Scott won’t go to Paris Olympics

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This article was published 01/07/2024 (456 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg’s Desiree Scott will not be making her fourth trip to represent Canada at the Summer Olympics.

The 36-year-old, playing for the National Women’s Soccer League’s Kansas City Current, was not on Canada’s 18-player roster nor the list of four alternates named to the Olympic roster by head coach Bev Priestman.

Monday’s announcement came as a major disappointment to Scott, nicknamed ‘The Destroyer’ for her defensive prowess with the national team since 2010.

“Yeah, it’s been incredibly difficult for me — having felt like I had come so far and made some big strides and feeling like myself again,” said Scott by phone Monday. “And I personally feel like there is a need for a Desiree Scott — an out-and-out defensive-minded player but more importantly what I thought I uniquely bring in a calm leadership role and connector for the group off field.

“I’m managing and have a great support system around me. Just my reality. (It) stings now as it’s fresh. But I’ll keep trucking along.”

Scott had envisioned adding a fourth Olympic medal to a collection that already included gold from Tokyo in 2021 and bronze medals from 2016 in Rio and 2012 in London.

The veteran midfielder, who did not play in 2023 due to lengthy rehab of a knee injury, declared herself fit after surgery to repair a torn meniscus.

But limited playing time and competition from younger players with the national team and her club team ultimately closed the door to Paris.

“It has nothing to do with her performance…,” said Priestman in a conference call with reporters. “Is she as fit as what she has been? No, but I’ll tell you what, I did see someone who was going to fight tooth and nail to make this Olympic roster and I have an immense amount of respect for her. It was really difficult (not to include her).”

In 2024, Scott has played in only five of the Current’s 15 games while the team has surged to the top of the NWSL standings with a 10-0-5 record.

Priestman decided to take midfielders Simi Awujo, Jessie Fleming, Julia Grosso and Quinn to Paris but left the door open for late call-ups should injuries or illness affect members of the team.

Scott plans to be ready should that occur.

“There has been a lot of injury surrounding our (national) team, unfortunately,” she said. “I will continue to put in the work as I am at a great club and daily training environment — I’d have to shift mentally, but yes.”

Scott was recalled to train with the national squad on March 28 and was available to play in the SheBelieves Cup in April but served as a substitute and did not play in any of Canada’s tournament games.

In June, she was on Canada’s roster for a two-game series against Mexico and saw spot duty, coming on in the 76th minute of a 2-0 win on June 1 and in the 72nd minute of a 1-1 draw on June 4.

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“She came in and I felt she did really well and was ahead of schedule,” said Priestman. “It was difficult because of what she’s done for this country, the number of medals she’s got around her neck, that character and what she would bring to (the team).

“In many ways, I probably left the Mexico series thinking I have to take her… But the more you worked through the whole complexity of coverage and what if this player gets injured and all of that, that ultimately I have to pick what I feel is is the right team blend and not leave myself short.”

Scott had hinted previously she would be retiring after the 2024 season. She was asked if missing the Olympics changes anything.

“Haha… stay tuned,” she said. “Can’t officially say at this time. But not being a part of this summer has given me a lot to think about realistically.”

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca