
Canada’s squad for the 2016 Rio Olympics has been announced.
The 18-player squad includes six players that were a part of Canada’s London 2012 squad, where the team won a historic bronze medal — Canada’s first medal in a traditional team sport at the Summer Olympics since 1963.
For six players on Canada’s roster — Sabrina D’Angelo, Rebecca Quinn, Shelina Zadorsky, Deanne Rose, Janine Beckie, and Nichelle Prince — the Rio Olympics will be their first major international tournament. D’Angelo broke her wrist in late May and is currently recovering from surgery, but Herdman is optimistic that she will be ready in time for August.
[MORE: CanWNT Things Learned vs. Brazil: Herdman has options]
Canada Soccer did not announce in its official release the names of the four alternate players that will also make the Olympic trip. However, coach John Herdman told journalists on a conference call on Monday afternoon that the four alternates are Kailen Sheridan, Marie-Eve Nault, Kaylyn Kyle, and Gabrielle Carle, who is currently recovering from an injury.
Canada next plays China in a closed door friendly in France on July 20th, and then plays France in an international friendly on July 23rd.
Canada has been drawn into Group F for the Olympics, and will play Australia on August 3rd, Zimbabwe on August 6, and Germany on August 9.
Canada Women’s National Team Rio 2016 Roster:
GOALKEEPERS (2): Stephanie Labbé (Washington Spirit), Sabrina D’Angelo (Western New York Flash)
DEFENDERS (6): Kadeisha Buchanan (West Virginia University), Rebecca Quinn (Duke University), Shelina Zadorsky (Washington Spirit), Josée Bélanger (Orlando Pride), Allysha Chapman (Houston Dash), Rhian Wilkinson (Unattached)
MIDFIELDERS (6): Jessie Fleming (London NorWest Optimist SC), Ashley Lawrence (West Virginia University), Diana Matheson (Washington Spirit), Deanna Rose (Scarborough GS United), Sophie Schmidt (FFC Frankfurt), Desiree Scott (FC Kansas City)
FORWARDS (4): Janine Beckie (Houston Dash), Nichelle Prince (Ohio State University), Christine Sinclair (Portland Thorns FC), Melissa Tancredi (KIF Örebro)
Alternates (4): Kailen Sheridan (Goalkeeper, Clemson University), Marie-Eve Nault (Defender, KIF Örebro), Kaylyn Kyle (Midfielder, Orlando Pride), and Garielle Carle (Forward, Dynamo Québec)
