Canada name women's qualifying squad

March 31, 2008

CSA & Whitecaps FC

Canada's women's national team have named their 20-player squad for the CONCACAF Women's Olympic qualifying tournament in Juarez, Mexico.

Half of head coach Even Pellerud's squad comes from the Vancouver Whitecaps women's team, with defender Clare Rustad, midfielder Sophie Schmidt, and striker Jodi-Ann Robinson having been members of the Whitecaps W-League squad in 2007. Also included in the coaching staff is Whitecaps women's team head coach Bob Birarda, who serves as one of Pellerud's two assistants in the national team.

"The 20-player roster for the tournament is an interesting mix of experience and youthful newcomers," Pellerud told CanadaSoccer.com. "The players are healthier than ever before and we feel quite well prepared for this competition. With all the training sessions and a reasonable number of international matches this winter, this team is eager to go in and qualify Canada to the Olympic Tournament in Beijing!"

Canada have been drawn in Group B, with their first game set for Wednesday against Trinidad & Tobago before they complete group stage next Sunday, April 6, against Costa Rica. Should Pellerud's side finish first or second in Group B, they will advance to a semifinal contest against one of three teams from Group A - USA, Mexico, and Jamaica - on Wednesday, April 9. If Canada win their semifinal, they will not only advance to the April 12 final, but claim one of two berths in the Women's Olympic Football Tournament in Beijing, China, this August.

Canada squad - 2008 CONCACAF Women's Olympic qualifying tournament (Whitecaps players & staff in bold)

1-Karina LeBlanc | G | Maple Ridge, BC
2-Kristina Kiss | D/M | Ottawa, ON
3-Melanie Booth | D/M | Burlington, ON
4-Clare Rustad | D/M | North Vancouver, BC
5-Robyn Gayle | D | Mississauga, ON
6-Sophie Schmidt | M | Abbotsford, BC
7-Rhian Wilkinson | F | Baie d’Urfé, QC
8-Diana Matheson | M | Oakville, ON
9-Candace Chapman | M | Ajax, ON
10-Martina Franko | D | Squamish, BC
11-Randee Hermus | D | Langley, BC
12-Christine Sinclair | F | Burnaby, BC
13-Amy Walsh | M | St-Hilaire, QC
14-Melissa Tancredi | F | Ancaster, ON
15-Kara Lang | F | Oakville, ON
16-Jonelle Filigno | F | Mississauga, ON
17-Brittany Timko | D/M | Coquitlam, BC
18-Erin McLeod | G | Calgary, AB
19-Alexandra Marton | D | Aurora, ON
21-Jodi-Ann Robinson | F | Richmond, BC

Head of Delegation: Angus Barrett
Head Coach: Even Pellerud
Assistant Coach: Ian Bridge
Assistant Coach: Bob Birarda
Goalkeeper coach: Paul Rogers
Team Manager: Les Meszaros
Equipment Manager: Maeve Glass
Athletic Therapist: Becky Swan
Massage Therapist: Nicole Stephen
Massage Therapist: Shelby Harlan
Physiotherapist: Judy Russell
Doctor: Dr. Kristin Houghton

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