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Scott, Canada readying for South Korea, Mexico

Desiree Scott and Canada are ready for two home friendlies vs. South Korea and Mexico. (Photo Copyright Canada Soccer)

Canada will end what will be nearly five months without playing at home when they step on the field Oct. 30 in Edmonton, Alberta, and they will have plenty of time to get re-assimilated with each other this fall.

The team will meet for camp just before the Oct. 30 match against South Korea and, aside from having off the weekend following that game, will remain in residency camp up until close to Christmas, including a Nov. 24 match against CONCACAF foe Mexico in Vancouver.

Canada last played at home on June 2, a 0-3 loss to the United States. They haven’t played a match since losing 1-0 to Germany on June 16.

“It’s going to be great to get the team back together and get the fans excited about our team again,” Canada midfielder Desiree Scott said. “To play at home is always something that is special for us, to see the fans in person, to have that hometown feel.”

Scott had a breakout year with FC Kansas City as the National Women’s Soccer League’s best defensive midfielder. She says that helped build her confidence, and she hopes to carry that over into the upcoming matches with Canada.

But the focus is still on the team, Scott says.

“We need to just build on the little things from our game against the U.S. We played 70 minutes of quality soccer, but there were some little things that we needed to pan out,” she said. “And just getting our connection back; we’ve all been apart for the last four months playing on our separate teams.”

Scott has been a major part of promoting the Oct. 30 game, giving away four tickets to the match and two nights stay in Edmonton, courtesy of her sponsor, Porcupine Credit Union. She’ll also be at the forefront of promoting the game and the giveaway on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. ET, when she holds a Twitter chat.

As for the first opponent, South Korea is a bit of an unknown for Canada, other than that John Herdman’s side is aware they will be facing a disciplined, technical team. Most importantly, Canada’s focus is on themselves.

“The World Cup is two years away and that time goes pretty quickly,” Scott said. “With the offseason, coming off NWSL and getting back with our national team and getting some prep in for that, I think it will be good just to see where we are at right now.”

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