Leah Lynn Gabriela Fortune, a 17-year-old who speaks very little Portuguese and goes to school in the United States, is attracting a lot of attention as a member of Brazil's Under-20 squad.

Not only is Fortune an American playing for Brazil, but she uses a novel throw-in move that has made the highlight reels in sports shows across Brazil.

Fortune has until she's 21 to decide which national team she prefers, but for now she has no doubt.

"I just love Brazil and I love Brazilian soccer," Fortune told the Associated Press in a telephone interview. "The style and the coaches are great and all the girls are amazing. They bring so much energy into the game. It's been an incredible experience to play with Brazil's Under-20 team."

Fortune was born in 1990, when her parents lived in Sao Paulo. The family moved back to Chicago when she was 2, and she returned to Brazil sporadically.
She visited as part of the Team Chicago soccer program, but Brazilian coaches noticed Fortune's talent when she came for a tournament with the U.S. Olympic Development Program in March 2007, and immediately invited her to play for Brazil.

"I was definitely excited when they told me," she said. "I knew it was an amazing opportunity."

Alexandre Mathias, director of Team Chicago Brasil, an affiliate of the U.S. program, said Fortune's physical strength sets her apart in the Brazilian Under-20s. Normally a striker, Fortune has been playing at left back for Brazil.

The girl has been a starter for the tournament host, which has won its initial four matches by outscoring opponents 22-0. Brazil has reached the final round with Argentina, Chile and Paraguay. The final is on Sunday and the top two teams will advance to the world championship.

Fortune developed her flip throw with the help of skills learned as a young gymnast. Against Paraguay, she catapulted the ball more than 20 meters (yards) to the edge of the penalty box, it was deflected back by another Brazilian player and striker Pamela headed it in from close range to help Brazil win 5-0.

The image was a highlight on most Brazilian sports shows.

Fortune still goes to school in the United States, so she cannot commit to Brazilian soccer full-time. She said she will "keep coming back" to play whenever she is called up for the national team because one of her dreams is to play for Brazil in an Olympics or World Cup.