Canada have named their squad as they aim for glory on home turf at the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup™.
Coach John Herdman announced his 23-strong roster on Monday which features a mix of youth and experience.
Leading the way is inspirational captain Christine Sinclair and her 153 international goals. Sinclair is joined by a number of players who were part of the Bronze Medal-winning team from the 2012 London Olympic Games. A veteran spine of the team includes goalkeeper Erin McLeod, midfielders Diana Matheson, Desiree Scott and Sophie Schmidt, and forward Melissa Tancredi.
Six players on the roster have made at least 100 international “A” appearances while six others have more than 80, including Tancredi who currently sits on 99 appearances.
At the other end of the spectrum are defender Kadeisha Buchanan, and midfielders Ashley Lawrence and Jessie Fleming all back for a second-straight FIFA competition after featuring at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014.
In Fleming’s case, it will be her third FIFA competition in little over a year after also taking part in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Costa Rica 2014, where she skippered the side.
Canada will feature in the tournament’s Opening Game against China PR on Saturday 6 June at the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, ahead of further Group A outings against Netherlands and New Zealand.
Canada squad Goalkeepers: Stephanie Labbe (unattached), Karina LeBlanc (Chicago Red Stars, USA), Erin McLeod (Houston Dash, USA).
Defenders: Kadeisha Buchanan (West Virginia University, USA), Allysha Chapman (Houston Dash, USA), Robyn Gayle (unattached), Carmelina Moscato (unattached), Marie-Eve Nault (unattached), Lauren Sesselmann (Houston Dash, USA), Rhian Wilkinson (Portland Thorns, USA), Emily Zurrer (unattached)
Midfielders: Jessie Fleming (London NorWest SC), Selenia Iacchelli (unattached), Kaylyn Kyle (Portland Thorns, USA), Ashley Lawrence (West Virginia University, USA), Diana Matheson (Washington Spirit, USA), Desiree Scott (Notts County, England), Sophie Schmidt (unattached)
Forwards: Josee Belanger (unattached), Jonelle Filigno (Sky Blue FC, USA), Adriana Leon (Chicago Red Stars, USA), Christine Sinclair (Portland Thorns, USA), Melissa Tancredi (Chicago Red Stars, USA)
* Squad lists are only official once they have been confirmed and published by FIFA.