa do Brazil and the 2009 second place of the Campeonato Paulista de Futebol and the championship title of the 2010 Campeonato Paulista de Futebol Feminino.

Clube Atletico Mineiro

Laylla DaCruz’ career began at Clube Atletico Mineiro where in 2005 she signed a two year contract. While defending the “galo mineiro” – as Club Atletico Mineiro is known, Laylla DaCruz won the 2006 Campeonato Mineiro de Futebol Feminino.