Posted on 26 January 2016 in Women's Olympic Football Tournament
With just over two weeks until Canada’s opening match of the 2016 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship, Canada Soccer Women’s National Team Head Coach John Herdman has named the 20 players who will represent Canada in Texas. Canada will be looking to secure its spot at this summer’s Olympic Games through a victory in the semi-final knockout round, but the team’s goal for this competition is to take home CONCACAF’s top spot.
The roster, which features three goalkeepers, six defenders, five midfielders, and six forwards, has come together after Canada regrouped following its sixth place finish at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 this past summer. In selecting the 20 players, down from the FIFA Women’s World Cup roster of 23, Herdman has chosen a blend of experience and youthful vigour that he believes is the key to putting Canada atop the podium in Texas next month.
“We are really excited about this squad and the confidence, determination and skill they bring to the pitch,” said Herdman. “We had a strong group of players to select from, which made final selection extremely challenging, but we have put together a team that will go out there and get the job done, which is simply to make this country proud by qualifying for RIO 2016.”
Herdman selected 13 players who were part of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ squad, 7 from the 2012 London Olympic bronze medal winning squad, and a total of 7 players 20 years old and under.
“We’ve been evaluating players, in and out of the Women’s National Team camp, and have had a lot of good opportunities to see players in high pressure environments, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup and Pan Am Games, but also through the EXCEL development program,” said Herdman. “The team we have selected today represents the best of Canadian soccer, consisting of a subtle blend of youth and experience. Right now, we are in a position to focus on the upcoming qualification tournament and hopefully position ourselves to defend our Olympic bronze medal this summer in Rio.”
Canada, currently ranked 11th in the world, will compete in Group B of the 2016 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship, opening its Olympic qualification campaign against 89th ranked Guyana on 11 February, before taking on 48th ranked Trinidad and Tobago on 14 February, and 76th ranked Guatemala on 16 February. Group A includes #1 ranked USA, Mexico (26th), and Costa Rica (34th) and Puerto Rico (108th).
Canada will play its entire tournament at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, which will also host Group B, the knockout round and final match.
Canada’s CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship 2016 roster by position
GOALKEEPERS (3): Erin McLeod, Stephanie Labbé, Sabrina D'Angelo.
DEFENDERS (6): Shelina Zadorsky, Kadeisha Buchannan, Rebecca Quinn, Rhian Wilkinson, Allysha Chapman, and Josée Bélanger.
MIDFIELDERS (5): Diana Matheson, Sophie Schmidt, Desiree Scott, Ashley Lawrence, and Jessie Fleming.
FORWARDS (6): Janine Beckie, Christine Sinclair (Captain), Nichelle Prince, Deanne Rose, Gabrielle Carle, and Melissa Tancredi.
Roster notes:
Canada has twice qualified for the Olympics through the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship, each timing defeating Mexico in the semi-final to earn their Olympic berth, before being defeated by the USA in the final match. Canada went on to place eighth in 2008 Beijing Olympics and won bronze at the London 2012 Games.
In 2008, Canada won a silver medal at the CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Championship in Mexico. After winning all three group matches, Canada beat home team Mexico 1-0 (Tancredi 25’) to earn a spot at the Beijing Olympics. In the final, Canada held the USA to a 0-0 tie in regulation time before each team scored in overtime (Lloyd 108’ and Tancredi 116’). The USA finally won the match 6-5 on penalty kicks.
As the host country, Canada won a silver medal at the 2012 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Vancouver. After winning all three group matches, Canada won the semi-final 3:1 over Mexico (Sinclair 15’ and 76’, Tancredi 23’) to qualify for the London 2012 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament. Two nights later, Canada fell 0-4 to USA in the final.
