Connect with us

2020 Tokyo Olympics

Bev Priestman errs on side of youth for Canadian Olympic roster

Photo: Canada Soccer.

Bev Priestman has decided to lean on a youth-laden roster as she named Canada’s 18-player Olympic roster on Wednesday. A third of Canada’s roster is made up of players that weren’t part of Canada’s back to back Olympic bronze medal winning teams in 2012 and 2016.

First time Olympians, Kailen Sheridan (age 25), Vanessa Gilles (age 25), Evelyne Viens (age 24), Adriana Leon (age 28), Julia Grosso (age 20), and Jayde Riviere (20) will all be heading to Japan this summer.

https://twitter.com/GothamFC/status/1407719458181890052

Canada’s roster consists of six forwards, four midfielders, three center backs, three full backs, and two keepers. Versatility is a huge part of Priestman’s roster. Having players like Quinn, Ashley Lawrence, Janine Beckie, Prince, Rose and Grosso who can play in multiple positions gives Canada several tactical options.

The red and white have the ability to switch to a three at the back formation with Shelina Zadorsky, Kadeisha Buchanan, and Gilles. They can also drop Quinn into a holding midfield role in front of a back four.

While Lawrence continues to shine as one of the top full backs in the game, don’t be surprised to see her in the midfield if the right situation presents itself. Rose and Prince can both play on the wing or up top as a striker. That could allow Priestman to switch seamlessly from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-2 or 4-2-3-1 formation.

The biggest surprise omission from Canada’s roster is veteran midfielder, Sophie Schmidt.

Continue reading…


The entire article is accessible only to members of The Equalizer Extra. Already a member? Awesome! Please sign in below. If not, you can sign up below. Sign in to your account. CLICK TO SIGN UP

Access the best women’s soccer coverage all year long
Start your FREE, 7-day trial of The Equalizer Extra for industry-leading reporting and insight on the USWNT, NWSL and beyond.
Comments

Your account

MORE EXTRA

More in 2020 Tokyo Olympics