Canadian Womens' NT News

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women's World Cup Team
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Pellerud Selects Roster for First Camp of ‘06
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2368

http://www.canadasoccer.com/images/media/pellerud_action_w.jpg
Even Pellerud Photo: Dale MacMillan/CSA

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s Women’s National Team Head Coach, Even Pellerud, has released the names of the 16 women that will attend the team’s first training camp of the New Year. The camp will run from January 10-17 in Vancouver, BC.

“The upcoming camp in Vancouver kicks off a very big season for the Women’s team; a season that will conclude in November with the CONCACAF Women’s World Cup Qualifying tournament,” said Head Coach Even Pellerud from the U20 training camp in Sunrise, FL.

“There’s an interesting change in the balance of this roster. Earlier, we had to rely on a lot of our younger players based in NCAA schools, but now we see a large portion of that group graduating and the result is a far more ‘adult’ group of athletes.

“Some of our younger athletes have been omitted from this camp simply because of the conflict with the upcoming U20 qualifying tournament.”

However, the majority of the squad for the weeklong camp has been ever-present in Pellerud’s selections of late but the latest list of players does include a handful of women that have been absent from the last few camps and International friendlies.

The most notable being University of Portland ‘super-striker’, Christine Sinclair.

Sinclair, who has been busy in 2005 re-writing the NCAA record-books and looks to be a sure winner of the 2005 Missouri Athletic Club’s Hermann Trophy (awarded to the top female and male Division 1 College soccer players), will be training with her Canadian teammates for the first time since June 2005.

Sinclair was named ‘Soccer America Women’s Player of the Year’ in late December and was also on the shortlist for FIFA World Player of the Year in 2005.

Another NCAA star that has been absent from Pellerud’s squad since June 2005 is Notre Dame’s Katie Thorlakson.

The diminutive striker and 2004 Soccer America Player of the Year, also had her fair share of highlights in 2005, having led the nation with 35 assists (2nd in NCAA history) and finishing second to Sinclair in total points in 2005 with 71 (Sinclair finished with 88 points).

Thorlakson’s Notre Dame reached the quarterfinals in 2005, only to fall to Sinclair’s Pilots 3-1.

Fellow All-American, Erin McLeod (Penn State), has also been absent for sometime and has been included for the first time since July 2004.

In 2005, McLeod also had the unfortunate pleasure of running into the Pilots during their College Cup run.

McLeod certainly did her part by holding the Pilots and Sinclair scoreless for 110 minutes in the semi-final match, but when it came to the decisive penalty and Sinclair stepped up to take it, the result must have seemed automatic.

Also making a long-awaited return will be defender Sharolta Nonen.

The experienced veteran of two World Cups has not been involved since the agonizing 2-1 loss to Mexico in Olympic Qualifying that eliminated the Canadians in 2003 and will certainly be looking to re-establish herself in early 2006 as a mainstay in Pellerud’s defense.

Pellerud added that the camp would serve “multiple goals” over the seven day period.

“I hope to use the seven days to assess individual performances as we head towards some of the friendlies we are close to finalizing in February and March. It also allows us to further enhance and enforce our playing style as well as the fitness of our players.

“Off the field, it gives us a chance to address the mental aspects of the game through some of the professionals we have added to the staff and get a clearer picture of how we look to approach the next few months.

“The upcoming ‘season’ will be filled with challenges and will require a large commitment from all involved – this camp is the first stage in addressing those challenges.”

Roster

Player POS DOB Caps G/S Club Hometown
Allen, Amber F 10/21/1975 17 4 Vancouver Whitecaps Chilliwack, BC
Andrews, Sasha D 2/14/1983 29 3 Vancouver Whitecaps/U. of Nebraska Edmonton, AB
Apps, Amy M 05/08/1978 2 0 Vancouver Whitecaps Markham, ON
Franko, Martina M/F 1/13/1976 2 1 Vancouver Whitecaps Squamish, BC
Hermus, Randee D 11/14/1979 63 5 Vancouver Whitecaps Langley, BC
Hooper, Charmaine F/D 1/15/1968 124 64 Chicago Cobras Ottawa, ON
LeBlanc, Karina GK 3/30/1980 48 17 New Jersey Wildcats Maple Ridge, BC
Matheson, Diana M 04/06/1984 39 1 Ottawa Fury/Princeton U. Oakville, ON
McLeod, Erin GK 2/26/1983 14 4 Vancouver Whitecaps/Penn State Calgary, AB
Morneau, Isabelle D 4/18/1976 78 6 F.C. Select Rive-Sud Longueuil, QC
Neil, Andrea M 10/26/1971 108 21 Vancouver Whitecaps Vancouver, BC
Nonen, Sharolta D 12/30/1977 58 1 Unattached Vancouver, BC
Sinclair, Christine F 06/12/1983 71 53 University of Portland Burnaby, BC
Thorlakson, Katie F 1/14/1985 9 0 Vancouver Whitecaps/U. of Notre Dame Langley, BC
Walsh, Amy M 9/13/1977 66 5 F.C. Select Rive-Sud Montreal, QC
Wilkinson, Rhian M/F 05/12/1982 18 3 Strømmen FK Baie D’Urfe, QC

Staff
Even Pellerud - Head Coach
Judy Joseph - Manager
Dave Adolph - Athletic Therapist
Holly Mair - Massage Therapist (to January 16)
Les Meszaros - Equipment Manager
Assistant Coach - TBD
Saul Miller - Sport Psychologist

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women's World Cup Team
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Pellerud Announces Training Squad for Mexico

http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2390

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s Women’s National Team Head Coach, Even Pellerud, has selected his 18 woman roster for Canada’s upcoming training camp and two-game series against CONCACAF rival Mexico, in the capital city of Baja - Mexicali. The training camp is scheduled to take place from February 21 to 27, 2006.

The team will depart for Mexico on February 21 and will train for two days prior to playing Mexico in Mexicali on February 23, 2006.

Canada and Mexico will then play the second match of the two-game series a little further north in La Quinta, CA on February 25, 2006.

In all likelihood, Pellerud will use the weeklong camp and two-game series to not only get a sense of where Mexico stands at present, but also to get an indication of what work will be required in the upcoming months to make certain that his squad is prepared for the task of qualifying in late 2006.

The team will then depart from San Diego, CA on February 27th bound for Vancouver, BC where Canada will play host to the Netherlands on March 1st at UBC’s Thunderbird Stadium in Vancouver, BC and on March 4th at Centennial Stadium on the campus of the University of Victoria in Victoria, BC.

Roster for Mexico Series (February 21-27, 2006)

Player POS DOB Caps G/S Club Hometown
Apps, Amy M 05/08/1978 2 0 Vancouver Whitecaps Markham, ON
Franko, Martina M/F 1/13/1976 2 1 Vancouver Whitecaps Squamish, BC
Hermus, Randee D 11/14/1979 63 5 Vancouver Whitecaps Langley, BC
Hooper, Charmaine F/D 1/15/1968 124 64 Chicago Cobras Ottawa, ON
Lang, Kara D/M/F 10/22/1986 50 23 Vancouver Whitecaps / UCLA Oakville, ON
Latham, Christine F 9/15/1981 43 15 New Jersey Wildcats Calgary, AB
LeBlanc, Karina GK 3/30/1980 48 17 New Jersey Wildcats Maple Ridge, BC
Matheson, Diana M 04/06/1984 39 1 Ottawa Fury/Princeton U. Oakville, ON
Morneau, Isabelle D 4/18/1976 78 6 Laval Comets Longueuil, QC
Neil, Andrea M 10/26/1971 108 21 Vancouver Whitecaps Vancouver, BC
Nonen, Sharolta D 12/30/1977 58 1 Atlanta Silverbacks Vancouver, BC
Schmidt, Sophie M 6/28/1988 10 1 Vancouver Whitecaps / Surrey Utd. Abbotsford, BC
Sinclair, Christine F 06/12/1983 71 53 University of Portland Burnaby, BC
Swiatek, Taryn GK 02/04/1981 18 5 Ottawa Fury Calgary, AB
Thorlakson, Katie F 1/14/1985 9 0 Vancouver Whitecaps/U. of Notre Dame Langley, BC
Timko, Brittany M/F 09/05/1985 43 0 Vancouver Whitecaps / U. of Nebraska Coquitlam, BC
Walsh, Amy M 9/13/1977 66 5 Laval Comets St.-Hilaire, QC
Wilkinson, Rhian M/F 05/12/1982 18 3 Strømmen FK Baie D'Urfe, QC

Staff
Even Pellerud, Head Coach
Ian Bridge, Assistant Coach
Shel Brodsgaard, Goalkeeper Coach
Judy Joseph, Manager
Dave Adolph, Athletic Therapist
Dr. Cathy Campbell, Team Doctor
Holly Mair, Massage Therapist
Saul Miller, Sport Psychologist

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women's World Cup Team
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Canada-Holland to Clash Twice in BC

http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2391

Ottawa, Ontario – Immediately following its two-game series against Mexico in late February, Canada’s Women’s National Team will be hosting two matches in British Columbia against the Netherlands.

The first match of the two-game series will take place on March 1, 2006 at Thunderbird Stadium on the campus of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC. Kickoff has been scheduled for 7pm PT.

The second will be played on March 4, 2006 at Centennial Stadium on the campus of the University of Victoria in Victoria, BC. Kickoff time has been set for 1pm PT. The match will be broadcast live (on all regional channels) by Rogers Sportsnet.

Tickets for the Vancouver match can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.ca (http://www.ticketmaster.ca) or by calling the Vancouver Whitecaps office on 604-669-WAVE (9283).

Prices for single game tickets are $20 for Adult, $15 for Youth (under 18).Tickets for Groups of 10 or more are $15/Adult and $12/youth.

Tickets for the match in Victoria can be obtained by contacting the following outlets –

Lower Island Soccer Association (LISA) – 250-382-7489
AllSport (Victoria) – 250-380-1980
SoccerWorld (Victoria) – 250-475-3777
Team Sales (Victoria) – 250-388-9222
InterSport (Campbell River) – 250-286-1760
Action Source (Campbell River) – 250-286-0691
Soccer Zone (Nanaimo) – 250-754-2220

Prices for single game tickets are $15.00 for Adult, $10.00 for Youth (under 18).Tickets for Groups of 10+ are $10.00/Adult and $7.00/Youth.

Both teams are preparing for World Cup qualifying campaigns in 2006 as we inch closer to the 2007 World Cup. However, the task seems far more urgent for the Europeans.

“Four international games during the winter months will give our team a head start on a busy and important season,” commented Head Coach Even Pellerud.

“Both Mexico and Holland are quality opponents and I am expecting strong opposition in all 4 games.

“Most of my players are available for these games, even though there will be some changes to the roster for the Mexico games and the Holland games.

“Mexico is one of the teams we need to beat in November’s (CONCACAF) Gold Cup in order to qualify for the World Cup, and it’s always a battle when we meet. Holland is a team we tied in Europe last summer and their program has shown steady progress over the last few years.”

While Canada will look to use it’s second two-game series in just under a month to build towards their qualifying tournament in late 2006, the Dutch are presently entangled in a dog-fight for a place in the World Cup in China next summer.

England currently sits atop UEFA’s Group 5 with maximum points from three qualifying games – their last victory, a 1-0 win on November 26, 2005, came at the expense of the Dutch.

Holland and France are deadlocked in second place on six points after three matches but the Dutch hold a slight edge after they started the qualifying round in the best possible way, defeating the French women 1-0 in Angers, France on September 24, 2005. The Austrians and Hungarians currently prop up Group 5 and are unlikely to turn that around – but they could play a vital role in who advances from what appears to be the toughest group of the eight.

Final rosters for the two-game series will be announced shortly.

Online Media Accreditation – Vancouver (UBC) and Victoria (UVic)
Members of the media are invited to apply online for accreditation in the ‘Media Room’ section of the official website of the Canadian Soccer Association –
http://www.canadasoccer.com

Please complete the form as thoroughly as possible making sure to indicate your requirements.

Accreditation can be picked up on the day of the event at the Media Will Call desk. Information regarding the exact location of the Media Will Call will be relayed to you via email once the location has been established.

Directions to UBC Thunderbird Stadium –
In Vancouver, the UBC grounds can be accessed by driving west on W. 4th Ave, W. 10th Ave, W. 16th Ave & SW Marine Dr.

From the South, take Hwy #99 across the Oak Street Bridge to W. 41st Ave. Turn left on W. 41st and proceed to SW Marine Drive. Continue to the UBC grounds.

From the East, take Hwy #1 into Vancouver and exit at Grandview Highway. Following Grandview Hwy through the city, the street will automatically turn into W. 12th Ave & then W. 10th Ave. Continue to the UBC grounds.

Main Entrance to Stadium is on Thunderbird Blvd, between West Mall & East Mall.

Parking: There are pay parking lots near the stadium. Be aware of FACULTY ONLY restrictions. $30 parking tickets are frequently issued.

Public Transportation: Call Translink: 604-953-3333 or visit www.translink.bc.ca (http://www.translink.bc.ca)

Directions to UVic’s Centennial Stadium
Directions to the University of Victoria from various locations (Ferry Terminals, Airport, Vancouver, and other parts of Vancouver Island can be found on the University’s website - www.uvic.ca/maps/directions.html (http://www.uvic.ca/maps/directions.html) or by phone - 250-721-7211.

Broadcasting and PA Announcement – Please note that the official title of the U-20 World Championship in 2007 is ‘FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007’. Any reference to the tournament should be made using this official FIFA title.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Sinclair brace leads Canada past tricolores
Friday, February 24, 2006
Canada Too Much for Mexico

http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2396

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s Women’s National Team defeated CONCACAF rival Mexico by a score of 3-1 last night in Mexicali, Baja despite playing the entire second half a woman down.

Thankfully, the Canadians had built a sizable first half lead after a lively twelve minute spell that saw Canada grab three goals just before the halftime whistle.

Christine Sinclair scored the first in minute 32 and then ten minutes later Charmaine Hooper stretched the lead to two.

Sinclair then doubled her tally seconds before the interval and the Canadians looked to be cruising.

Then the match was suddenly turned on its head seconds after the re-start when Karina LeBlanc was shown a straight red.

But the Canadians re-organized defensively and although they surrendered a lone Mexican goal while playing a woman short, they never looked in danger of squandering the lead they had established in the opening 45 minutes.

“It’s nice to start the International season with a win – in particular when the win is a result of a dominant and quite consistent performance,” said Head Coach Even Pellerud.

“After a number of good and well timed penetrating plays in the 1st half, we managed to capitalize three times. The second half became more a shape and discipline test when Karina (LeBlanc) was sent off early on after a rough call from the official.

“But Taryn (Swiatek) played very well coming in from the bench and she had full control in cooperation with our back four.”

Both Canada and Mexico will now make the short drive north into California where they will play the second game of the two-match series on Saturday, February 25. Kickoff for the match has been scheduled for 8pm PT.

The Canadians will then travel to Vancouver ahead of their March 1 date with Holland at Thunderbird Stadium on the campus of UBC. Three days later (March 4) the two teams will reconvene in Victoria to round off the two game series against the Dutch at Centennial Stadium on the campus of the University of Victoria.