Detailed Canada Soccer CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship 2016 roster
CANADA
GK – Erin McLeod, February 26, 1983 (age 32). From: St. Albert, AB
GK – Stephanie Labbé, October 10, 1986 (age 29). From: Edmonton, AB
GK – Sabrina D'Angelo, August 24, 1992 (age 23). From: Welland, ON
D – Kadeisha Buchanan, November 5, 1995 (age 20). From: Brampton, ON
D – Rebecca Quinn, August 11, 1995 (age 20). From: Toronto, ON
D – Shelina Zadorsky, October 24, 1992 (age 23). From: London, ON
D – Josée Bélanger, May 14, 1986 (age 29). From: Coaticook, QC
D – Allysha Chapman, January 25, 1989 (age 27). From: Courtice, ON
D – Rhian Wilkinson, May 12, 1982 (age 33). From: Baie-d'Urfé, QC
M – Jessie Fleming, March 11, 1998 (age 17). From: London, ON
M – Ashley Lawrence, June 11, 1995 (age 20). From: Caledon, ON
M – Diana Matheson, April 6, 1984 (age 31). From: Oakville, ON
M – Deanne Rose, March 3, 1999 (age 16). From Alliston, ON
M – Sophie Schmidt, June 28, 1988 (age 27). From: Abbotsford, BC
M – Desiree Scott, July 31, 1987 (age 28). From: Winnipeg, MB
F – Janine Beckie, August 20, 1994 (age 21). From: Highlands Ranch, CO
F – Gabrielle Carle, October 12, 1998 (17). From: Lévis, QC
F – Nichelle Prince, February 19, 1995 (age 20). From: Ajax, ON
F – Christine Sinclair, June 12, 1983 (age 32). From: Burnaby, BC
F – Melissa Tancredi, December 27, 1981 (age 34). From: Ancaster, ON
TEAMS
The roster, which features three goalkeepers, six defenders, five midfielders, and six forwards, has come together after Canada regrouped following its sixth place finish at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 this past summer. In selecting the 20 players, down from the FIFA Women’s World Cup roster of 23, Herdman has chosen a blend of experience and youthful vigour that he believes is the key to putting Canada atop the podium in Texas next month.
“We are really excited about this squad and the confidence, determination and skill they bring to the pitch,” said Herdman. “We had a strong group of players to select from, which made final selection extremely challenging, but we have put together a team that will go out there and get the job done, which is simply to make this country proud by qualifying for RIO 2016.”
Herdman selected 13 players who were part of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ squad, 7 from the 2012 London Olympic bronze medal winning squad, and a total of 7 players 20 years old and under.
“We’ve been evaluating players, in and out of the Women’s National Team camp, and have had a lot of good opportunities to see players in high pressure environments, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup and Pan Am Games, but also through the EXCEL development program,” said Herdman. “The team we have selected today represents the best of Canadian soccer, consisting of a subtle blend of youth and experience. Right now, we are in a position to focus on the upcoming qualification tournament and hopefully position ourselves to defend our Olympic bronze medal this summer in Rio.”
Canada, currently ranked 11th in the world, will compete in Group B of the 2016 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship, opening its Olympic qualification campaign against 89th ranked Guyana on 11 February, before taking on 48th ranked Trinidad and Tobago on 14 February, and 76th ranked Guatemala on 16 February. Group A includes #1 ranked USA, Mexico (26th), and Costa Rica (34th) and Puerto Rico (108th).
Canada will play its entire tournament at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, which will also host Group B, the knockout round and final match.
Canada’s CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship 2016 roster by position
GOALKEEPERS (3): Erin McLeod, Stephanie Labbé, Sabrina D'Angelo.
DEFENDERS (6): Shelina Zadorsky, Kadeisha Buchannan, Rebecca Quinn, Rhian Wilkinson, Allysha Chapman, and Josée Bélanger.
MIDFIELDERS (5): Diana Matheson, Sophie Schmidt, Desiree Scott, Ashley Lawrence, and Jessie Fleming.
FORWARDS (6): Janine Beckie, Christine Sinclair (Captain), Nichelle Prince, Deanne Rose, Gabrielle Carle, and Melissa Tancredi.
Roster notes:
- Canada captain Christine Sinclair, Canada’s most capped international player, all-time Canadian top goal scorer and second in the world for international goals, will once again lead Canada through Olympic qualification. Sinclair is currently tied with Mia Hamm for second all-time in international goals and will be looking to surpass her at the competition.
- Five of Canada’s top ten most capped international women’s players are on the squad, including Sinclair (232), midfielders Diana Matheson (178) and Sophie Schmidt (137), full back Rhian Wilkinson (168) and goalkeeper Erin McLeod (112).
- All four of the active top ten Canadian women’s goal scorers will be present, including Sinclair (158), Schmidt (16), Matheson (16) and Melissa Tancredi (22).
- The average age of the roster is 25 years old.
- Deanne Rose is the youngest player on the team at 16 years old.
- Melissa Tancredi is the oldest player at 34 years old.
Canada has twice qualified for the Olympics through the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship, each timing defeating Mexico in the semi-final to earn their Olympic berth, before being defeated by the USA in the final match. Canada went on to place eighth in 2008 Beijing Olympics and won bronze at the London 2012 Games.
