After winning the last Olympics in 2021 with a victory on penalties against Sweden, Canada will look to defend their title as gold medalists.
The Canada women’s national soccer team has made four appearances in the Olympic Games, first competing in 2008 and again in 2012 and 2016, where they picked up bronze medals in both years.
Ahead of the Olympic Games, head coach Bev Priestman announced a strong squad ready for the upcoming summer trip to Paris.
Jessie Fleming, the 26-year-old midfielder who switched from Chelsea FC to Portland Thorns at the start of the year, will be captaining her country in the upcoming Olympic Games.
The squad named by Priestman for this tournament includes 18 players as well as four alternates.
In goal for Canada this summer will be either Sabrina D’Angelo or Kailen Sheridan. Sabrina D’Angelo is currently without a club after deciding to leave Arsenal at the end of the 2023/24 season, with much speculation online about where she will end up next season.
Canada’s strong backline is anchored by Kadeisha Buchanan and Ashley Lawrence, two talented players who currently play for five-time English champions Chelsea FC.
The other defenders on the roster include Sydney Collins (North Carolina Courage), Vanessa Gilles (Angel City), and Jade Rose (Harvard).
Jayde Riviere from Manchester United also features in the roster. Riviere is an exciting player and will certainly play a key role in Canada’s games if featured.
Canada’s midfield includes Captain Jessie Fleming from Portland Thorns, Julia Grosso (currently without a club), Quinn (Seattle Reign), and Simi Awujo, who plays for USC Trojans.
With the retirement of Canada’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, Christine Sinclair, goals will need to come from elsewhere for Canada, and their selection of forwards is likely to provide that.
The forwards on the roster are Janine Beckie (Portland Thorns), Jordyn Huitema (Seattle Reign), Cloé Lacasse (Arsenal), Adriana Leon (Aston Villa), Nichelle Prince (Kansas City Current), and Evelyne Viens (AS Roma).
Priestman has also selected four alternates for the upcoming Olympic Games: Gabrielle Carle (Washington Spirit), Lysianne Proulx (Bay FC), Deanne Rose (Leicester City), and Shelina Zadorsky (West Ham, on loan for the 2023/24 season from Tottenham Hotspur).
Canada will begin their quest to retain their gold medal on 25 July against New Zealand. Their second game takes place on Sunday, 28 July, against France. Canada’s final group stage game will be against Colombia on Wednesday, 31 July.
To prepare for the Olympics, Canada played a friendly match against Australia on Saturday, 13 July, to test different players and strategies. Canada won the match 2-1, with goals from Nichelle Prince in the 41st minute and the winning goal from Evelyne Viens in the 85th minute.
Canada tried different set-piece routines in this game to ensure they are well-organized for the Olympics.
With a talented roster and strong preparation, Canada is poised to make a significant impact at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
As the defending champions, they will be aiming to showcase their strength and skill on the world stage and bring home another gold medal.
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