Thursday, February 23, 2006
International Friendly
Estadio Necaxa
Mexicali, BC, Mexico

CANADA – 3 (3)
MEXICO – 1 (0)
Goals: CANADA – Sinclair 32, 44, Hooper 42; MEXICO – unavailable
Cautions: CANADA – unavailable; GERMANY – unavailable
Expulsions – LeBlanc 46’

CANADA: 1-LeBlanc, Karina; 7-Morneau, Isabelle; 6-Sharolta Nonen; 11-Hermus, Randee; 9-Franko, Martina; 3-Schmidt, Sophie; 5-Neil, Andrea (19-Thorlakson, Katie, 76); 8-Matheson, Diana; 12-Christine Sinclair; 10-Hooper, Charmaine (captain) (20-Swiatek, Taryn, 47); 17-Timko, Brittany (16-Wilkinson, Rhian, 84)

Head Coach: Even Pellerud
Subs not used: 18-Apps, Amy (inj.); 13-Walsh, Amy (susp.); 15-Lang, Kara (unavail.); 2-Latham, Christine

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Neil Scores In 1:0 Victory Over Holland
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2403

http://www.canadasoccer.com/images/media/neil_action.jpg
Andrea Neil scores her 22nd goal for Canada

Vancouver, BC – Canada’s Women’s National Team defeated the Netherlands 1:0 on Wednesday, March 1, 2006 with a late goal scored by Andrea Neil in front of 3,162 spectators at Thunderbird Stadium in Vancouver, BC.

With Canada in white and the Netherlands in orange, both teams looked to end the stalemate of two previous 1:1 draws.

Christine Sinclair created Canada’s first of many opportunities in minute 16 as she worked up the left side past two Dutch defenders and sent a left footed shot just wide of the net.

Shirley Smith of the Netherlands had a chance for the visiting team three minutes later with a shot towards the Canadian net from the left side. Canadian keeper Karina LeBlanc calmly dove to seize the ball before crossing the goal line.

In the 41st minute, Manon Melis looked dangerous for Holland as she approached up the right side before three Canadian defenders intercepted and shut down her attack within 10 yards of the net.

Canada’s next opportunity came in the last minute of the half when Amy Walsh found Charmaine Hooper yards away from the Dutch net. Hooper then spun and sent the ball into the hands of the awaiting goalkeeper Marleen Wissink.

Canada came out strong three minutes into the second half as Sophie Schmidt located at the top of the penalty area thrust the ball just over the crossbar.

In the 74th minute, Kara Lang propelled a 30-yard free kick which Wissink punched out of play.

It was Neil in the 85th minute who gave her hometown fans something to cheer about, as she headed the ball into the net during a goal mouth scramble following a Rhian Wilkinson corner. The Canadian veteran has now assembled 22 goals in 110 appearances for Canada.

At the final whistle, Canada had outshot the visiting team 10-3.

“It was an interesting game,” stated Canadian head coach Even Pellerud. “There were two different philosophies to the match.”

“Holland surprisingly played a pretty complicated passing game.”

“We were able to punish them several times and we should have scored earlier. We worked hard, and played a consistent game with good shape. It was a well earned victory and a great start to the 2006 season.”

Both teams will travel on Thursday to Victoria, BC for the second match of the double header on Saturday, March 4th at 1:00 pm PT. Rogers Sportsnet will broadcast the match live on all channels.

Wednesday, March 1, 2006 – International Friendly
UBC Thunderbird Stadium – Vancouver, BC
Attendance: 3,162

Canada 1(0)
Holland 0(0)

Goals: Canada – Neil (85)
Cautions: Holland - Melis (74)

Canada: 1-LeBlanc, Karina; 2-Latham, Christine; 3-Schmidt, Sophie; 7-Morneau, Isabelle (5-Neil, Andrea, 68); 8-Matheson, Diana (14-Wilkinson, Rhian, 83); 9-Franko, Martina; 10-Hooper, Charmaine (16-Thorlakson, Katie, 68); 11-Hermus, Randee; 12-Sinclair, Christine; 13-Walsh, Amy; 17-Timko, Brittany (15-Kara Lang, 45);
Head Coach: Even Pellerud

Subs not used: 4-Andrews, Sasha; 22-McLeod, Erin

Holland: 1-Marleen Wissink – C; 2-Dyanne Bito; 3-Liesbeth Migchelsen; 4-Marloes de Boer; 5-Petra Hogewoning; 6-Dionne Demarteau; 7-Gilanne Louwaars; 8-Annemieke Griffioen; 9-Manon Melis; 10-Nicole Delies; 11-Shirley Smith (18-Claudia v.d. Heiligenberg, 77)

Subs not used: 12-Chavelli Stolk; 13-Felicienne Minnaar; 14-Anouk Hoogendijk; 15-Sylvia Smit; 16-Loes Geurts; 17-Jennifer Voss; 19-Dominique Vugts; 20-Karin Legemate

[Joe MacCarthy]

Canadian women blank Netherlands
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2006/02/28/1467013-cp.html

VANCOUVER (CP) - Three second-half substitutes made the most of their opportunity and delivered Canada's first women's soccer victory over the Netherlands.

"When you do get substituted on, the key is to try and change the game," said midfielder Andrea Neil who scored in the 85th minute of Wednesday's 1-0 victory. "We sat there and watched it for about 70 minutes and took our opportunity."

The goal resulted from a corner kick taken by Rhian Wilkinson who entered the game two minutes earlier.

Kara Lang, who was a force in the penalty area, kept the play alive with a header and Neil delighted 3,162 fans by knocking the ball behind goalkeeper Marleen Wissink at the far post.

For an instant Neil thought someone else might be in a better position to score.

"You don't want to take a goal away from someone but you have to make sure Canada wins this and we were fortunate," said the Vancouver native who played soccer on Wednesday's University of B.C. pitch.

The only two previous encounters between the teams ended in 1-1 draws and Neil scored Canada's goal when they last visited the Dutch in Apeldoorn in April.

"I think they were content with the tie (Wednesday) so it's for us to dig deep and find the motivation to play beyond that," said Neil who has 22 goals and 110 caps for Canada.

"We have been building as 2004 was not a great year for us when we were knocked out of the Olympic qualifiers (2-1 by Mexico). We need to be prepared at this point of the year."

The two sides will play again Saturday in Victoria, using the matches as tune-ups for qualifying play for the 2007 Women's World Cup in China.

Canada, which last month defeated Mexico 3-1 and tied them 1-1 in exhibition play, will attempt to qualify out of an eight-team CONCACAF (Central, North American and Caribbean) tournament in November.

Two teams will advance and the United States, ranked second in the world, is expected to lead qualifiers that try to oust defending champion Germany.

The Dutch, ranked 17th by FIFA, soccer's world governing body, have started qualifying play and are second in a group led by England.

The only goal came after heavy pressure by the 13th-ranked Canadians.

In the 75th minute, Lang had Canada's previous best chance when she blasted a 30-yard direct free kick that Wissink pushed over the bar.

Canadian forwards had several attempts to convert the ensuing corner before the ball was headed away from the goalmouth by Netherlands defenders.

"We've got so many players on this team, everybody on the bench is just waiting to get in," Lang said.

"Everybody wants to make an impact every chance they get. When you're sitting on the bench for the whole first half and you're watching it, you've got all that adrenaline built up by the time you finally get on."

Strikers Charmaine Hooper and Christine Sinclair also had chances.

Hooper was alone when she shot directly at the keeper while Sinclair, Canada's most dangerous player, had a left foot drive sail wide of the near post.

The Dutch attempted to control play on the ground and were slow to mount an attack. They didn't threaten until Shirley Smith's sharp-angled shot was controlled by diving Canadian goalie Karina LeBlanc in the 19th minute.

"We have good depth in those girls and I need to use them," Canadian coach Even Pellerud said of his second-half subs. "They all deserve to play.

"These games are tough when you dominate and you don't score but we maintained the pressure and got the goal we needed."

Netherlands coach Vera Pauw said some of her players were still adjusting to the nine-hour time change and expected a better effort on Saturday.

"We'll see on Saturday whether the travel was a factor," Pauw said.

"We couldn't cope anymore with the pressure in the second half. We didn't play to our potential but that's a credit to Canada. Their strong opportunistic style is very hard to play against."

Notes: Canada outshot the Dutch 10-3 and led 6-1 in corner kicks . . . Ten of the 17 players named to the roster for the two-game series are members of the W-League Vancouver Whitecaps . . . Eight are from British Columbia.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Hooper Double Sees Off Holland
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2404

http://www.canadasoccer.com/images/media/hooper_march4.jpg
Hooper celebrates the match opener
Photo: CSA/Dale MacMillan

Victoria, BC – On a sunny but brisk, wintry afternoon in Victoria, BC, Canada’s Women’s National Team, courtesy of a first half brace from Charmaine Hooper, overpowered their counterparts from the Netherlands by a score of 3:1.

The Canadians came out flying in the opening half and it didn’t take long for their three-pronged attack of Christine Sinclair, Charmaine Hooper and Rhian Wilkinson to test Marleen Wissink in the Dutch goal.

Seconds into the contest, Wissink was forced to kick out a Sophie Schmidt shot from inside the area that seemed destined for the back of the net but the Dutch keeper had positioned herself well for the shot.

But the Canadians would only need a little more than three minutes to breach the Dutch goal when a failed clearance was pounced on by Hooper inside the Dutch penalty area. The Chicago-based striker easily converted the opportunity, side-footing her shot past a helpless Wissink for her 66th goal for Canada.

Just when it started to look like Canada was going to grab another, the Dutch caught Canada on the break.

Gilanne Louwars streaked down the right flank and delivered a delightful ball across the face of the Canadian goal that eluded every Canadian defender and found an unmarked Shirley Smith at the back post. Smith took the chance on her first touch and slammed it past Erin McLeod who had no chance on the goal.

The teams, however, were deadlocked for a full two minutes.

A Rhian Wilkinson corner found Andrea Neil at the top of the area. Neil nodded her effort toward goal but an opportunistic Hooper flicked the header past Wissink for her second goal in just under 10 minutes

Both teams seemed to settle down after the frenzied opening although Canada still seemed the more dangerous of the two sides – always looking as though they could get around the back of the Dutch back-four when they wanted.

The Dutch on the other hand were typical in their buildup, but were forced backwards more often than naught through a combination of wind and tenacious Canadian pressure. But even when they managed to keep possession, they seemed to lack the creative guile to open up and threaten the Canadian defense.

The two teams returned from the break far tighter at the back, with the Canadians now playing into a strong wind.

It took just over twenty minutes of play in the second half before the Canadians had a real sight of goal when Hooper found herself on the penalty spot with only the Dutch keeper to beat but the striker was hurried and stabbed her shot wide of the right post.

But with just under twenty minutes to play, a long driven free-kick off the boot of second half substitute Brittany Timko sailed over the top of the Dutch defense, aimed toward the run of Sophie Schmidt who had ghosted in behind her defender near the right corner of the six yard box. The Abbotsford-native angled her header to perfection, skipping the ball past Wissink and into the side netting, stretching Canada’s lead to two and virtually eliminating any hope of a Dutch comeback

Minutes later, Kara Lang came within a whisker of making it four when her powerful free-kick from the top of the box whistled just past the upper right corner with Wissink rooted on her line.

The Canadians killed off the remainder of the match and walked off deserved winners.

“We played another solid game; maybe more solid than spectacular,” said Head Coach Even Pellerud following the victory.

“It was a very similar game to the match on Wednesday (in Vancouver), when we managed once again to put a lot of pressure on the Dutch team and could have scored more than we did. Perhaps we were more lively this afternoon and a bit more skillful but the game was also hindered somewhat by a very strong wind.”

“Overall the goal chances were exactly the same as our last game (10-1), which is quite remarkable, but in the end we won two matches against a Dutch team that perhaps was expecting to perform a bit better than they did.”

Saturday, March 4, 2006
International Friendly
Centennial Stadium, University of Victoria
Victoria, British Columbia

CANADA – 3 (2)
HOLLAND – 1 (1)

Goals: CANADA – Hooper 4, 10; Schmidt 71; HOLLAND – Smith 8
Cautions: CANADA – none; HOLLAND – Hogewoning 90+
Expulsions – none

Referee – Sandra Sarafini (USA); Assistant Referee 1 – Denise Robinson (CAN); Assistant Referee 2 – Charlene Douglas (CAN); Fourth Official – Mauricio Navarro (CAN)
Attendance – 4,500

CANADA: 22-McLeod, Erin; 2-Latham, Christine; 3-Schmidt, Sophie; 5-Neil, Andrea (17-Timko, Brittany, 61); 8-Matheson, Diana; 9-Franko, Martina; 10-Hooper, Charmaine; 11-Hermus, Randee (4-Andrews, Sasha, 75); 12-Sinclair, Christine (16-Thorlakson, Katie, 78); 13-Walsh, Amy (15-Kara Lang, 65); 14-Wilkinson, Rhian (7-Morneau, Isabelle, 85)

Head Coach: Even Pellerud (NOR)
Subs not used: 1-LeBlanc, Karina

HOLLAND: 1-Marleen Wissink (capt); 2-Dyanne Bito; 3-Liesbeth Migchelsen; 4-Marloes de Boer; 5-Petra Hogewoning; 6-Dionne Demarteau; 7-Gilanne Louwaars; 8-Annemieke Griffioen (14-Anouk Hoogendijk, 46); 9-Manon Melis; 10-Nicole Delies; 11-Shirley Smith; 18-Claudia v.d. Heiligenberg, 75)

Head Coach: Vera Poux (NED)
Subs not used: 12-Chavelli Stolk; 13-Felicienne Minnaar; 15-Sylvia Smit; 16-Loes Geurts; 17-Jennifer Voss;; 19-Dominique Vugts; 20-Karin Legemate

[Joe MacCarthy]

Hooper lifts Canada over Netherlands
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/2006/03/04/1472911-cp.html

Victoria (CP) - Charmaine Hooper scored two goals to lead Canada's women's national team to a 3-1 win over Netherlands on a brisk, wintry afternoon in the B.C. capital.

The Canadians came out strong in the opening half with their three-pronged attack of Christine Sinclair, Charmaine Hooper and Rhian Wilkinson testing Marleen Wissink in the Dutch goal right from the opening whistle.

Canada struck just three minutes in when a failed clearance was pounced on by Hooper inside the Dutch penalty area. The Chicago-based striker easily converted the opportunity, side-footing her shot past a helpless Wissink for her 66th goal for Canada.

Sophie Schmidt had the other goal for Canada.

Shirley Smith scored Netherlands' lone goal.

Smith's goal came after Canada was caught on the break. Gilanne Louwars streaked down the right flank and delivered the ball across the face of the Canadian goal that eluded every Canadian defender and found an unmarked Smith at the back post. Smith took the pass on her first touch and slammed it past goalkeeper Erin McLeod who had no chance on the goal.

Canada regained the lead for good just two minutes later when Hooper notched her second of the match.

A Rhian Wilkinson corner found Andrea Neil at the top of the penalty area. Neil nodded her effort toward goal, but Hooper flicked the header past Wissink.

Canada was the more dangerous of the two sides, threatening to get behind the Dutch defence at any time.

The Dutch on the other hand were typical in their buildup, but were often forced backwards by wind and tenacious Canadian pressure. They kept possession at times, but had difficulty opening up and threatening the Canadian defence.

"We played another solid game; maybe more solid than spectacular," said head coach Even Pellerud.

"It was a very similar game to the match on Wednesday (in Vancouver), when we managed once again to put a lot of pressure on the Dutch team and could have scored more than we did. Perhaps we were more lively this afternoon and a bit more skillful but the game was also hindered somewhat by a very strong wind."

Canada completed its scoring with just under twenty minutes to play on a well-timed header by Schmidt.

Brittany Timko aimed a long free-kick over the top of the Dutch defence towards the run of Schmidt who had ghosted in behind her defender near the right corner of the six yard box.

The Abbotsford, B.C. native angled a header past Wissink and into the side netting, stretching Canada's lead to two and removing any hope of a Dutch comeback.