In 2008, Canada won a silver medal at the CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Championship in Mexico. After winning all three group matches, Canada beat home team Mexico 1-0 (Tancredi 25’) to earn a spot at the Beijing Olympics. In the final, Canada held the USA to a 0-0 tie in regulation time before each team scored in overtime (Lloyd 108’ and Tancredi 116’). The USA finally won the match 6-5 on penalty kicks.
As the host country, Canada won a silver medal at the 2012 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Vancouver. After winning all three group matches, Canada won the semi-final 3:1 over Mexico (Sinclair 15’ and 76’, Tancredi 23’) to qualify for the London 2012 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament. Two nights later, Canada fell 0-4 to USA in the final.
Detailed Canada Soccer CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship 2016 roster
CANADA
GK – Erin McLeod, February 26, 1983 (age 32). From: St. Albert, AB
GK – Stephanie Labbé, October 10, 1986 (age 29). From: Edmonton, AB
GK – Sabrina D'Angelo, August 24, 1992 (age 23). From: Welland, ON
D – Kadeisha Buchanan, November 5, 1995 (age 20). From: Brampton, ON
D – Rebecca Quinn, August 11, 1995 (age 20). From: Toronto, ON
D – Shelina Zadorsky, October 24, 1992 (age 23). From: London, ON
D – Josée Bélanger, May 14, 1986 (age 29). From: Coaticook, QC
D – Allysha Chapman, January 25, 1989 (age 27). From: Courtice, ON
D – Rhian Wilkinson, May 12, 1982 (age 33). From: Baie-d'Urfé, QC
M – Jessie Fleming, March 11, 1998 (age 17). From: London, ON
M – Ashley Lawrence, June 11, 1995 (age 20). From: Caledon, ON
M – Diana Matheson, April 6, 1984 (age 31). From: Oakville, ON
M – Deanne Rose, March 3, 1999 (age 16). From Alliston, ON
M – Sophie Schmidt, June 28, 1988 (age 27). From: Abbotsford, BC
M – Desiree Scott, July 31, 1987 (age 28). From: Winnipeg, MB
F – Janine Beckie, August 20, 1994 (age 21). From: Highlands Ranch, CO
F – Gabrielle Carle, October 12, 1998 (17). From: Lévis, QC
F – Nichelle Prince, February 19, 1995 (age 20). From: Ajax, ON
F – Christine Sinclair, June 12, 1983 (age 32). From: Burnaby, BC
F – Melissa Tancredi, December 27, 1981 (age 34). From: Ancaster, ON
TEAMS
Canada
Costa Rica
Guatemala
Guyana
Mexico
Puerto Rico
Trinidad & Tobago
USA
Olympic Qualifying - Women
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Puerto Rico
MexicoWednesday, February 10, 2016
United States
Costa RicaThursday, February 11, 2016
Guatemala
TrinidadThursday, February 11, 2016
Canada
GuyanaSaturday, February 13, 2016
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Monday, February 15, 2016
Monday, February 15, 2016
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Semifinals
Friday, February 19, 2016
Friday, February 19, 2016
Final
Sunday, February 21, 2016
DataFactory
CONCACAF Olympic Championships Final Roster:
GK: Chante Sandiford, Simone Busby, Ruth George
Defenders: Julia Gonsalves, Kelly Pelz-Butler, Justine Rodrigues, Briana DeSouza, Bria Williams, Leah- Marie Ramalho, Kayla DeSouza
Midfielders: Mariam El-Masri, Alison Heydorn, Ashley Rodrigues (C), Kailey Leila, Ashlee Savona, Dana Bally, Olivia Gonsalves, Brittany Persaud
Forwards: Calaigh Copland, Otesha Charles
Staff: Head Coach – Mark Rodrigues; Asst Coach – Clement Brown; GK Coach – Richard Reynolds; Manager – Sheron Abrams; Physio – David Lawrence; Team Doctor – TBA.
Coach Mark: “We are very thankful for the great support that the Wayne Forde led administration has extended to the Lady Jags, and we will continue to be pace setters for women’s football in Guyana. The lady Jags will carve their place in history in Houston, Texas in February 2016”.
