Of the 28 players selected by coach Bev Priestman to represent Canada at the next international break, 21 of them participated in the conquest of Olympic gold at the Tokyo Games.
Maple Leaf representatives will face the South Koreans on June 26 at BMO Field in Toronto.
The most prolific scorer in the history of international soccer, Christine Sinclair, will once again serve as captain. He will start the match against South Korea with 188 goals.
Quebec forward Évelyne Viens returned to the team after falling behind in the last international break. He has scored 8 goals in 14 games for Kristianstads, his club in Sweden, this season.
I can’t ignore Evelyne Viens ’ability to score goals, the coach said. I am excited to see him with us. I watched him from afar.
Quebecer Bianca St-Georges will also return to the national team.
He’s having a stellar season in Chicago, Priestman commented. I saw him play and he was amazing. His characteristic is determination. He had to face many difficulties. She deserves her selection and I know she will give it her all. He’s that kind of player.
Kadeisha Buchanan, who recently won the UEFA Champions League with Lyon before joining compatriot Jesse Flemming at Chelsea, England, will be the backbone of the defense.
This will be the first international window where star goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé is noticeably absent. He played his last game in April. Experienced goaltender Erin McLeod is also absent.
Erin has not retired, but has decided to focus on her club, Priestman said at a press briefing. With us, he will fight for the 2nd or 3rd goalkeeper title, as he plays a few minutes in the NWSL. This is a joint decision.
In the absence of the most experience, Quebec goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx was notably invited to the senior team for the first time.
In the last match against South Korea, in March 2018 as part of the Algarve Cup final, the Canadians won 3-0.
We are excited to have another game in front of our fans and allow more players in the Toronto area to play at home for the first time in a long time, ”Priestman said. The June window will be used to select the final roster of 23 players and let us work ourselves out for an important tournament this summer.
Canada is preparing for the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s Championship, which will also serve as the qualifying phase for the 2023 World Cup and for the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Radio Canada
Source: Radio-Canada