"Overall the goal chances were exactly the same as our last game (10-1), which is quite remarkable, but in the end we won two matches against a Dutch team that perhaps was expecting to perform a bit better than it did."

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Canada & USA to Renew Rivalry in Cary, NC
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2408

http://i1.tinypic.com/s44808.jpg
CONCACAF rivals Canada & USA to meet this summer in N. Carolina
Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s Women’s National Team and their American counterparts will renew their rivalry in Cary, NC on July 30, 2006.

Tickets for the game will go on sale starting Wednesday, April 12, at 10 a.m. ET online at ussoccer.com, at all Cary, NC area Ticketmaster outlets (including Hechts, FYE, and Publix Stores) and by phone at (919) 834-4000. Groups of 15 or more can purchase tickets by logging onto ussoccer.com or calling (312) 528-1290.

This will mark the 36th time (3 wins, 3 draws, 29 losses) Canada and the USA have met since their first encounter in 1986, easily the most of any Canadian opponent (China and Brazil are second with 13 matches).

While the US may enjoy a staggering advantage in the 20 year old border-series, some of the more recent results indicate the rivalry has become far more competitive.

In August 2000, the Canadians embarked on a four-game unbeaten spell (from August 20, 2000 to June 30, 2001) against the two-time World Cup Champions but have recently run into a resilient US side, losing the last five against the Americans – the last defeat coming on US head coach Greg Ryan’s debut with the US Women’s team; a 2-0 loss on June 26, 2005 in Virginia Beach, VA. Since the August 20, 2000 match, Canada and the US have met 13 times (2 wins, 3 draws, 7 losses).

“The level of competition between the top women’s teams in the world is getter tighter and tougher but when you look at the US, they are consistently in the top three,” said Canadian head coach Even Pellerud.

“They (USA) are always a challenge to play and even more of a challenge to get a result from. Add the tension and rivalry that comes with any Canada vs. USA match, and you are bound to have an entertaining game.

“For both teams, the match in July will round off two months of extensive training camps and international friendlies as we head towards the World Cup Qualifying Tournament in November and this game in the summer will provide us with an excellent measuring stick leading up to that tournament in the fall.

“In the end, there are really no ‘friendly games’ between our two teams, and I am sure both countries are expecting a physical and tactical encounter.”

The next time Pellerud’s squad meets will be for a four-city, five-match tour of the USA where they are expected to play the University of Louisville and Purdue University in Louisville, KY, the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO, the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS, and the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, NE.

The team is expected to depart for Louisville, KY on April 6th and return to Canada from Omaha, NE on April 15th, the day after the match against Nebraska. Details of the training camp will be released in the coming days.

Match Details
July 30, 2006 - CANADA vs. USA – SAS Soccer Park, Cary, NC – 13:00 ET

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Senior Women's NCAA Tour
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2414

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s Women’s National Team Head Coach, Even Pellerud, has released his 18-woman roster for the team’s upcoming four-city, five-match tour of the USA where they are expected to play the University of Louisville and Purdue University in Louisville, KY, the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO, the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS, and the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, NE.

The team is expected to depart for Louisville, KY on April 6th and return to Canada from Omaha, NE on April 15th, the day after the match against Nebraska.

Returning to the senior team is Melanie Booth of Burlington, Ontario. Booth had earned 15 senior caps. Her last appearance was against Brazil on July 17, 2003. She had played 22 times earning three goals with the U-19 squad, finishing in the 2002 FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship Final against the United States.

Also joining the Senior National Team for this camp is Robyn Gayle of Mississauga, Ontario. Gayle has earned 18 caps with the U19/U20 Team, participating in both FIFA Women’s World Championships (Canada 2002, Thailand 2004). She also played in the 2002 World Championship final against the Americans.

“I consider this a pre-season tour where my goal is to do some experimenting and to let the players have lots of playing time,” said Pellerud. “It is a golden opportunity to invite two new faces (Booth, Gayle) who have had good seasons with their NCAA teams and it was a chance to give them another chance at the senior level.”

A report on this camp will be available on canadasoccer.com following its conclusion.

Matches
April 7 - CANADA vs. University of Louisville – Louisville, KY – 19:30
April 9 - CANADA vs. Purdue University – Louisville, KY – 13:00
April 11 - CANADA vs. University of Missouri – Columbia, MO – 19:00
April 13 - CANADA vs. University of Kansas – Lawrence, KS - 15:00
April 14 - CANADA vs. University of Nebraska – Lincoln, NB - 13:00

Roster

# Player POS DOB Caps G/S Club Hometown
1 LeBlanc, Karina GK 3/30/1980 50 18 New Jersey Wildcats Maple Ridge, BC
2 Latham, Christine F 9/15/1981 46 15 Atlanta Silverbacks Calgary, AB
3 Booth, Melanie D 8/24/1984 15 0 Toronto Lady Lynx/U. of Florida Burlington, ON
4 Andrews, Sasha D 2/14/1983 30 3 Whitecaps FC/U. of Nebraska Edmonton, AB
5 Neil, Andrea M 10/26/1971 111 22 Whitecaps FC Vancouver, BC
6 Nonen, Sharolta D 12/30/1977 60 1 Atlanta Silverbacks Vancouver, BC
7 Morneau, Isabelle D 4/18/1976 82 6 Laval Comets Longueuil, QC
8 Wilkinson, Rhian M/F 05/12/1982 22 3 Strømmen FK Baie D'Urfe, QC
9 Franko, Martina M/F 1/13/1976 6 2 Vancouver Whitecaps Squamish, BC
10 Hooper, Charmaine F/D 1/15/1968 128 67 Chicago Cobras Ottawa, ON
11 Gayle, Robyn D 10/31/1985 0 0 U. North Carolina Mississauga, ON
12 Sinclair, Christine F 06/12/1983 75 55 Whitecaps FC Burnaby, BC
13 Walsh, Amy M 9/13/1977 69 5 Laval Comets St.-Hilaire, QC
14 Allen, Amber M/F 10/21/1975 17 4 Whitecaps FC Pitt Meadows, BC
15 Lang, Kara D/M/F 10/22/1986 53 23 Whitecaps/UCLA Oakville, ON
16 Thorlakson, Katie F 1/14/1985 13 0 Whitecaps/U. of Notre Dame Langley, BC
17 Timko, Brittany M/F 09/05/1985 47 0 Whitecaps/U. of Nebraska Coquitlam, BC
22 McLeod, Erin GK 2/26/1983 15 4 Whitecaps FC/Penn State Calgary, AB

Staff
Even Pellerud - Head Coach
Shel Brodsgaard - Goal Keeper Coach
Bob Birarda - Assistant Coach
Dr. Cathy Campbell - Team Doctor
Dave Adolph - Athletic Therapist
Les Meszaros - Team Manager

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Friday, April 07, 2006
Partnership Works to Bring Italian Women’s National Team to Toronto
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2416

Ottawa, Ontario – The Canadian Soccer Association, in partnership with the Toronto Azzurri Soccer Club and the Universal Youth Foundation, are pleased to announce that they have finalized an agreement with the Federazione Italiana Gioco Calcio (Italian Football Federation) that will see the Italian Women’s National Team travel to Toronto for an International Friendly with Canada’s National Women’s Team on June 25, 2006.

The match is scheduled to take place at Centennial Stadium in Etobicoke, ON with the kickoff tentatively scheduled for 1pm.

Tickets for the June 25th match will be General Admission and will likely range from $15.00 to $25.00. Information regarding how to purchase tickets for this match will be released in the coming weeks.

The match against the Italians will likely provide Canadian head coach, Even Pellerud, with yet another opportunity to test his side against quality opposition ahead of the team’s Women’s World Cup qualifying this coming November.

“When I coached Norway, I always looked forward to intense, tough games against Italy,” said Pellerud. “Since that time I have been seeking opportunities to play this team and that has finally been achieved thanks to a great idea and contribution from two groups, Universal Youth Foundation and the Azzurri Soccer club in Toronto.”

“Italy has forever been a team that has been on the cusp of the top three or four in UEFA and is extremely hard to beat, but they have never really managed to establish themselves as a top team in the rankings of Women's soccer – but they are close.”

“To play them (Italy) in front of Toronto’s large Italian community, combined with our Canadian fans will be an amazing experience for my players. We will face a team with style and skills and there is always intensity around a team of this nature, thus providing a competitive environment for my team."

Mr. Mario Cortellucci, O., Ont., Founder and Chairman of the Universal Youth Foundation, and President of the Cortellucci Group of Companies Inc. shared Pellerud’s thoughts of the match between Canada and Italy.

“On behalf of the Universal Youth Foundation, I would like to thank the Canadian Soccer Association, the Ontario Soccer Association, Mr. Robert Iarusci, Chairman of the Toronto Azzurri Soccer Club, Ms. Elide Martini, Manager of the Italian Women’s Soccer League and Mr. Carlo Tavecchio, President of the Federazione Italiana Gioco Calcio (Italian Football Federation), for their support of children and youth in need,” stated Cortellucci.

“Through their tireless efforts and dedication to the sport of soccer, and their willingness to help the Universal Youth Foundation reach its goals, I am confidant we will have an exciting and action-packed match between the Italian and Canadian National Women’s Soccer teams.

“I invite members of public to join us on June 25th for some great soccer action, while helping to give a child hope through access to an education.”

Match Information
June 25 - CANADA vs. Italy – Centennial Stadium, Etobicoke, ON – 13:00

About Universal Youth Foundation
The Universal Youth Foundation is a Canadian, nationally registered Charity that is committed to providing educational assistance to children and youth in need throughout the developing world by funding schools and teachers. Our goal is to provide hope to these children and youth through access to an education.

In 2005, our inaugural year, the Universal Youth Foundation has raised $265,000 in support of our goals and approved two projects. One initiative will result in permanently established educational facilities in Tanzania; the other consists of temporary emergency school accommodations in Pakistan. The Tanzania project involves the building of an educational wing for the Amani Children’s Home, a centre for AIDS orphans and street children located in Moshi, Tanzania.

In addition, we made a seven year commitment to support the complete primary school education for 75 of Amani’s children. The Pakistan initiative will provide emergency funding to establish a temporary tent school for 120 children displaced by the recent earthquake. The Foundation has a dedicated team of experienced individuals with backgrounds in education, law, international development, media, communications, security, business, politics and youth who have come together to provide hope through education.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Canada's women to host Italy friendly
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2006/04/07/1524999-cp.html

TORONTO (CP) - Canada's women's soccer team will host Italy in a friendly this summer, another opportunity for coach Even Pellerud to test his side against some quality opposition.

Canada will play the Italians on June 25 at Centennial Stadium in Toronto in a tuneup for women's World Cup qualifying in November. "To play (Italy) in front of Toronto's large Italian community, combined with our Canadian fans will be an amazing experience for my players," Pellerud said in a release. "We will face a team with style and skills and there is always intensity around a team of this nature, thus providing a competitive environment for my team."

Italy is 10th in FIFA's women's world soccer rankings, while Canada is No. 12.

Canada has already played Mexico and Netherlands in friendlies this year, earning a 3-1 win and 1-1 draw against the Mexicans, and then beating Netherlands twice - 1-0 in Vancouver and 3-1 in Victoria.

The Canadian Soccer Association is hosting Italy in partnership with the Toronto Azzurri Soccer Club and the Universal Youth Foundation.

Later on Friday, the CSA also announced that Canada's Under-20 women's national team will play four friendlies in Brazil during its 12-day training camp in Teresopolis, Brazil from April 15-23.

Canada takes on CONCACAF rivals U.S.A. on April 15, then meets Brazil for two straight matches on April 17 and 22 before ending with U.S.A. again on April 23.

"The camp will begin our phase of international 'friendlies' to prepare the team ultimately for the world championships in Russia this summer," said Canadian head Ian Bridge in a release. "I would rank these two (Brazil and U.S.A.), along with Germany as the top teams at this level at the moment."

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Canada’s Women Wrap-Up NCAA Tour
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2429

Ottawa, Ontario – Earlier this month, Canada’s Women’s National Team Head Coach, Even Pellerud, took his team on a four-city, five-match tour of the USA where they played the University of Louisville and Purdue University in Louisville, KY, the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO, the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS, and the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, NE.

The Canadian team was invited to travel to the Midwest by the above mentioned Universities and when approached, Pellerud jumped at the opportunity to get his squad together.

“Thanks to an invitation from a group NCAA teams, we took advantage of a week long opportunity to play five scrimmages while traveling from state to state,” said Pellerud, following his squad’s nine-day camp.

“While we were victorious in all five games and scored a total of 22 goals while conceding only 2, the trip was an important early step for us as a team as we start to build the program towards the World Cup Qualifying tournament this coming November.

The nine days also provided Pellerud with an excellent opportunity to experiment with his squad.

“All the players saw considerable playing time in their preferred positions but we also took advantage of this opportunity to incorporate different playing styles; had the opportunity to play and train in some extreme conditions (heat); and were able to train on both grass and on turf.

“It must also be said that the different playing styles of our opposition provided excellent experience to our players and staff.'

Pellerud also singled out Melanie Booth for her string of superb performances. The Burlington, Ontario native has earned 15 senior caps but was making her first appearance with the senior squad since Canada took on Brazil on July 17, 2003. She had played 22 times with the U-19 squad, scoring thrice and was a vital component of Canada’s unprecedented run to the final of the 2002 FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championship.

“Melanie Booth’s return to the team was a huge success. Her service from left fullback position was crucial in helping us build from the back and spring forward with quick, decisive attacks.”

The Women’s National Team will come together again in early June in Nanaimo, BC. Details regarding the camp will be released when available.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Hooper joins Wildcats' cast of stars
By ROB BRODIE -- Ottawa Sun
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2006/05/07/1568532-sun.html

Here's just what the rest of the W-League -- including the Ottawa Fury -- really needs to hear.

The defending champion New Jersey Wildcats, already the league's most star-studded aggregation, announced this week they've added Charmaine Hooper to their lineup for the 2006 season.

Even at 38, the Ottawa native remains one of the finest women's soccer players on the planet. A year after giving birth to her first child (daughter Charlie), she's still scoring goals for the Canadian national team, still doing her part to get Canada into the 2007 women's World Cup.

In other words, she's going to be a handful for the rest of the W-League including the Fury, which was blanked by the Wildcats 3-0 in last season's championship game.

"We've had some pretty significant signings over the past few seasons, and this one might be the biggest," said Wildcats GM Patric Santo Pietro.

But Hooper insists she's not just signing on with the Wildcats because they're currently the league's best. Rather, she aims to keep them there in the season ahead.

"The fact that New Jersey won the championship last year had no bearing on my decision to play for the Wildcats," Hooper said on her website. "With some of the names that I learned will be playing for the Wildcats (in 2006), it didn't take long for me to decide that New Jersey would be an exciting team to be a part of. And it can possibly be a team with a good chance to compete for the W-League championship once again."

Hooper is already a W-League legend. In 1995, she was the league's first scoring champion, a feat she repeated twice more including 2000, when the 5-foot-7 striker led the Chicago Cobras to the W-League crown. She was inducted into the United Soccer Leagues Hall of Fame in 2002.

Then there's Hooper's record back home in Canada, where she's the country's all-time leader in career international caps (128) and goals (67). She's worn the red maple leaf in three women's World Cups including 2003, when she earned all-star status.

"We've spoken a bit here and there over the past couple of years about her joining us, and I'm glad it finally worked out," said Wildcats coach Charlie Naimo. "She will add so much to the team -- her experience, her leadership, her versatility.

"I can go on forever (about her)."

Capital soccer fans might want to circle June 10 on their calendars. That's the night Hooper and the Wildcats will tangle with the Fury at Keith Harris Stadium.

The sides also meet May 21 in Princeton, N.J.

