Soccer star helps score Pan Am gold for Canada

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This article was published 09/11/2011 (5091 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Winnipeg soccer player helped kick the Canadian women’s team to a gold medal victory at the recent Pan Am Games in Mexico.

Desiree Scott, 24, was part of Canada’s gold medal-winning squad that beat Brazil in a thrilling 4-3 final game win that required a penalty shootout.

The game, which went to extra time, finished 1-1 after Canadian striker Christine Sinclair scored with three minutes remaining in regulation time to mark a memorable comeback.

Scott — who took up the role of assistant head coach with the University of Manitoba Bisons women soccer team this fall — has become an established member of the national side.

The centre midfielder featured in all five of Canada’s games at the tournament, playing every minute of every game, except for the first game when she came on a substitute for last 30 minutes.

“Getting the amount of playing time I did was a great opportunity for me,” said Scott, who lives in West Kildonan.

“It allowed me to gain some confidence on the international stage and showed that I can compete with some of the best teams and players in the world, as well as give me some insight on the areas I need to improve.”

Scott — a former U of M female athlete of the year — said the success was a much-needed boost in light of a winless FIFA World Cup tournament for the team in June.

“To win the gold medal was an incredible feeling. To come from a disappointing result at the World Cup to winning gold at the Pan American Games brings about some serious excitement for the future of our team and the Canadian women’s program,” Scott said.

“Stepping up on the podium and seeing our flag raised as our anthem was playing was a memory I’ll never forget.”

Scott added the recent success “speaks volumes” about the current state of women’s soccer in Canada.

“We are constantly looking to improve our game and compete with the best teams in the world. We are competing and getting better and better and better each time our team comes together in camp,” she said.

“This accomplishment helped to build our confidence again, both for our new coaching staff and the players. Hopefully it brings some excitement to all the soccer players and fans in Canada.”

The team is coached by John Herdman, who replaced Carolina Morace, who resigned after the World Cup.

A leading voice on the local soccer scene said Scott’s recent success will have a domino effect in the province.

“Desiree has been a role model for Manitoba players of both genders for a long time,” said Hector Vergara, president of the Manitoba Soccer Association.

“No matter the obstacles and the ups and downs that we all go through in life, Desiree has shown her determination, drive and work ethic to achieve her goals,” added the Whyte Ridge resident.

“The women’s game in our province — in fact, in the country and the world — continues to grow, and we are extremely pleased to see one of our own succeed on the international scene.”

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simon.fuller@canstarnews.com