First camp of 2016 begins for senior squad

Photo: Vlademir Alexandre / ALLSPORTS

As the women’s squad prepares for Olympic qualifications next month in Texas, head coach John Herdman has brought together a group of 23 players for their final camp before the tournament. Many of the faces suited up for Canada at December’s four national tournament in Brazil.

“This is really a critical phase in our preparations,” Herdman told the Canadian Soccer Association. “We had time together in November and December, so we have a strong sense of what these players can do. This camp will be about organisation, firming up the connection between players, and striking the right balance on the pitch.”

Back in the fold is veteran midfielder Sophie Schmidt, who was away in Germany training with her pro club last month.

Herdman likes this mix of youth and experience.

“We have a leader in Sinclair who really inspires the younger players, we have a group of experienced international stars, and a crop of young, hungry players,” he said. “I’m eager to see how they come together over the next month.”

ROSTER:

GK- Sabrina D’Angelo
GK- Stephanie Labbé
GK- Erin McLeod
CB- Kadeisha Buchanan
CB- Kennedy Faulknor
CB- Rebecca Quinn
CB- Shelina Zadorsky
FB- Josée Bélanger
FB- Allysha Chapman
FB- Marie-Eve Nault
FB- Rhian Wilkinson
M- Jessie Fleming
M- Ashley Lawrence
M- Diana Matheson
M- Deanne Rose
M- Sophie Schmidt
M- Desiree Scott
F- Janine Beckie
F- Gabrielle Carle
F- Marie Levasseur
F- Nichelle Prince
F- Christine Sinclair
F- Melissa Tancredi

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About the author:

Sandra Prusina is a journalist and broadcaster based out of Calgary, Canada. She has covered women’s soccer since 2010, including the 2012 Olympics and 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She’s also a segment reporter for Olympic Broadcast Services, traveling to Vancouver, London and Sochi to work for the host broadcaster.