FURY BULKS UP: With an eye toward landing a playoff berth in their second Premier Development League season, the Ottawa Fury men announced three key signings this week. All are U.S. college players with international experience. Midfielder Carlo Schiavoni of Lachine, Que., represented Canada at last year's world youth championships in the Netherlands, with defender Peter Petropanagos of Mississauga, who is a former Canadian Under-18 team member. Forward Murphy Wiredu of Brampton has earned two caps for Canada at the Under-20 level. The Fury men play their season opener May 28 at Keith Harris Stadium against the Westchester (N.Y.) Flames.

GYM DANDIES: With their results at Elite Ontario, Laura Hunt, Amy White and Kayla Davis of the Ottawa Gymnastics Club qualified for this weekend's Eastern Canadian championships in Hamilton. Hunt was the provincial champ in Level 7 (+14 years), while White and Davis were and second and fourth overall in Level 9 (+14 years). In age 12-13, Catherine Laporte (Level 7 floor exercise) and Teslin Sandstrom (Level 8 vault) each won apparatus bronze medals ... At the provincial championships in St. Catharines last weekend, three OGC competitors brought home medals. In Level 6 for nine year olds, Bella St. George was fourth overall, including a bronze on balance beam, while Kayta Dunets placed sixth all-around, with a gold medal on uneven bars and silver on floor. In Level 6 (age 12-13), Sabrina Benoit earned a silver medal on bars.

AROUND THE AMATEUR SCENE: Ten Ottawa-Carleton Ultimate Association junior team members have been named to the Canadian teams which will bid for world junior titles Aug. 13-18 in Devens, Mass. The women's national squad includes Alex Benedict, Anne Mercier, Carrie Lugg, Kathryn Pohran and Maddie Hall, while Jordan Cullen, Pat L'Esperance, Jamie Walsh, Kielan Way and Thomas Maloney will suit up in Canadian colours for the men.

ROB.BRODIE@OTT.SUNPUB.COM

[Joe MacCarthy]

Thorlakson struck by knee injury
By BOB MACKIN -- 24 Hours Vancouver
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2006/05/10/1572887-sun.html

Vancouver Whitecaps' striker Katie Thorlakson is unlikely to play Saturday's W-League home opener against the visiting Seattle Sounders Saints.

The 21-year-old from Langley suffered a potentially serious right knee injury during yesterday's practice at Burnaby Lake Sports Complex.

"It was an innocent little movement, and there was no collision or challenge," said Whitecaps' women's team head coach Bob Birarda.

Birarda said she changed directions and kept moving. A player nearby apparently heard Thorlakson's knee pop. After practice, she was helped off the grass field, grimacing and wearing a large ice pack around her knee.

Three of Thorlakson's eight goals last season were game winners. She led the club with eight assists.

[Joe MacCarthy]

24 seconds with Candace Chapman
By BOB MACKIN -- 24 Hours Vancouver
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2006/06/06/1616907-sun.html

Position: Defender
Number: 19
Born: April 2, 1983 in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Hometown: Ajax, Ont.
First season with Whitecaps

Claim to fame: Won 2004's NCAA championship with Whitecaps' teammate Katie Thorlakson at University of Notre Dame.

24 hours: You're the honorary co-chair of Soccerio festival, along with Alfredo Valente.

#19, Candace Chapman: "It's definitely something special to be on Commercial Drive and knowing what the atmosphere is like. It's great to introduce it."

24: Who do you think will win the July 9 final?

#19: "Brazil, but I was born in Trinidad and Tobago, so I hope to see them do well, too."

24: You grew up in Toronto. Where are the hotspots there to watch World Cup televised matches?

#19: "The Danforth is pretty multicultural. That area will be buzzing when the World Cup starts."

24: You have quite a schedule with the Whitecaps and the national team. How are you going to squeeze in some quality World Cup viewing time?

#19: "I'm not going to be able to see every game, but while we're in camp or away, all the girls love watching them. That's one of the things that brought me to Vancouver, a lot of national team players and a great team-in-training atmosphere."

[Joe MacCarthy]

Question of depth
'Caps tested as national team beckons
By BOB MACKIN -- 24 Hours Vancouver
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2006/06/06/1616908-sun.html

Canada isn't among the 32 nations contesting the 2006 FIFA World Cup. It'll be the fifth consecutive time the men have missed after debuting 20 years ago in Mexico.

Maple leaf women, meanwhile, are plotting their route to 2007's Women's World Cup in China.

Under head coach Even Pellerud, the women were the first Canadian squad (male or female) to win a quarterfinal match in World Cup play during 2003's tournament in the U.S.

The 1-0 win on Oct. 2, 2003 eliminated China, 1999's runner-up. Canada lost a semi-final to eventual runner-up Sweden and came home fourth in the world.

To get to China in September 2007, Canada must qualify this November against other nations in CONCACAF, the North and Central America and Caribbean zone.

Pellerud will convene a week-long training camp Sunday in Nanaimo, which means Whitecaps like Andrea Neil, Christine Sinclair, Kara Lang and Erin McLeod will be Vancouver Island-bound after hosting the Mile High Edge at Swangard Stadium Saturday (7 p.m.).

"The goal is to get together more often and not completely just disrupt the W-League season for huge portions of the year," said Neil. "Some of the W-League teams were able to schedule games around national team camps."

Canada, which included 10 Whitecaps, beat Netherlands in March friendlies in Vancouver and Victoria. Canada won all five games during April's training camp tour against NCAA teams.

The Nats' next match is June 25 against Italy in Etobicoke, Ont. Whitecaps' head coach Bob Birarda will rely on reserves for a three-game, mid-June tour of Colorado and June 25's home game against the Fort Collins Force.

Birarda is already preparing. In Saturday's 5-0 road win over the San Diego Gauchos, he gave substantial playing time to Kirsteen Buchan, Ciara McCormack, Ashley McGhee, Lindsay Rohla and Stephanie Smith. Only McCormack figured in scoring as she assisted the second Sinclair goal. Lang also had a pair and Martina Franko a single. McLeod registered the shutout.

Whitecaps are stocked with the present and future of Canada's national team program, but fans could get a glimpse of the past. The reserves' roster includes 40-year-old Geri Donnelly. The Port Moody product scored Canada's first international women's goals in a 2-1 victory over the U.S. on July 9, 1986. She retired after captaining Canada in 1999's Women's World Cup.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Pellerud Announces Training Squad for Nanaimo
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2459

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s Women’s National Team Head Coach, Even Pellerud, has selected his 19 woman roster for Canada’s upcoming training camp in Nanaimo, BC from June 10-17, 2006.

Pellerud has called upon a familiar group for this camp as the players listed cumulatively account for 886 caps, 206 goals, and 27 shutouts for Canada.

Canada’s next friendly takes place against Italians at Centennial Stadium in Toronto on June 25th. Kickoff for the match is scheduled for 6:00 pm ET.

'While the month of May allowed the players to have priority on game fitness and W-League upstart, the Nanaimo camp kicks off the busiest summer season ever for the Women’s National team,” said Pellerud. “The camp will be an extremely busy week for the players; with emphasis on fitness as well as mental training and lots of practices and scrimmages.

“It is our hope that by the end of this camp we have stepped our level on defence and offence, and that we have secured a good physical foundation for the upcoming fall schedule. On a shorter term, we will take advantage of this camp in preparing the team for the exciting showdown against the experienced Italy team later this month in Toronto.

“The Nanaimo organizing committee has done a good job for us in securing good facilities.”

Canada is preparing for the the six-team (Canada, Mexico, Panama, USA (host), and two teams from the Caribbean Final Round) Women’s Gold Cup™ in November, which will crown the CONCACAF champion, and will also qualify two nations to the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup in China. The third-place finisher from the CONCACAF event will face an Asian team in a home-and-away playoff for the final berth to the FIFA tournament.

Camp Roster
Player POS DOB Caps G/S Club Hometown
1 LeBlanc, Karina GK 3/30/1980 50 18 New Jersey Wildcats Maple Ridge, BC
2 Latham, Christine D 9/15/1981 46 15 Atlanta Silverbacks Calgary, AB
3 Booth, Melanie D/M 8/24/1984 15 0 University of Florida Burlington, ON
4 Andrews, Sasha D 2/24/1983 30 3 Vancouver Whitecaps Edmonton, AB
5 Neil, Andrea M 10/26/1971 111 22 Vancouver Whitecaps Vancouver, BC
6 Nonen, Sharolta D 12/30/1977 60 1 Atlanta Silverbacks Vancouver, BC
7 Tancredi, Melissa M 12/28/1981 12 0 Atlanta Silverbacks Hamilton, ON
8 Matheson, Diana M 4/16/1984 43 1 Ottawa Fury Oakville, ON
9 Franko, Martina D 1/13/1976 6 2 Vancouver Whitecaps Squamish, BC
10 Hooper, Charmaine F 1/15/1968 128 67 New Jersey Wildcats Ottawa, ON
11 Hermus, Randee D 11/14/1979 67 5 Vancouver Whitecaps Langley, BC
12 Sinclair, Christine F 06/12/1983 75 55 Vancouver Whitecaps Burnaby, BC
13 Walsh, Amy M 9/13/1977 69 5 Laval Comets St. Bruno, QC
14 Allen, Amber M/F 10/21/1975 17 4 Vancouver Whitecaps Pitt Meadows, BC
15 Lang, Kara F/M 10/22/1986 53 23 Vancouver Whitecaps Oakville, ON
16 Wilkinson, Rhian F 05/12/1982 22 3 Ottawa Fury Baie D’Urfe, QC
17 Timko, Brittany F/M 09/05/1985 47 0 Vancouver Whitecaps Coquitlam, BC
20 Swiatek, Taryn GK 02/04/1981 20 5 Ottawa Fury Calgary, AB
22 McLeod, Erin GK 2/26/1983 15 4 Vancouver Whitecaps Calgary, AB

Staff
Even Pellerud - Head Coach
Ian Bridge - Assistant Coach
Shel Brodsgaard - Goalkeeper Coach
Les Meszaros - Manager
Dave Adolph - Athletic Therapist
Jamie Fales - Staff/Equipment
Saul Miller - Sport Psychologist

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Pellerud Releases Roster for Italy Friendly
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2462

http://i6.tinypic.com/153lisx.jpg
Canada’s Starting 11 vs Holland on March 4

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s Women’s head coach, Even Pellerud, has released his 17-woman roster for the upcoming June 25th International Friendly against Italy. The Canadians will host the Italians at Centennial Stadium in Toronto with the kickoff scheduled for 6:00 pm ET.

The Italian friendly will kickoff a very busy few months for Pellerud’s squad as he begins to ramp up his preparations for qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in China next summer. The Canadians have lined up several friendlies between now and late August with high ranking teams from CONCACAF, Asia, and Europe (details to be released soon) but the Italian friendly will be the first stern test for his team since the two-game Holland series in mid March 2006.

“We have a couple of exciting months to look forward to - with a number of top standard international games lined up.”

“The first of which will be the game against Italy in Toronto. Italy has an enviable soccer tradition - and their women’s program works in line with that great soccer culture. Italy is at the moment challenging Norway for first spot in their UEFA Qualifying group for China 2007 – their only loss was away to Norway (1-0) so this should be an indication of the quality of opposition our team will face June 25th.”

“But we will be ready for the challenge since our team should be well prepared and fit following a week of successful training in Nanaimo, BC.”

Pellerud has selected an experienced team ahead of Sunday’s friendly with Italy. Sixty percent of the squad have more than 40 full senior caps for Canada and 15 of the 17 players currently ply their trade in the highly competitive USL W-League.

However, Pellerud has invited a debutant into his team for the June 25th friendly. Ottawa Fury defender Robyn Gayle, a veteran of two youth World Championships, will be hoping to impress Pellerud in her first appearance with the full senior side.

Match Information
June 25 - CANADA vs. Italy – Centennial Stadium, Etobicoke, ON – 18:00 ET

Roster - CANADA

# Player POS DOB Caps G/S Club Hometown
1 LeBlanc, Karina GK 3/30/1980 50 18 New Jersey Wildcats Maple Ridge, BC
2 Latham, Christine D 9/15/1981 46 15 Atlanta Silverbacks Calgary, AB
3 Booth, Melanie D/M 8/24/1984 15 0 University of Florida Burlington, ON
4 Cicchini, Amanda M 2/28/1987 4 0 Toronto Lynx Oakville, ON
5 Neil, Andrea M 10/26/1971 111 22 Vancouver Whitecaps Vancouver, BC
6 Nonen, Sharolta D 12/30/1977 60 1 Atlanta Silverbacks Vancouver, BC
7 Dennis, Tanya D 8/26/1985 13 0 University of Nebraska Brampton, ON
8 Matheson, Diana M 4/16/1984 43 1 Ottawa Fury Oakville, ON
9 Franko, Martina D 1/13/1976 6 2 Vancouver Whitecaps Squamish, BC
10 Hooper, Charmaine F 1/15/1968 128 67 New Jersey Wildcats Ottawa, ON
11 Hermus, Randee D 11/14/1979 67 5 Vancouver Whitecaps Langley, BC
12 Sinclair, Christine F 06/12/1983 75 55 Vancouver Whitecaps Burnaby, BC
13 Walsh, Amy M 9/13/1977 69 5 Laval Comets St. Bruno, QC
14 Gayle, Robyn M 10/31/1985 0 0 Ottawa Fury Mississauga, ON
16 Wilkinson, Rhian F 05/12/1982 22 3 Ottawa Fury Baie D’Urfe, QC
17 Timko, Brittany F/M 09/05/1985 47 0 Vancouver Whitecaps Coquitlam, BC
22 McLeod, Erin GK 2/26/1983 15 4 Vancouver Whitecaps Calgary, AB

Staff
Even Pellerud - Head Coach
Ian Bridge - Assistant Coach
Shel Brodsgaard - Goalkeeper Coach
Les Meszaros - Manager
Dave Adolph - Athletic Therapist
Cathy Campbell - Team Doctor

[Joe MacCarthy]

Canada's game against Italy kicks off busy few months for women's team
By LORI EWING
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2006/06/24/1651229-cp.html

(CP) - Canada's long road back to the women's World Cup starts Sunday in Toronto.

The Canadian women's soccer team hosts Italy at Centennial Stadium, kicking off a busy few months of training and a string of international friendlies heading into World Cup qualifying.

The Italy match will be a stern test against a top European side, said head coach Even Pellerud, and will be a welcome break for the players in the midst of gruelling training.

"We are having a lot of days together in camps this summer and fall, and of course it's hard to keep the motivation up if you don't play the games like this," Pellerud said in a phone interview from Vancouver, before departing for Toronto.

"And the games tell us more than practices, about mental abilities and mental strength, and deficiencies technically and individually."

Pellerud is fielding an experienced side against the Italians, led by veterans Charmaine Hooper and Christine Sinclair, and 60 per cent of his roster has more than 40 full senior caps.

Pellerud has added a trio of Ontario players to the roster. Robyn Gayle of Mississauga will make her international senior debut, while Melanie Booth of Burlington and Tanya Dennis of Brampton return to the squad.

"It's an experienced starting lineup and more of a younger group on the bench," said Pellerud.

The friendly is Canada's first since a two-game series against the Netherlands in early March. Canada won both games, 3-1 in Victoria and 1-0 in Vancouver. Pellerud has lined up a number of friendlies against high-ranking teams between now and late August as the team prepares for the six-team Gold Cup in November. The top two teams from the Gold Cup - between Canada, Mexico, Panama, the U.S., and two teams from the Caribbean final round - will earn berths in the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup in China.