GK: Chante Sandiford, Simone Busby, Ruth George
Defenders: Julia Gonsalves, Kelly Pelz-Butler, Justine Rodrigues, Briana DeSouza, Bria Williams, Leah- Marie Ramalho, Kayla DeSouza
Midfielders: Mariam El-Masri, Alison Heydorn, Ashley Rodrigues (C), Kailey Leila, Ashlee Savona, Dana Bally, Olivia Gonsalves, Brittany Persaud
Forwards: Calaigh Copland, Otesha Charles
Staff: Head Coach – Mark Rodrigues; Asst Coach – Clement Brown; GK Coach – Richard Reynolds; Manager – Sheron Abrams; Physio – David Lawrence; Team Doctor – TBA.
Coach Mark: “We are very thankful for the great support that the Wayne Forde led administration has extended to the Lady Jags, and we will continue to be pace setters for women’s football in Guyana. The lady Jags will carve their place in history in Houston, Texas in February 2016”.
One on one with Lady Jags Captain – Ashley Rodrigues
Ashley Rodrigues
GFF: How do you feel about playing in your second CONCACAF Championships?
Capt: It’s a very exciting and proud feeling to be playing in our second CONCACAF Championship. I’m so proud of our team and what we have accomplished thus far, and I’m excited to get to Texas to continue to put our hard work into play.
GFF: Do you feel the team is ready for the challenge?
Capt: I feel that our team is very ready for the challenge. There’s an excitement among our squad, and a true sense of determination and will to give this our all.
GFF: How have the players responded to training and team preparations?
Capt: We’ve responded well to team training and preparations. We know that the time we have to train together leading up to competition is crucial and everyone puts a large emphasis on using the time as efficiently as possible. In addition, we talk a lot about lifestyle, and committing ourselves to the right changes, i.e. nutrition, conditioning, mental preparedness, especially when we are unable to be together in training camp. Everyone has taken on the responsibility to be prepared in the best way for Texas, and that makes us stronger and tougher.
GFF: Do you feel the team will do better this time around as compared to 2010?
Capt: Absolutely. We’ve always been an underdog in these competitions, and that hasn’t changed. The great part is, we like it that way. We know we’ve earned the right to be where we are, nothing has ever been handed to us, or been easy for us. It’s because of these things, that 6 years later, we’re determined to earn better outcomes this time around. We’ve come a long way since 2010, and we’re ready to show just how much we belong.
GFF: What advice would you give to young aspiring Guyanese female football players and females in general in our country?
Capt: Grab a ball and play football. If you can dribble, pass, kick a football everyday- you are doing something positive for yourself and for female football in Guyana. You can improve and impact this game with hard work and determination. You can be a part of setting higher standards in Guyana for female football, you can create history.
GFF: What would you like to say to Guyanese fans?
Capt: Thank you to the fans who have supported us, and continue to support us. We don’t play for the personal recognition; we play for you, for Guyana.
Ashley Rodrigues
Capt: It’s a very exciting and proud feeling to be playing in our second CONCACAF Championship. I’m so proud of our team and what we have accomplished thus far, and I’m excited to get to Texas to continue to put our hard work into play.
GFF: Do you feel the team is ready for the challenge?
Capt: I feel that our team is very ready for the challenge. There’s an excitement among our squad, and a true sense of determination and will to give this our all.
GFF: How have the players responded to training and team preparations?
Capt: We’ve responded well to team training and preparations. We know that the time we have to train together leading up to competition is crucial and everyone puts a large emphasis on using the time as efficiently as possible. In addition, we talk a lot about lifestyle, and committing ourselves to the right changes, i.e. nutrition, conditioning, mental preparedness, especially when we are unable to be together in training camp. Everyone has taken on the responsibility to be prepared in the best way for Texas, and that makes us stronger and tougher.
GFF: Do you feel the team will do better this time around as compared to 2010?
Capt: Absolutely. We’ve always been an underdog in these competitions, and that hasn’t changed. The great part is, we like it that way. We know we’ve earned the right to be where we are, nothing has ever been handed to us, or been easy for us. It’s because of these things, that 6 years later, we’re determined to earn better outcomes this time around. We’ve come a long way since 2010, and we’re ready to show just how much we belong.
GFF: What advice would you give to young aspiring Guyanese female football players and females in general in our country?
Capt: Grab a ball and play football. If you can dribble, pass, kick a football everyday- you are doing something positive for yourself and for female football in Guyana. You can improve and impact this game with hard work and determination. You can be a part of setting higher standards in Guyana for female football, you can create history.
GFF: What would you like to say to Guyanese fans?
Capt: Thank you to the fans who have supported us, and continue to support us. We don’t play for the personal recognition; we play for you, for Guyana.
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