Calm amongst the chaos Winnipeg’s Desiree Scott is a soothing voice amid soccer storm in Paris By: Mike McIntyre Posted: 4:38 PM CDT Monday, Jul. 29, 2024

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 29/07/2024 (782 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

They are surrounded by scandal, fuelled by anger and determined to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds on the world’s biggest sporting stage.

And in the middle of it all is Desiree Scott, the Winnipegger who only got her ticket to Paris at the last minute and now finds herself playing a key behind-the-scenes role with the Canadian women’s soccer team at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

“I believe that things happen for a reason and in a sense I was meant to be here amongst the storm,” Scott told the Free Press on Monday from France.

To say emotions are high right now would be an understatement. And that’s where the 36-year-old Scott — originally left off the roster but added as an alternate because of an injury to a teammate — is trying to provide an assist to plenty of younger players who have been riding a roller-coaster in recent days.

“This had truly knocked us down but what’s beautiful about this group is our connection,” said Scott, who captured a gold medal in Tokyo in 2021 and bronze souvenirs from 2016 in Rio and 2012 in London.

“There are so many leaders on this team, but I feel naturally I can bring a sense of calm and just familiarity to the group in a time of unknown as well as just a lightheartedness to what can seem really daunting.”

First came the shock of learning that a Canadian team staffer was caught using a drone to spy on New Zealand team practices before the start of competition, which made headlines around the world and let to multiple investigations.

Then came the revelation from TSN’s investigative reporter Rick Westhead that this illegal practice was not just a one-time affair but dates back several years and also extends to the men’s program, which did not qualify for the Olympics.

Following a 2-1 victory over New Zealand in Saint-Étienne last Thursday, the hammer dropped when FIFA ruled six points would be deducted from Canada in the Olympic tournament and three coaches, including head coach Bev Priestman, would be sent home and banned from competition for a year.

This, despite the fact the players themselves insist they had no clue about the shady surveillance tactics which were intended to try and gain a tactical advantage from high above.

“I believe that things happen for a reason and in a sense I was meant to be here amongst the storm.”–Desiree Scott

“I do not agree with the consequences at all,” said Scott. “I think it is severe punishment for players who had no control over the matter.”

Many speculated this was a fatal wound for the Canadian squad, with the equivalent of two wins taken away. Considering they only play three round-robin games, with just two of the four teams in their pool advancing, the deck was quickly stacked against them.

Scott said the group vowed to mute the outside noise as much as possible and use this as a rallying point. An “us against the world” type mentality, if you will.

“Unfortunately, we have always had to fight or prove something as a soccer nation and team and we are no stranger to adversity,” she said.

“Our ability to lock arm and arm through the s—-t and be stronger for it. We have cried together and rallied for one another and continue to show up daily because we know together what this team are capable of.”

It didn’t look good on Sunday when Canada fell behind early to host France, the No. 2 ranked team in the world in a game where only a win would keep them alive. A loss, or even a draw, wasn’t good enough.

But then came a rally capped by the game-winning goal from Vanessa Gilles of Quebec with only about 90 seconds left in injury time keeping the dream alive for at least one more game.

“It shows our tenacity, our unbelievable grit and belief in one another,” said Scott.

“This group has been through the worst day in and day out and to come out and perform like that — be a confident calm in the chaos amongst all the noise surrounding us is something every single Canadian watching should be proud of.”

There have been plenty of clutch Canadian performances over the years by the women’s team, but Scott said this one ranks among the biggest ever.

“It felt like we had won a knock-out stage game. Essentially it had that kind of pressure,” she said.

“But regardless of our circumstances, the game plan was always to go out and fight for the win. It meant so much to this group to go out and prove who we are as a team and Canadians.”

Now the only thing standing in Canada’s way is a match with Colombia on Wednesday afternoon. Win and they advance to the quarter-final stage despite the fact they’d only have three points in their group.

“The daily work to commit to who we are and where we want to go has been inspiring to witness and be a part of,” said Scott.

“The journey continues, and I couldn’t be any more proud of this squad.”–Desiree Scott

“The journey continues, and I couldn’t be any more proud of this squad.”

The Canadian Olympic Committee and Canada Soccer announced Monday they are appealing FIFA’s sanctions (the deduction of points, not the suspensions). The Court of Arbitration’s special Olympic court in Paris will hear the matter on Tuesday and is expected to make a decision on Wednesday, shortly before the crucial game.

Scott is hoping for the best, but said the team isn’t counting on help from anyone. Her advice to teammates: Focus on what you can control and keep doing your country proud on the pitch.

“I am so grateful to be here amongst the group. With my experience, my love for this team and just a sheer desire to help them succeed no matter the role I am in. My voice will be heard, my support will be felt no matter what,” said Scott.

The midfielder did not play at all in 2023 due to lengthy rehab of a knee injury which included surgery to repair a torn meniscus. Finally healthy this year, limited playing time and competition from younger players on the national team and her club team, the National Women’s Soccer League’s Kansas City Current, meant taking a step back.

However, Scott is more than happy to accept a supporting role, one that has taken on increased importance given the way these Olympics have played out.

“It has definitely been challenging at times to adapt to the particular role for this tournament, but I remember I worked hard to be here amongst this group, I’m forever proud to be Canadian and represent our country at my fourth Olympics,” she said.

“To get here after everything that has happened this year for me, I am just so grateful and relishing every moment.”

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X: @mikemcintyrewpg

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Mike McIntyre
Reporter

Mike McIntyre is a sports reporter whose primary role is covering the Winnipeg Jets. After graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College in 1995, he spent two years gaining experience at the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in 1997, where he served on the crime and justice beat until 2016. Read more about Mike.

Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.