In No. 10-ranked Italy, the Canadians, ranked 11th in the world, face an opponent that plays the game in the same manner as its male counterparts, says Pellerud.

"They are a product of the Italian soccer culture, so what you see with the men's team, you see the same thing with the women's team," Pellerud said. "They have stars, they are pulling shirts, they are dropping down dead . . . all the same things.

"But they are very skilful and very soccer smart. I'm sure it's going to be a very, very intense game."

The Italians are on the rise on the international scene, he added.

"Italy has always been very good and very hard to beat," said Pellerud. "But they've always lacked that last step to become a world class team. They're close, but they're not up there yet."

Sunday's game marks the first appearance by the senior women's team in Toronto since it played Norway here in 2002.

"I'm very excited to play the game at Centennial Stadium against Italy because as far as I know it's a loud stadium, and I think that is really great," said Pellerud. "We need to be playing games across Canada because we have a big support base in Ontario. It's good for us to come back to Ontario."

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Canada Defeats Italy 2-1 in Toronto
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2465

Toronto, Ontario – In their first encounter with Head Coach Even Pellerud at the helm, Canada’s Women’s National Team dominated Italy 2-1 in an International friendly played in a sold out Centennial Stadium in Toronto on June 25, 2006. In four prior encounters, Canada had only managed to earn one draw and three losses to their counterparts.

Within two minutes from the opening whistle, Canada was ahead by two with two quick goals. The first was a resulted after Rhian Wilkinson crossed the ball into the goal area where Italian defender Cristina Cassanelli headed the ball to clear the pass but the ball few past the Italian keeper Carla Brunozzi and into her own net.

Less than a minute later, Christine Sinclair slid the ball to Charmaine Hooper for an easy tap past Brunozzi for her 68th goal.

Italy cut the deficit with a penalty taken by Silvia Fuselli in the 32nd minute after Christine Latham was called for tripping Alessia Tuttino in the penalty area. They looked for the equalizer in the 45th minute as Venusia Paliotti battled with the Canadian defence for a shot but was blocked by the Canadian keeper Erin McLeod who rushed up to meet the attack.

For the remainder of the match, Canada continued to dominate but was unable increase the lead.

Robyn Gayle of Mississauga, Ontario earned her first cap with the national team.

“This game was marked a pretty inconsistent performance with a strong beginning of the first half that slowed down,” said Pellerud. “We began second half slowly, but we were able to dominate the last thirty minutes and we created many goal scoring opportunities. I think Italy was lucky to get away with the 2-1 final result.”

“We need to step up the game more in terms of where we need to be, but we will get there.”

The Italian friendly marks a very busy few months for Pellerud’s squad as he begins to ramp up his preparations for qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in China next summer. The Canadians have lined up several friendlies between now and late August with high ranking teams from CONCACAF, Asia, and Europe (details to be released soon).

CSA Returns to GTA on July 7, 2006

Canada’s Men’s Under-20 Team will play in Toronto in less than two weeks when they take on CONCACAF rivals USA at the Rogers Centre on July 9, 2006. Tickets range from $19.00-$39.00 plus applicable service charges and are available via Ticketmaster at 416.872.5000 or online at www.ticketmaster.ca.

Two days later, both teams will clash at Richardson Stadium in Kingston, Ontario on July 9th. Tickets are priced at $29.00 for Centre Gold Reserved seating, $19.00 for Sideline Reserved seating, and $12.00 for General Admission seating and can be purchased at the Physical Education Centre on the campus of Queen’s University at 613-533-6000 x 74715, and online at www.whatsonkingston.com and www.goldengaels.com.

Match Info

Sunday, June 25, 2006 - International Friendly
Centennial Stadium – Toronto, Ontario
Attendance: 4,325

CANADA - 2 (2)
ITALY – 1 (1)

Goals: Canada - Hooper (2); Italy - Cassanelli (OG) (1), Zorri (PK) (32)
Cautions: Canada - Latham (32); Italy - Fuselli (86)
Expulsions – none

CANADA
22-McLeod, Erin; 2-Latham, Christine; 3-Booth, Melanie; 5-Neil, Andrea (17-Timko, Brittany, 61); 6-Nonen, Sharolta; 8-Matheson, Diana; 9-Franko, Martina (11-Hermus, Randee, 90+); 10-Hooper, Charmaine (C); 12-Sinclair, Christine; 13-Walsh, Amy (4-Cicchini, Amanda, 81); 16-Wilkinson, Rhian (14-Gayle, Robyn, 71)

Head Coach: Even Pellerud
Subs not used: 1-LeBlanc, Karina; 7-Dennis, Tanya

ITALY
1-Brunozzi, Carla; 2-Cassanelli, Cristina (22-Masia, Margherita Gioia, 16) (13-Gama, Sara, 78); 3-Tavalazzi, Daniela (17-Dadda, Roberta, 65); 4-Di Filippo, Sara; 5-Tona, Elisabetta; 6-Perelli, Giulia; 7-Tuttino, Alessia; 8-Paliotti, Venusia; 9-Marsico, Teresina Lina (15-Fuselli, Silvia, 63); 10-Zorri, Tatiana (C); 11-Rosciani, Elisa

Head Coach: Pietro Ghedin
Subs not used: 12-Marchitelli, Chiara; 14-Pini, Carolina; 16-Schiavi, Viviana; 18-Gabbiadini, Melania; 19-Camporese, Elisa; 20-Colasuonno, Fabiana; 21-Sabatino, Daniela

[Joe MacCarthy]

Canadian women beat Italy
By LORI EWING
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2006/06/25/1653074-cp.html

TORONTO (CP) - Canada's plan Sunday was to strike early. The Canadians couldn't have orchestrated it any better.

Charmaine Hooper's goal in only the second minute of the game proved to be the winner as Canada's women's soccer team beat Italy 2-1 in a friendly at Centennial Stadium.

"What we really needed to do was go out there early and pressure them and capture them by surprise, and I think we did," said Hooper.

The game marked Canada's first victory over Italy and the first of a number of international matches the Canadians will play in their march back to the World Cup.

"It's nice to get another international game in and to win is very important because I think one of the things this team needs to do is learn how to win when we have to," said striker Christine Sinclair. "Our team, you can see we're starting to come together, starting to play better as a team."

The victory came without one of the team's biggest stars in Kara Lang. The 19-year-old striker tore her anterior cruciate ligament 10 days ago in training camp and is expected to be out for up to eight months.

Canada actually got on the scoreboard in the first minute Sunday, after Italy's Cristina Cassanelli headed in an own goal to put Canada up 1-0.

The veteran Hooper made it 2-0 in the second minute in her 129th international appearance, one-timing a cross from Sinclair from just outside the six-yard box.

"It was obvious that they weren't ready because I was all alone in the box," said Hooper. "Christine Sinclair was able to play a great ball across. There was a turnover before that that got that cross. (My teammates) did all the work, all I had to do was play the ball right in the goal."

Italy finally got on the scoreboard in the 32nd minute on a penalty kick from captain Tatiana Zorri, the result of a rough tackle in the box by Canadian defender Christine Latham.

The No. 11-ranked Canadians were all over 10th-ranked Italy in the second half, much to the delight of the crowd of 4,325, dotted with young girls with painted faces and decked out in Canadian soccer jersies.

"It was a great crowd, it's always nice to play in Canada, we don't have enough games in Canada," said Hooper.

The Canadians peppered Italian 'keeper Carla Brunozzi with shot after shot, one of the best scoring chances coming in the 48th minute when Latham sent a header just over the top of the net off a free kick. The 38-year-old Hooper nearly scored her second of the game in the 67th minute, with a hard volley off a cross from Wilkinson that sailed just wide of the net.

Canada outshot Italy 16-6 for the game, and 11-2 in the second half.

"We started strong and finished strong," said head coach Even Pellerud.

Sunday's friendly was the first of a string of international matches Pellerud has planned this summer in Canada's preparations for World Cup qualifying. A top-two finish at the Gold Cup in November will assure the Canadians a berth in the 2007 World Cup in China.

The team will be without Lang for throughout the qualifying period at least. The Oakville, Ont., native said she injured her right knee going up for a ball and landing awkwardly. She'll have surgery in mid-July in Vancouver, where she plays for the Whitecaps.

"When it happened (I knew it was serious), because me and everyone else on the field heard the pop," said Lang. "It was definitely a little bit scary."

Lang, who sat on the bench Sunday with her right knee packed in ice, vows to be back in time for the World Cup.

"This was probably the most disappointing thing that's ever happened to me so far. But it's not a career-ending injury, it's just a long process of rehabilitation," said Lang, who has 23 goals in 52 appearances for Canada. "It's just disappointing that I have to be out for so long."

Canada finished fourth at the 2003 World Cup, but failed to qualify for the 2004 Athens Olympics.

The game was Canada's first in Toronto since a friendly here against Norway in 2002.

The Canadians last played together in March in a two-game series against the Netherlands. Canada won both games, 3-1 in Victoria and 1-0 in Vancouver.

Canada had played Italy four times before, losing three and tying one.

NOTES: Sinclair, who led the University of Portland to a perfect season and the U.S college title, is one of five finalists for the 2006 Honda-Broderick Cup as the top female athlete in the NCAA.

"It's unexpected but it's quite an honour and to see the list of the people that have won it before. . . it's just an honour to be nominated," said Sinclair. The winner will be announced in a news conference Monday.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Nice to see them playing in Canadian historic surroundings, sporting and otherwise (King George V and Dieppe).

Women’s National Team
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Canada’s Women to Play Sweden, USA, China, and France this Summer
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2468

Ottawa, Ontario – The Canadian National Women’s team have six International Friendlies lined up over the next few months as Even Pellerud’s squad continues to prepare for the CONCACAF Qualifying Tournament in November of this year. The tournament will determine the CONCACAF representatives (2.5 teams) for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in China.

Canada will begin their busy two months in Blaine, MN where they are scheduled to play against Sweden on July 18, 2006. The match will be a part of the Schwan’s USA Cup festivities and will follow the Sweden vs. USA game scheduled for July 15. Tickets for the matches can be purchased through the Schwan’s USA Cup organizers – 763-717-3239 - or at nscsports.org and US Soccer’s official website at ussoccer.com.

The Canadians will then travel to Cary, NC for a clash with their CONCACAF rivals, USA, on July 30. Tickets for this game can still be purchased online at ussoccer.com, at all Cary, NC area Ticketmaster outlets (including Hechts, FYE, and Publix Stores) and by phone at (919) 834-4000. Groups of 15 or more can purchase tickets by logging onto ussoccer.com or calling (312) 528-1290.

This will mark the 36th time (3 wins, 3 draws, 29 losses) Canada and the USA have met since their first encounter in 1986, easily the most of any Canadian opponent (China and Brazil are second with 13 matches).

Two weeks later, Pellerud’s squad will gather in St. John’s, NF for a two-game series against perennial Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifiers, China. The two matches will take place on August 19 and 22 at the King George V Stadium. The opening game (August 19) of the two-game series will kickoff at 16:00 (local time) and the second match (August 22) will kickoff at 19:00 (local time).

Tickets for the matches in St. John’s will be $20.00 for Adults and $15.00 for Youth. A pass for both matches of the two-game series can be purchased for $30.00 for Adults and $20.00 for Youth and can be obtained by calling the Newfoundland & Labrador Soccer Association (NLSA) at 709-576-0601. All tickets will be General Admission.

Canada will then close out August in Europe with two friendlies scheduled against France on August 26 in Rouen and on August 29 in Dieppe.

The French are currently second in their UEFA Qualifying Group, three points adrift of current leaders England, with only two games to play – both those games are at home and the last of the two is a mouth-watering clash against England set for September 30 that may decide the winner of Group 5.

Match Information (all times are local)
July 18 – CANADA vs. Sweden – National Sports Center, Blaine, MN – 19:30
July 30 – CANADA vs. USA – SAS Soccer Park, Cary, NC – 13:00
August 19 – CANADA vs. China – King George V Stadium, St. John’s, NF – 16:00
August 22 – CANADA vs. China – King George V Stadium, St. John’s, NF – 19:00
August 26 – CANADA vs. France – Rouen, France – 18:00
August 29 – CANADA vs. France – Dieppe, France – 19:00

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Canada’s Roster for Sweden Friendly Released
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2476

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s Women’s National Team head coach, Even Pellerud, has released his 19-woman roster for Canada’s upcoming International friendly against Sweden on July 18th in Blaine, MN, USA.

The match will be a part of the Schwan’s USA Cup festivities and will follow the Sweden vs. USA game scheduled for July 15. Tickets for the matches can be purchased through the Schwan’s USA Cup organizers – 763-717-3239 - or at nscsports.org and US Soccer’s official website at ussoccer.com.

The match against a 5th ranked Sweden will undoubtedly provide Pellerud with an excellent gauge as to how his squad has been progressing throughout the early summer months.

Canada (11th ranked), currently riding a five-game unbeaten streak, defeated a strong Italian team in Toronto on June 25th and will looking to carry some momentum from the victory over the Italians into their clash with the Swedes – the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup runner’s-up.

The match against Sweden will also kick-off a tremendously busy summer for Pellerud’s side.

Following the match against the Swedes, the Canadians will then travel to Cary, NC for a clash with their CONCACAF rivals, USA, on July 30. Tickets for this game can still be purchased online at ussoccer.com, at all Cary, NC area Ticketmaster outlets (including Hechts, FYE, and Publix Stores) and by phone at (919) 834-4000. Groups of 15 or more can purchase tickets by logging onto ussoccer.com or calling (312) 528-1290.

This will mark the 36th time (3 wins, 3 draws, 29 losses) Canada and the USA have met since their first encounter in 1986, easily the most of any Canadian opponent (China and Brazil are second with 13 matches).

Following their date with the US, Pellerud’s squad will gather in St. John’s, NF for a two-game series against perennial Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifiers, China. The two matches will take place on August 19 and 22 at the King George V Stadium. The opening game (August 19) of the two-game series will kickoff at 16:00 (local time) and the second match (August 22) will kickoff at 19:00 (local time).

Tickets for the matches in St. John’s will be $20.00 for Adults and $15.00 for Youth. A pass for both matches of the two-game series can be purchased for $30.00 for Adults and $20.00 for Youth and can be obtained by calling the Newfoundland & Labrador Soccer Association (NLSA) at 709-576-0601. All tickets will be General Admission.

Canada will then close out August in Europe with two friendlies scheduled against France on August 26 in Rouen and on August 29 in Dieppe.

