Canadian women’s national soccer team down to final roster decisions ahead of two friendlies

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This article was published 10/06/2021 (1553 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

With just 18 players to a squad at the Tokyo Olympics, Bev Priestman needs to make sure she can rely on every player named to the Canadian women’s national soccer team roster.

Rotation will be a must with little turnaround between matches as Canada chases a third Olympic podium, trying to best the bronze medals they earned in London 2012 and at Rio 2016.

“You ask yourself as a coach, ‘If this player got injured and I have to play against a Tier 1 team, could this player then replace them and I would be comfortable?,’ ” Priestman said last month.

Twenty-eight players are now assembled in Spain for a final camp before squad selection, with Canada taking on the Czech Republic on Friday at 11 a.m. ET and Brazil on Mondayat 3 p.m. in friendlies. Priestman is expected to name her Olympic roster about 10 days after camp.

Priestman said last month she had about two-thirds of her roster figured out. She is not set on bringing a certain number of players at any position. She will use these friendlies to try to find a necessary blend of experience, engine, versatility and durability.

Some roster decisions are easy to guess at. The likes of Christine Sinclair, Kadeisha Buchanan and Ashley Lawrence are among obvious locks. Others are not so straightforward. Here is a look at who we think is still battling for a spot on Canada’s Olympic roster.

Goalkeepers

Likely locks: Kailen Sheridan. Stephanie Labbe

Veteran Erin McLeod, who excelled with four saves in her only appearance for the Orlando Pride this season, will undoubtedly push Sheridan and Labbe. This camp is Priestman’s first look at Sabrina D’Angelo, who is only just coming back from a long-term knee injury. It may not be enough game time for her to factor into the Olympic squad.

Defenders

Likely locks: Buchanan, Lawrence, Shelina Zadorsky, Allysha Chapman, Vanessa Gilles

Fullback Jayde Riviere has had a consistent run in the team of late, making 11 starts in 20 overall appearances. Her physical presence and ability on the ball should be enough to earn her a spot opposing Chapman on the wing. Gabrielle Carle can, and has, played fullback and in the midfield for Canada — that proven versatility may give her a leg up on other players on the roster bubble. Centre-back Jade Rose, 18, has just two caps for Canada and fullback Bianca St. Georges, 23, who is coming off a knee injury, has yet to make her debut. Priestman knows both from her days in Canada’s youth ranks, which keeps them in the running. Relative inexperience could ultimately cost them, but they are certainly talents for the future.

Midfielders

Likely locks: Jessie Fleming, Quinn

Sophie Schmidt, who has excelled for the Houston Dash in the NSWL over the past year, and Desiree Scott have long been mainstays in the centre of Canada’s midfield. Their experience will clinch roster spots, if the performance is there. Both can also factor in to the Canadian backline if need be. Jordyn Listro is their biggest competitor. Priestman recently praised Listro for the energy and legs she brings across the midfield, which Canada will need in this tournament. Sarah Stratigakis scored in one of her two starts to date, but the depth in the Canadian midfield may make her the odd woman out.

Strikers

Likely locks: Sinclair, Janine Beckie, Nichelle Prince

Adriana Leon has been a super substitute for Canada, but a broken foot earlier this year meant getting healthy enough to join this camp was a task in itself. Priestman called Leon an “unknown” last month because of how long she’s been away from a full-fledged team setting. The progress Jordyn Huitema has made at Paris Saint-Germain this season, and the ability to put her in for Sinclair without losing a physical presence up front, should earn her a nod. Deanne Rose has more experience at the international level than either Evelyne Viens or Cloe Lacasse, the long-shot in this group, but if Priestman is to carry a fifth, or even sixth, striker, who gets the best looks —and the most goals — in this camp may be the one to get the nod for a final spot. Scoring has been an Achilles heel of Canada’s of late, and Priestman needs to go with the strikers who have momentum on their side.

Laura Armstrong is a Star sports reporter based in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @lauraarmy