Upcoming Match Information (all times are local)
July 18 – CANADA vs. Sweden – National Sports Center, Blaine, MN – 19:30
July 30 – CANADA vs. USA – SAS Soccer Park, Cary, NC – 13:00
August 19 – CANADA vs. China – King George V Stadium, St. John’s, NF – 16:00
August 22 – CANADA vs. China – King George V Stadium, St. John’s, NF – 19:00
August 26 – CANADA vs. France – Rouen, France – 18:00
August 29 – CANADA vs. France – Dieppe, France – 19:00

Roster – CANADA

# Player POS DOB Caps Goals/Shutouts Club Hometown
1 LeBlanc, Karina GK 3/30/1980 50 18 New Jersey Wildcats Maple Ridge, BC
2 Latham, Christine D 9/15/1981 47 15 Atlanta Silverbacks Calgary, AB
3 Booth, Melanie D/M 8/24/1984 16 0 University of Florida Burlington, ON
4 Andrews, Sasha D 2/24/1983 30 3 Vancouver Whitecaps Edmonton, AB
5 Neil, Andrea M 10/26/1971 112 22 Vancouver Whitecaps Vancouver, BC
6 Nonen, Sharolta D 12/30/1977 61 1 Atlanta Silverbacks Vancouver, BC
7 Dennis, Tanya D 8/26/1985 13 0 University of Nebraska Brampton, ON
8 Matheson, Diana M 4/16/1984 44 1 Ottawa Fury Oakville, ON
9 Franko, Martina D 1/13/1976 7 2 Vancouver Whitecaps Squamish, BC
10 Hooper, Charmaine F 1/15/1968 129 68 New Jersey Wildcats Ottawa, ON
11 Hermus, Randee D 11/14/1979 68 5 Vancouver Whitecaps Langley, BC
12 Sinclair, Christine F 12/6/1983 76 55 Vancouver Whitecaps Burnaby, BC
13 Walsh, Amy M 9/13/1977 70 5 Laval Comets St. Bruno, QC
14 Allen, Amber M/F 10/21/1975 17 4 Vancouver Whitecaps Pitt Meadows, BC
18 Gayle, Robyn M 10/31/1985 1 0 Ottawa Fury Mississauga, ON
16 Wilkinson, Rhian F 12/5/1982 23 3 Ottawa Fury Baie D’Urfe, QC
17 Timko, Brittany F/M 5/9/1985 48 0 Vancouver Whitecaps Coquitlam, BC
22 McLeod, Erin GK 2/26/1983 16 4 Vancouver Whitecaps Calgary, AB
20 Swiatek, Taryn GK 4/2/1981 20 5 Ottawa Fury Calgary, AB

[Joe MacCarthy]

Hooper, Sinclair headline Canada roster for friendly against Swedes
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2006/07/13/1683502-cp.html

OTTAWA (CP) - Veteran strikers Charmaine Hooper and Christine Sinclair will lead Canada's women's soccer team in Tuesday's friendly against Sweden, kicking off a busy summer for the women's side.

No. 11-ranked Canada carries a five-game unbeaten streak into the game in Blaine, Minn., after a 2-1 win over Italy last month in Toronto. Canadian coach Even Pellerud is looking for his team to continue that momentum into the match against the fifth-ranked Swedes, as Canada continues its march back to World Cup.

After Sweden, the team battles rival U.S. in Cary, N.C., on July 30. Then the team will head to St. John's, N.L., for a two-game series against China, Aug. 19 and 22.

Canada closes out August in Europe with two friendlies against France, Aug. 26 in Rouen and Aug. 29 in Dieppe.

The busy schedule is part of the preparations for World Cup qualifying. A top-two finish at the Gold Cup in November will assure the Canadians a berth in the 2007 World Cup in China.

The one notable absence in the roster, announced Thursday, is Kara Lang. The 19-year-old is expected to be out up to eight months after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee. She injured the knee at a national team training camp just under a month ago, landing awkwardly after going up for a ball.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Hooper Scores Three In 4-2 Win Over Sweden
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2481

http://i2.tinypic.com/20gxzeq.jpg
Charmaine Hooper Scores 71st Goal in 130 Appearances
Photo: CSA/Dale MacMillan

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s Charmaine Hooper scored a hat trick on Tuesday as the Canadian Women’s National Team defeated Sweden 4-2 in Blaine, Minnesota.

Canada was ahead 2-1 by the half with two goals by Hooper. Hooper scored her first after she received a terrific feed from Christine Sinclair which she then headed from the top of the six yard box past the Swedish goalkeeper. In the 20th minute, Martina Franko played the ball into the box, but a poor clearance fell to Hooper who volleyed the ball over the keeper.

Sweden’s Victoria Svensson scored in the 38th minute.

In the second half, the score line remained similar, but this time it was Sinclair who broke past the last defender on a Melanie Booth pass and sent the ball to the far post in the 58th minute.

One minute later, Hooper netted her third of the match and 71st for Canada in 130 appearances. Canada’s free kick by Sharolta Nonen bounced off a Swedish defender where Hooper ran onto the ball with nothing but an open net for a target.

Sweden’s Therese Lundin scored in the 80th minute.

“A strong 4-2 win against fifth ranked Sweden secured our teams’ sixth game without defeat in 2006. The players came out very strong and determined and it was only a question of time before we scored with Sinclair and Hooper looking very sharp in the first half. Hooper scored two stunning goals before Sweden slowly but surely picked up the pace of the game and they earned the goal they scored by halftime,” said Even Pellerud.

'Again, we came out strong in the second half and scored two additional goals. It was uphill for Sweden after that, but they took advantage of a better level of soccer fitness and dominated possession the last thirty minutes. They also managed to create a couple of goal chances and it would not have been undeserved if they had scored one more. However the better team won this even played, tempo filled game.”

Canada’s next math takes place against the United States on July 30th at the SAS Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina.

July 18th, 2006 – International Friendly Blaine, Minnesota

Canada 4 (2)
Sweden 2 (1)

Goals: Canada – Hooper (16, 20, 59), Sinclair (58); Sweden – Svensson (36), Lundin (80)
Cautions: n/a

Canada: Erin McLeod; Melanie Booth; Martina Franko (Sasha Andrews, 85); Randy Hermus (Andrea Neil, 70); Charmaine Hooper; Christine Latham; Dianna Matheson; Sharolta Nonen; Christine Sinclair; Brittany Timko (Robyn Gayle, 75); Amy Walsh

Head Coach: Even Pellerud

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women stretch unbeaten streak
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2006/07/19/1692340-cp.html

BLAINE, Minn. (CP) - The Canadian women's soccer team has stretched its unbeaten streak to six games.

Veteran Charmaine Hooper scored a hat trick to lead Canada to a 4-2 win over Sweden on Tuesday night while Christine Sinclair also scored in a friendly that was part of the Schwan USA Cup tournament.

"The players came out very strong and determined and it was only a question of time before we scored with Sinclair and Hooper looking very sharp in the first half," said coach Even Pellerud. "The better team won this even played, tempo filled game."

Hooper opened in the 16th minute for the 11th-ranked Canadians, heading in a ball from Sinclair from the top of the six-yard box. She added her second in the 20th when Martina Franko played the ball into the box, and Hooper volleyed the ball over the Swedish 'keeper.

Victoria Svensson scored in the 38th minute for the No. 5-ranked Swedes.

Sinclair scored in the 58th minute to make it 3-1, breaking past the last defender on a pass from Melanie Booth and sending the ball to the far post. Hooper capped her hat trick - and recorded her 71st goal in 130 career appearances - a minute later, scoring on a rebound off a free kick from Sharolta Nonen.

Therese Lundin scored Sweden's second goal in the 80th minute.

The Canadian women next play the U.S. in Cary, N.C., on July 30. The team will then head to St. John's, N.L., for a two-game series against China, Aug. 19 and 22.

The busy schedule is part of the preparations for World Cup qualifying. A top-two finish at the Gold Cup in November will assure the Canadians a berth in the 2007 World Cup in China.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Canada’s Roster for USA Friendly Released
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2489

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s Women’s National Team head coach, Even Pellerud, today released his 15-woman roster for the upcoming International friendly against their CONCACAF rivals, USA, on July 30 at the SAS Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina.

This match will mark the 36th time (3 wins, 3 draws, 29 losses) Canada and the USA have met since their first encounter in 1986, easily the most of any Canadian opponent (China and Brazil are second with 13 matches each).

Canada (11th ranked), is currently riding a six-game unbeaten streak after defeating Sweden 4-2 on July 17. The team is looking to stretch the current four game winning record and continue to gain momentum towards the six-team Women’s Gold Cup™ in November.

Charmaine Hooper (Ottawa, ON) has been included on the roster. Hooper was the force to be reckoned with as she scored three of the four Canadian goals against Sweden lifting her record to a lofty 71 goals in 130 appearances. The other Canadian goal scorer in that match was Christine Sinclair (Burnaby, BC) who is also available for the USA clash. Sinclair has now tallied 56 goals in 77 matches.

“Our roster is spread thin at the moment. With an unreasonable number of injuries and with our U-20 candidates preparing for Russia, it has definitely proven to be a challenge to select a team for this single game against USA,” stated Pellerud. “In spite of that, it is a confident team heading to the United States.

“Our players are good adjusting to challenges of this nature and we will try to build on the great win against Sweden last week in Minnesota.

“Within the game, we realize that we still need to improve our defensive record, we are conceding too many goals and that topic needs to be an ongoing priority moving forward. The US is a big task as they field some of the best attacking players in this game and one of the greatest tasks these days is to keep target Abby Wambach off the scoring sheet.'

The match will be televised on ESPN 2 beginning at 1:00 PM ET.

Tickets for this game can still be purchased online at ussoccer.com, all Cary, NC area Ticketmaster outlets (including Hechts, FYE, and Publix Stores), and by phone at (919) 834-4000. Groups of 15 or more can purchase tickets by logging onto ussoccer.com or calling (312) 528-1290.

Canada vs. China

Following their date with the US, Pellerud’s squad will gather in St. John’s, NF for a two-game series against perennial Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifiers, China. The two matches will take place on August 19 and 22 at the King George V Stadium. The opening game (August 19) will kick-off at 16:00 (local time) and the second match (August 22) will kick-off at 17:30 (local time).

Tickets for these matches will be $20.00 for Adults and $15.00 for Youth. A pass for both matches of the two-game series can be purchased for $30.00 for Adults and $20.00 for Youth and can be obtained by calling the Newfoundland & Labrador Soccer Association (NLSA) at 709-576-0601. All tickets will be General Admission.

Immediately following the second China challenge, Canada will depart for Europe to play two friendlies against France on August 26 in Rouen, and August 29 in Dieppe.

Women’s Gold Cup™

The Women’s Gold Cup™ will crown the CONCACAF champion, and also qualify two nations to the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup in China. The third-place finisher from the CONCACAF event will face an Asian team in a home-and-away playoff for the final berth to the FIFA tournament.

Upcoming Match Information (all times are local)
July 30 – CANADA vs. USA – SAS Soccer Park, Cary, NC – 13:00
August 19 – CANADA vs. China – King George V Stadium, St. John’s, NF – 16:00
August 22 – CANADA vs. China – King George V Stadium, St. John’s, NF – 17:30
August 26 – CANADA vs. France – Rouen, France – 18:00
August 29 – CANADA vs. France – Dieppe, France – 19:00

Roster – CANADA

# Player POS DOB Caps G/S Club Hometown
1 LeBlanc, Karina GK 3/30/1980 50 18 New Jersey Wildcats Maple Ridge, BC
2 Latham, Christine F 9/15/1981 48 15 Atlanta Silverbacks Calgary, AB
3 Booth, Melanie D 8/24/1984 17 0 University of Florida Burlington, ON
4 Andrews, Sasha D 2/14/1983 31 3 Vancouver Whitecaps Edmonton, AB
5 Neil, Andrea M 10/26/1971 113 22 Vancouver Whitecaps Vancouver, BC
6 Nonen, Sharolta D 12/30/1977 62 1 Atlanta Silverbacks Vancouver, BC
9 Franko, Martina M/F 1/13/1976 8 2 Vancouver Whitecaps Squamish, BC
10 Hooper, Charmaine F/D 1/15/1968 130 71 New Jersey Wildcats Ottawa, ON
11 Hermus, Randee D 11/14/1979 69 5 Vancouver Whitecaps Langley, BC
12 Sinclair, Christine F 06/12/1983 77 56 Vancouver Whitecaps Burnaby, BC
13 Walsh, Amy M 9/13/1977 71 5 Laval Comets St-Bruno, QC
16 Schmidt, Sophie M 6/28/1988 13 2 Vancouver Whitecaps Abbotsford, BC
17 Timko, Brittany M/F 09/05/1985 49 0 Vancouver Whitecaps Coquitlam, BC
18 Jamani, Aysha F 6/28/1987 10 7 U. of Nebraska Calgary, AB
22 McLeod, Erin GK 2/26/1983 17 4 Vancouver Whitecaps Calgary, AB

Staff
Even Pellerud - Head Coach
Ian Bridge - Assistant Coach
Bryan Rosenfeld - Goalkeeper Coach
Les Meszaros - Team Manager
Dave Adolph - Athletic Therapist
Cathy Campbell - Team Doctor
Jamie Fales - Equipment Manager
Shelby Harlan - Massage Therapist

[Joe MacCarthy]

Hooper lashes out
By JIM MORRIS
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2006/07/28/1708034-cp.html

(CP) - Veteran national team striker Charmaine Hooper, who is never afraid to speak her mind, is furious members of the Ottawa Fury of the W-League won't be playing for Canada in an international soccer friendly against the U.S.

Hooper didn't mince her words Friday, saying it's a "no-brainer" that playing for the national team should take precedence over "some stupid W-League team."

The Canadian women play their arch rival the U.S. Sunday in Cary, N.C. The W-League is part of the United Soccer Leagues and is recognized as North America's best women's developmental organization.

"There are players that have been allowed to stay behind to play for their W-League teams which is absolutely ridiculous," Hooper said in a telephone interview. "I'm pissed off about it.

"I don't know whose decision it is, but that's beside the point. I think if there isn't a player here to play an international match, then there's a big problem."

National team coach Even Pellerud seemed perturbed by Hooper's comments. He said he had talked with the Fury six months ago and agreed the players could remain with the team so they could compete in this weekend's W-League playoffs.

"I need to keep my commitment, whether it's to a player or a club," Pellerud said. "This time it was to the club. I have no regrets on that.

"The Ottawa Fury has been a fantastic partner. They have (provided players) a lot of times and hurt themselves by that."

Canada goes into Sunday's game on a six-game unbeaten streak but with a roster depleted by injuries. Fury players who won't dress for Canada include midfielders Robyn Gayle and Diana Matheson, forward Rhian Wilkinson and keeper Taryn Swiatek.

Gayle and Matheson both played in Canada's 4-2 win over Sweden last week.

"Injures are not a problem," said Hooper. "We don't have players to fill our roster because they are off playing for their W-League teams when we have an international friendly.

"The players are partially at fault. The players need to make the decision. Just to say they are caught in the middle is an excuse. Make a decision as to where you want to play and say you want to be there and be there."

What frustrates Hooper even more is that she and national team goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc both play for the W-League New Jersey Wildcats.

The Wildcats are also involved in the playoffs. If New Jersey and Ottawa win their semifinal matches Saturday night, the two teams will play Sunday with the winner advancing to the W-League finals in Vancouver.

"We are not allowed to play in that game," fumed Hooper. "The Ottawa players are allowed to play in that game. You explain that."

Pellerud has other problems to deal with besides an angry Hooper.

A problem with connecting flights resulted in Pellerud, assistant coach Ian Bridge, plus players Brittany Timko, Christine Sinclair and Andrea Neil being stuck in the Chicago airport. They are not expected to arrive in North Carolina until late Friday night.

Other members of the team were able to practice in North Carolina Friday.

"This is nothing we can resolve and it's a great test for us," said Pellerud. "It's not a bad thing to happen in a friendly game."

Hooper, who grew up in Ottawa, leads all national team players with 130 caps and 71 goals. She has scored six goals in her last three games with the national team, including three in the win over Sweden.

The 38-year-old mother of one is looking forward to this year's qualifying for the 2007 women's World Cup in China. She also hasn't ruled out playing at the 2008 Beijing Olympics if Canada qualifies.

"Right now my health is probably the most important thing," Hooper said.

"If I'm healthy enough to play until the Olympics, then I may. If I'm still motivated to play until then, I will still play. My health and my desire to play are the two most important things."

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Canada’s Unbeaten Streak Ends
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2490

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s Women’s National team were today handed their first loss of the year with a 2-0 defeat to the United States in Cary, North Carolina. Canada was enjoying a six-game unbeaten streak since the year began; the last four were victories.

In the first minute of the cross-border clash, Abby Wambach took an ambitious shot on the Canadian net from 40 yards out which sailed over the crossbar.

Charmaine Hooper was provided an opportunity in the eighth minute when Martina Franko played a long ball to Hooper who then sent a half volley over the US net from 16 yards out.

The first goal of the match came after Wambach scored on a penalty taken against Canadian keeper Erin McLeod just before the end of the half. The penalty was awarded by referee Sandra Serefini after Wambach battled in the penalty area with Canadian defender Christine Latham and then went down.

The Americans put the match out of reach for the Canadians with their second and last goal in the 80th minute. Natasha Kai found herself on a breakaway and sent a shot towards the Canadian goal where McLeod made the stop. Kai then acquired the rebound and took another shot from four yards out into the open net.

Up next for Pellerud’s squad is a two-game series against China in John’s, NF. The two matches will take place on August 19th and 22nd at the King George V Stadium. The opening game (August 19) will kick-off at 16:00 (local time) and the second match (August 22) will kick-off at 17:30 (local time).

Tickets for these matches will be $20.00 for Adults and $15.00 for Youth. A pass for both matches of the two-game series can be purchased for $30.00 for Adults and $20.00 for Youth and can be obtained by calling the Newfoundland & Labrador Soccer Association (NLSA) at 709-576-0601. All tickets will be General Admission.

Immediately following the second China challenge, Canada will depart for Europe to play two friendlies against France on August 26 in Rouen, and August 29 in Dieppe.

Upcoming Match Information (all times are local)
August 19 – CANADA vs. China – King George V Stadium, St. John’s, NF – 16:00
August 22 – CANADA vs. China – King George V Stadium, St. John’s, NF – 17:30
August 26 – CANADA vs. France – Rouen, France – 18:00
August 29 – CANADA vs. France – Dieppe, France – 19:00

Match Statistics

July 30, 2006 – International Friendly SAS Soccer Stadium; Cary, N.C.
Attendance: 5,292

Canada 0 (0)
USA 2 (1)
Goals: USA - Wambach (45, PK), Kai (80)
Cautions: Canada - Walsh (63); USA – Miller (49), Kai (90)

Canada: 22-Erin McLeod; 2-Christine Latham, 3-Melanie Booth, 6-Sharolta Nonen, 11-Randee Hermus (18-Aysha Jamani.66); 16-Sophie Schmidt (5-Andrea Neil, 61), 13-Amy Walsh, 17-Brittany Timko (7-Amanda Cicchini, 55); 12-Christine Sinclair, 9-Martina Franko, 10-Charmaine Hooper; Head

Coach: Even Pellerud
Subs not used: 1-Karina LeBlanc, 4-Sasha Andrews, 14-Tanya Dennis

USA: 18-Hope Solo; 17-Lori Chalupny, 4-Cat Whitehill, 8-Tina Frimpong, (14-Amy LePeilbet, 46), 2-Heather Mitts; 12-Leslie Osborne, 15-Marci Miller, 10-Aly Wagner (Capt.) (11-Carli Lloyd, 66); 19-Christie Welsh (6-Natasha Kai, 36), 9-Heather O’Reilly (16-Megan Rapinoe, 82), 20-Abby Wambach; Head

Coach: Greg Ryan.
Subs not used: 1-Briana Scurry, 3-Christie Rampone, 5-Lindsay Tarpley

Referee: Sandra Serafini; AR1: Kim Oberle; AR2: Dan Burack; 4th Official: Charles Mitchell

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Monday, August 14, 2006
Pellerud annouces roster for China series
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2502

Ottawa, Ontario – Canadian Women’s National Team Head Coach, Even Pellerud, has announced today his 18-woman roster for the upcoming two-game friendly series versus perennial Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifiers, China.

The Canadians, ranked 11th in the world will renew acquaintances with the 8th ranked Chinese at King George V Stadium in St. John’s, Newfoundland on August 19th at 16:00 (local time) and August 22nd at 17:30 (local time). These rivals should be very familiar with one another, having met 13 times in the past including Canada’s memorable 1-0 victory in the quarterfinals of the 2003 Women’s World Cup. With these matches the Chinese will become Canada’s second most frequent opponent at the Women’s National Team level behind only the United States, whom Canada has played a staggering 36 times.

"We have been waiting for a long time for the opportunity to showcase our senior players to our fans in the Maritimes and it would be hard to find a better opponent than the powerhouse team from China,” Pellerud states. “As a top ranked team for the last 15 years, and coming off of winning the Asian World Cup Qualifying Tournament last week, we could not ask for a better test than this highly talented and skilful team. The games will show two quite different ways of playing, and we should expect China to do their best to avenge their bitter Quarter Final defeat in the World Cup 2003."

Pellerud returns 13 players from the roster that was beaten 2-0 by the United States on July 30th in Cary, North Carolina. In addition, he has recalled 4 players from W-League runners up, the Ottawa Fury, including Diana Matheson, Rhian Wilkinson, Robyn Gayle and Taryn Swiatek. Defender/midfielder, Erin Ramsay of the W-League Champion, Vancouver Whitecaps rounds out the roster and will make her first ever appearance for the team.

Tickets for the matches in St. John’s will be $20.00 for Adults and $15.00 for Youth. A pass for both matches of the two-game series can be purchased for $30.00 for Adults and $20.00 for Youth and can be obtained by calling the Newfoundland & Labrador Soccer Association (NLSA) at 709-576-0601. All tickets will be General Admission.

Immediately following the matches in St. John’s, the Canadians will depart for Europe where they will close out August with two friendlies scheduled against France on August 26 in Rouen and on August 29 in Dieppe.

Roster – CANADA

# Player/Position/DOB/Caps/Goals or Shutouts/Club/Hometown

1 LeBlanc, Karina/GK/3-30-1980/50/18/New Jersey Wildcats/Maple Ridge, BC
2 Latham, Christine/D/9-15-1981/49/15/Atlanta Silverbacks/Calgary, AB
3 Booth, Melanie/D/M/8-24-1984/18/0/University of Florida/Burlington, ON
4 Andrews, Sasha/D/2-24-1983/31/3/Vancouver Whitecaps/Edmonton, AB
5 Neil, Andrea/M/10-26-1971/114/22/Vancouver Whitecaps/Vancouver, BC
6 Nonen, Sharolta/D/12-30-1977/63/1/Atlanta Silverbacks/Vancouver, BC
7 Ramsay, Erin/D/M/03-05-1982/0/0/Vancouver Whitecaps/Calgary, AB
8 Matheson, Diana/M/4-16-1984/45/1/Ottawa Fury/Oakville, ON
9 Franko, Martina/D/1-13-1976/10/2/Vancouver Whitecaps/Squamish, BC
10 Hooper, Charmaine/F/1-15-1968/131/71/New Jersey Wildcats/Ottawa, ON
11 Hermus, Randee/D/11-14-1979/70/5/Vancouver Whitecaps/Langley, BC
12 Sinclair, Christine/F/06-12-1983/78/56/Vancouver Whitecaps/Burnaby, BC
13 Walsh, Amy/M/9-13-1977/72/5/Laval Comets/St. Bruno, QC
16 Wilkinson, Rhian/F/05-12-1982/23/3/Ottawa Fury/Baie D'Urfe, QC
17 Timko, Brittany/F/M/09-05-1985/50/0/Vancouver Whitecaps/Coquitlam, BC
18 Gayle, Robyn/M/10-31-1985/2/0/Ottawa Fury/Mississauga, ON
20 Swiatek, Taryn/GK/02-04-1981/20/5/Ottawa Fury/Calgary, AB
22 McLeod, Erin/GK/2-26-1983/18/4/Vancouver Whitecaps/Calgary, AB

Staff - CANADA

Staff/Duties
Even Pellerud/Head Coach
Colin Miller/Assistant Coach
Les Meszaros/Team Manager
Dave Adolph/Athletic Therapist
Kristin Houghton/Team Doctor
Jamie Fales/Equipment Manager
Shelby Harlan/Massage Therapist
Saul Miller/Sport Psychologist
Dominique Maestracci/Head of Delegation

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Canada draws China in St. John's
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2508

St. John’s, Newfoundland – The Canadian Women’s National Team opened the newly rebuilt King George V Park in St. John’s, Newfoundland today with a very good performance in a 0-0 draw with China. On a beautiful afternoon, the Canadian’s played the Asian Champions, ranked 8th in the world, to a standstill in front of a pro-Canada crowd of 5,320.

Canada began the match quickly, with Rhian Wilkinson forcing Chinese goalkeeper, Han Wenxia, into a save off her cross on the game’s opening play. China countered immediately, pinning Canada in its own penalty area with two consecutive corner kicks, the second of which produced goalkeeper Erin McLeod’s first stop of the game off a weak header. After the initial fury of play, the teams settled in for the remainder of the first half with China having the lion’s share of the possession but rarely threatened Canada’s well-organized defense. The Canadians were at their best on the counter attack, taking advantage of Wilkinson’s speed on the right wing and Christine Sinclair’s power on the left to get crosses into the Chinese penalty area.

After feeling each other out for much of the first half, the game began to open up in the second half. In the 56th minute, a deep cross from the Chinese flank created some trouble for the Canadian defense leading Sasha Andrews to concede a corner. In what may have been the best chance of the match, the ensuing set piece ended with a scramble in front of the Canadian goal and a deflected shot off the crossbar before McLeod and her defense managed to clear their area.

The scare seemed to inspire the Canadians and they began to take the play to the Chinese. Extended pressure over the last 30 minutes of match created numerous half chances for Canada; however, in the end they were unable to find the back of the net. At their attacking best, the Canadian wingers created havoc for the Chinese defense and crosses rained into their penalty area as the pressure mounted in the match’s final minutes. A high work rate in the Canadian midfield kept a very skilled Chinese team in check for most of the match and in the end; a 0-0 draw seemed a fair result for both sides.

“With a high number of unavailable players for this event, the 15 player squad did a remarkable job preparing for the challenge of playing powerhouse China,” explained Head Coach, Even Pellerud. “It was a tactical clash between two very different playing philosophies. China is an extremely skilful passing team and took advantage of this during large parts of the first half. In the second half our midfield acted with more aggression and determination, led by an outstanding effort from Amy Walsh, and we got a grip on the game and created a number of chances.”

“All in all, it was an even encounter and I am pleased with an excellent team performance under very difficult circumstances.”

Rematch: Canada versus China on August 22, 2006

Tickets for the second of the two-match series in St. John’s kicking off at 17:30 on Tuesday, August 22nd at King George V Park are still available at $20.00 for Adults and $15.00 for Youth and can be obtained by calling the Newfoundland & Labrador Soccer Association (NLSA) at 709-576-0601. All tickets will be General Admission.

WNT continue to build toward 2006 Women’s Gold Cup

Immediately following the matches in St. John’s, the Canadians will depart for Europe where they will close out August with two friendlies scheduled against France on August 26 in Rouen and on August 29 in Dieppe.

The women’s Gold Cup, which will crown the CONCACAF Champion, and also qualify the top two finishers for the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup takes place in November in the United States.

Match Info

Saturday, August 19, 2006 - International Friendly
King George V Park – St. John’s, Newfoundland
Attendance: 5,320

CANADA - 0 (0)
CHINA – 0 (0)

Goals: Canada - none; China - none
Cautions: Canada – Gayle (78); China - Yali (60); Huana (73);
Expulsions – none

CANADA: 22-McLeod, Erin; 3-Booth, Melanie; 4-Andrews, Sasha; 5-Neil, Andrea (18-Gayle, Robyn); 8-Matheson, Diana; 9-Franko, Martina; 11-Hermus, Randee; 12-Sinclair, Christine (c); 13-Walsh, Amy; 16-Wilkinson, Rhian; 17-Timko, Brittany

Head Coach: Even Pellerud
Subs not used: 1-Alcia, Leisha; 7-Ramsay, Erin; 14-Moscato, Carmelina; 20-Swiatek, Taryn

CHINA: 1-Wenxia, Han; 2-Huana, Liu; 3-Jie, Li; 5-Wei, Pu (c); 7-Yan, Bi (26-Feifei, Qu 87); 8-Ying, Zhang; 13-Dandan, Wang; 15-Liping, Ren (25-Xiaoyan, Zhao 92); 16-Yali, Liu; 19-Yue, Guo (14-Kun, Wang 89); 23-Na, Zhang

Head Coach: Ma Liangxing
Subs not used: 17-Lina, Pan; 21-Xiaoxia, Zhou; 22-Xiaozhen; 24-Yongxia, Sun

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Canada and China even again
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2512

St. John’s, Newfoundland – The Canadian Women’s National team played China to a stalemate for the second time in four days today in front of a crowd of 4,760 at King George V Park in St. John’s, Newfoundland. After conceding an early goal, the Canadians roared back to equalize and in the end were unlucky not to come away with the victory.

The match’s first 45 minutes proved a strong contrast to Sunday’s encounter, with both teams looking far more dangerous in attack then the 0-0 draw on August 19th. The first chance of the match would fall to Canada in the 9th minute, with Christine Sinclair winning a foot race with Chinese goalkeeper, Han Wenxia, to a long ball from Melanie Booth. Although the star striker was able to slip past the ‘keeper, Sinclair was unable to catch up to her touch and the ball rolled harmlessly out of play.

The Chinese began the match with a much more direct style than Sunday’s opener and were rewarded in the 11th minute when a through ball caught the Canadian back four square. The pass sprung striker, Han Duan, who made no mistake slotting the ball past Canadian goalkeeper, Erin McLeod to give China a 1-0 lead. Duan was influential throughout the first half with her darting runs and on-the-ball ability causing problems for the Canada’s defenders.

The resilient Canadian squad were able to find their break through after a Melanie Booth free kick forced the Chinese defense to scramble the ball out of play for a corner kick. The ensuing Booth corner picked out Brittany Timko at the far post. Timko’s tidy knock down found Randee Hermus unmarked inside the Chinese six-yard box. Hermus’ 6th goal for Canada knotted the match at one in the 25th minute. Although both teams were able to generate several partial changes before the break, neither was able to take advantage and the teams had to settle for a 1-1 score line after 45 minutes.

The second half began as the first had ended with the teams exchanging chances at a frantic pace. Hermus remained dominant on set pieces throughout the half heading just over the bar on a corner in the 57th minute and once again off a free kick in the 70th minute.

Canada appeared to have snatched a victory in the games dying moments when Diana Matheson’s header fell beautifully to Rhian Wilkinson at the top of the box. Her brilliant side volley beat Wenxia, but caromed off the crossbar before the Chinese defense cleared their lines. In the end, the evenly matched foes part company following two draws.

Head Coach Even Pellerud was once again pleased with his team’s performance.

“Another tie and another impressive performance from our team,” he stated following the match. “We looked comfortable and strong from the kickoff, but suffered a disappointing goal against off a long through ball. China created very little, but plays with great patience, waiting for us to make a shape error. These errors were rare today, with Randee Hermus leading the defense with authority and determination.”

Pellerud also announced that reinforcements are on the way for the Canadians as they travel to France immediately following today’s match. Kristina Kiss of Amazon Grimstad in Norway and Amy Vermeulen of Bälinge IF in Sweden will join the team for two friendlies scheduled against France on August 26th in Rouen and on August 29th in Dieppe.

“Fortunately, our small roster suffered no injuries as the team is heading straight to France for another two tough games,” Pellerud added.

Midfielder, Erin Ramsay earned her first cap for Canada with her appearance in the 90th minute.

Match Info

Tuesday, August 22, 2006 - International Friendly
King George V Park – St. John’s, Newfoundland
Attendance: 4,760

CANADA - 1 (1)
CHINA – 1 (1)

Goals: Canada – Hermus (25); China – Duan (11)
Cautions: Canada – Timko (52); China - Dandan (58)
Expulsions – none

CANADA: 22-McLeod, Erin; 3-Booth, Melanie; 4-Andrews, Sasha (14-Moscato, Carmelina 45) (7-Ramsay, Erin 90); 8-Matheson, Diana; 9-Franko, Martina; 11-Hermus, Randee; 12-Sinclair, Christine (c); 13-Walsh, Amy; 16-Wilkinson, Rhian; 17-Timko, Brittany (5-Neil, Andrea 75); 18-Gayle, Robyn

Head Coach: Even Pellerud
Subs not used: 1-Alcia, Leisha; 20-Swiatek, Taryn

CHINA: 1-Wenxia, Han; 2-Huana, Liu; 3-Jie, Li; 5-Wei, Pu (c); 7-Yan, Bi; 10-Duan, Han; 13-Dandan, Wang; 15-Liping, Ren; 16-Yali, Liu (12-Tong, Zhang 85); 17-Lina, Pan; 19-Yue, Guo (23-Na, Zhang 71)

Head Coach: Ma Liangxing
Subs not used: 8-Ying, Zhang; 14-Kun, Wang; 21-Xiaoxia, Zhou; 22-Xiaozhen; 24-Yongxia, Sun; 25-Xiaoyan, Zhao; 26-Feifei, Qu

[Joe MacCarthy]

Canada beats France
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2006/08/26/1778883-cp.html

ROUEN, France (CP) - Canada scored in the 42nd minute to upset France (1-0) in a women's international friendly Saturday evening.

The Canadians used the match as a tune-up for the six-team CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup, which will crown the CONCACAF champion, and also qualify two nations to the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup in China.

The third-place finisher from the tournament will face an Asian team in a home-and-away playoff for the final berth in the Women's World Cup.

Eleventh-ranked Canada and 6th ranked France meet again in another friendly on Tuesday in Dieppe, France.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Monday, August 28, 2006
Canada triumphs over France 1-0 in International Friendly
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2520

http://i4.tinypic.com/25zhtt2.jpg
Christine Sinclair

Ottawa, Ontario - A strong and determined Canadian Women’s National Team defeated France 1-0 in Rouen, France on Saturday.

Playing their third International Match in seven days, the Canadian side faced off against top ranked France for part one of a two game series.

The Canadian squad took control of the match near the mid way point at the 43rd minute when midfielder Diana Matheson sent forward Christine Sinclair on a one on one encounter against French goalkeeper Celine Deville. Sinclair came on top putting it passed Deville giving the Canadian side a one goal advantage at half time.

While Canada created a number of scoring opportunities in the second half, France was awarded a series of free kicks close to the box mere minutes to the final whistle. The team in blue could not capitalize and fell short of an equalizer.

'It was nothing short of a team effort,' said Head coach Even Pellerud. 'This win will prove to be a confidence builder for our second match this Tuesday '

Canada is set to meet France in a second international friendly on Tuesday in Dieppe, France.

August 26, 2006 – International Friendly
Rouen, France

France 0 (0)
Canada 1 (1)
Goals: Canada – Sinclair (43)

Canada: Erin McLeod; Martina Franko; Robyn Gayle; Randee Hermus; Melanie Booth; Brittany Timko (Andrea Neil, 70); Amy Walsh (Sophie Schmidt, 85); Diana Matheson; Rhian Wilkinson (Kristina Kiss, 74); Amy Vermeulen (Sasha Andrews, 89); Christine Sinclair (C)

Head coach: Even Pellerud
Substitutes not used: Carmelita Moscato; Erin Ramsey; Leisha Alcia

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Canada draws France 2-2 in Dieppe
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2521

http://i2.tinypic.com/260bi4i.jpg
Christine Sinclair

Ottawa, Ontario – On a windy evening in Dieppe, France on Tuesday, the Canadian Women’s National team were set to battle France for game two of their head to head series, but settled for a 2-2 draw.

Canada, playing in their fourth game in ten days, was determined to hand France a second loss in the series. France on the other hand, was looking to even the score and give Canada its fist loss in 10 matches.

The first half was dominated by the Canadian side. Yet, they could not capitalize on a series of opportunities, hitting the post on one occasion. France struck first on a rare occurrence near the 45th minute when French forward Marinette Pichon put it past the Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod, giving the French squad a one goal lead at the half.

The second half favored the Canadian team who created multiple scoring opportunities. The pressure got to the French defence when Canadian midfielder Diana Matheson was bought down in the box in the 59th minute for a penalty kick. Christine Sinclair made no mistake and leveled the score at one all.

It was only seven minutes later when Sinclair connected with Martina Franco in a scramble to give Canada a 2-1 lead.

The Canadian squad, with the wind at their backs, took control of the game and continued with a fierce attack. Still, the Canadians could not hold on when McLeod cleared a corner kick that took an unfortunate bounce to an open opponent who then scored to even the match at two goals a piece.

“We should have determined this game in the first 45 minutes but couldn’t make the most of our five scoring opportunities,” said Head coach Even Pellerud. “I must applaud our players who showed great ability to play as one unit to lead us to this ten game undefeated streak.”

Canada will continue its efforts in preparation of the Women’s CONCACAF Gold Cup scheduled for November 2006.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Monday, October 09, 2006
Gold Cup schedule announced; Canada will face Panama or Jamaica on Nov. 22nd
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2555

New York, USA - CONCACAF has announced the schedule of matches in the 2006 CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup™ following a draw held on Monday at the offices of the CONCACAF General Secretariat in New York City, USA.

The third edition of the Women’s Gold Cup will have Canada, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Trinidad & Tobago and USA competing for the CONCACAF title along with two guaranteed spots in the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup in China.

In first round action, Mexico will play against Trinidad & Tobago with Panama having been drawn to face Jamaica. Both these first round encounters will take place at the Tropical Park Stadium in Miami, Florida on Sunday November 19th, 2006.

Canada will play Panama or Jamaica for World Cup birth on November 22nd

The victors in these two first round games will then advance to the semifinals of the event with the winner of Panama vs. Jamaica drawn to play against Canada while the team advancing from Mexico vs. Trinidad & Tobago will meet reigning Women’s Gold Cup Champions, USA. The semifinals take place on Wednesday November 22nd at The Home Depot Center on the campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills (Carson, California).

Tournament play concludes with the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup™ Final and a third-place play-off game on Sunday, November 26th, also to be held at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

The Champion team and the runner-up will automatically qualify to the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup in China. The third-place finisher in the CONCACAF event will face Japan (from the Asian Football Confederation) in a home-and-away playoff for the final berth in the FIFA tournament.

'I watched the results of the draw with excitement - as this represented a first time open draw for Gold cup and World cup qualifications on the Women’s side. By being drawn into a semifinal against either Panama or Jamaica, we are clearly going to face an opponent that has proved much improvement since last time around. Both teams won their first stage groups, with Panama eliminating normal 4th ranked team Costa Rica,' said Head coach Even Pellerud.

'Our team has an extensive fall schedule leading up to the crucial tournament in November, and we will be well prepared for these encounters - knowing that another participation in the World Cup will further develop soccer in our country.'

For additional information on the 2006 CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup, visit: www.concacaf.com

2006 CONCACAF WOMEN’S GOLD CUP™ SCHEDULE:

First Round – Tropical Park Stadium; Miami, Florida
19 November 2006
PANAMA – JAMAICA (17:00)
MEXICO – TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (19:30)

Semifinals – The Home Depot Center; Carson, California
22 November 2006
CANADA – PAN/JAM (16:30)
USA – MEX/TRI (19:00)

Finals – The Home Depot Center; Carson, California
26 November 2006
Third Place (Semifinal Losers) (15:00)
Championship (Semifinal Winners) (17:30)

CONCACAF WOMEN’S GOLD CUP™ HISTORY
YEAR - CHAMPION - RUNNER-UP - VENUES
2000 - USA - Brazil - Foxboro, Hershey, Louisville (USA)
2002 - USA - Canada - Fullerton, Pasadena, Seattle (USA); Victoria (CAN)

[Joe MacCarthy]

Controversy in soccer camp
By BOB MACKIN -- 24 Hours Vancouver
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2006/10/18/2059454-24h.html

Canada's national women's soccer team is training in Burnaby this week under cloudy skies and clouds of controversy.

Charmaine Hooper, who played in Canada's first women's international match in 1986, Christine Latham and Sharolta Nonen were suspended for not reporting to August's matches versus China in St. John's, Nfld. They were cut from the Canadian Soccer Association's Vancouver-based residency program funded by Whitecaps' owner Greg Kerfoot, who is paying players $20,000 a year.

The trio then hired a lawyer. So did the CSA, which refuses to comment.

Canada will play in South Korea's Peace Queen Cup friendly tournament and the Women's Gold Cup without the trio. Canada needs to win the Nov. 22 Gold Cup semifinal to qualify for 2007's Women's World Cup in China.

"It's very unfortunate. Those are three huge players for the team," said midfielder Andrea Neil. "The team also has to move on and prepare for qualifying for another World Cup. It's a team decision."

Neil, a veteran since 1991, expects FIFA world player of the year nominee Christine Sinclair to captain Canada this fall.

Hooper told Canadian Press wire service that she would not play again for head coach Even Pellerud. She has been irate since a July 30 friendly against the United States. Pellerud selected Hooper and Karina LeBlanc from the W-League's New Jersey Wildcats, but didn't choose any Ottawa Fury players. Goalkeeper LeBlanc was not used in the U.S. game, which was played the same day the Fury upset New Jersey in the Eastern conference final.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Statement by the Canadian Soccer Association
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2560

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - Three National Women's Team players, Charmaine Hooper, Sharolta Nonen and Christine Latham, have retained counsel and made certain allegations regarding their suspension from the national team. The Canadian Soccer Association(CSA) has retained counsel to look into the matter and advise them. As a result of the fact that this matter is now in the hands of legal counsel, the CSA has been instructed not to make any further comments.

[Joe MacCarthy]

One win from Women's World Cup
By BOB MACKIN -- 24 Hours Vancouver
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2006/10/10/1992313-24h.html

Canada's bid for a berth in the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup in China became easier yesterday.

Canada and the U.S. already have byes to the Nov. 22 semifinals of the Women's Gold Cup for the North and Central America and Caribbean Confederation.

Finalists receive automatic entry to next September's Women's World Cup.

Yesterday's draw in New York means Christine Sinclair-led Canada, the 2002 Gold Cup runner-up, will meet the winner of a Nov. 19 first round match between Panama and Jamaica.

Defending Gold Cup champion U.S. will face Mexico or Trinidad and Tobago.

Semifinals and the Nov. 26 final will be played at Home Depot Center near Los Angeles.

Canada is 2-0 all-time against Jamaica and 1-0 against Panama and has outscored the teams by a combined 22-0. Mexico eliminated Canada from qualifying for the 2004 Athens Olympics.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Canada opens Peace Queen Cup with a 3:2 win against Italy
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2565

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - The Canadian national women soccer team opened up the inaugural Peace Queen Cup tournament in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday with a 3:2 victory against Italy.

Canada last faced Italy at home in Toronto in late June where they earned a 2:1 victory against the European side. This win leaves Canada with an imposing 7 wins, 4 ties and only 1 loss in their last twelve international matches. These impressive results have put Canada within the top 10 ranked teams by FIFA, a first for any Canadian National team.

Canada came out hungry. The fan favorite Canadian women’s national team set the tone early with two quick goals in the first half. It was FIFA player of the year nominee and Canadian soccer icon Christine Sinclair who took the charge and helped Canada reach a quick two goal advantage against Italy. Sinclair’s goals came both at the 16th and 34th minutes.

British Columbia native Martina Franko played a phenomenal game as playmaker for the red and white. She orchestrated Sinclair’s two goals with fancy footwork and faultless passing.

Jodi Ann Robinson was given a shot at the big times when she subbed in for defender Robyn Gail in the 74th minute. She took the opportunity with stride scoring Canada’s third and winning goal moments after at the 80th minute. Robinson drove in towards goal with flare and determination, making no mistake and giving her team the win and a 1:0 record for the tournament. This was the seventeen year old British Columbia native’s first international goal for the senior team. At only 17, Robinson is one of the youngest to score for Canada.

“We got off to a very good start in the prestigious Peace Cup. The result does not reflect this game as we dominated the field of play and the goal scoring chances to an extent that actually surprised me a little bit,” said head coach even Pellerud. “The Italian team could not figure out how to handle our collective pressure and quick attacks and we felt comfortable winning this game, until momentum changed with an accidental goal (1-2) by Italy in the 70th minute. This goal encouraged the Italian team and we had to focus on defensive discipline for the remainder of the game. We now look forward to play host Korea on Monday, a team that played an even match against Brazil. This group is still open, so we need to play another strong game on Monday.”

This marks the 1st Peace Queen Cup. The tournament is staged from October 28th to November 4th, 2006 in six Korean cities – Seoul; Cheonan; Suwon; Changwon; Masan; Gimhae. The competition, which only counted men’s club teams in the first two editions, features eight women’s national teams playing a round-robin format in group play with group winners meeting for the title.

Canada now leaves Seoul and travels to Masan to play two games vs. South Korea on Monday and Brazil on Wednesday. The final is set for November 4th at 1:30pm (local time South Korea).

For additional details on the Women’s Peace Queen Cup 2006, please visit: http://www.peacecup.com/

Tournament Schedule:

Peace Queen Cup Korea 2006
October 28th to November 4th, 2006
South Korea (six cities): Seoul; Cheonan; Suwon; Changwon; Masan; Gimhae.

Group A:
Canada
Brazil
Korea Republic
Italy

Group B:
USA
Australia
Denmark
DPR Korea

Upcoming Match details for Canada:

October 30th, 2006 - Masan, South Korea
6h20pm - Canada vs. South Korea

November 1st, 2006 - Changwon, South Korea
5h00pm - Canada vs. Brazil

Tournament Final, Teams TBD.

November 4th, 2006 – Seoul, South Korea
1h30pm

Note: Match report and statistics will be available shortly at www.canadasoccer.com

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Monday, October 30, 2006
Sinclair on fire! Hat-trick prevails in a 3:1 victory for Canada
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2566

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - The Canadian Women’s National team faced off against host South Korea on Monday in their second game of the inaugural Peace Queen Cup tournament. Reputable striker Christine Sinclair filled the highlight reel by scoring all of Canada’s three goals in a 3:1 victory in Mesan, South Korea.

Canada’s starting line-up featured usual powerhouses Brittany Timko, Martina Franko, Rhian Wilkinson and FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year Nominee Sinclair who was coming off a two goal performance in a 3:2 victory on Saturday against Italy.

First half action showed an even exchange on the attacking front from both sides. Wilkinson acted early as playmaker when Canada opened the scoring at the 23rd minute with a Sinclair goal, her third of the tournament. However, South Korea did not shy away from an offensive effort and demonstrated sheer determination mere moments later. A blistering long distance free kick at the 25th minute fooled everyone to tie the score at one a piece. The remainder of the half did not salvage anymore goals but did show clever passing and frequent scoring opportunities for both teams.

The second half was all Canada. South Korea gave the Canadians more space and time with the ball enabling the red and whites to move freely and to open the play. This allowed for Sinclair to step in and take full control of the match. First, the famous Franko-Sinclair duo connected at the 49th minute for Sinclair’s second goal of the match.

The result seemed to give the Canadian side some additional confidence and a sense of determination to hand the home team a loosing effort. It was mid-way through the second half when Timko found Sinclair at the 69th minute of play - giving Canada a two goal advantage and Sinclair a well deserved hat-trick and a leading five goals for the competition. Sinclair’s three goals secured a 3:1 win against South Korea.

“The host team South Korea certainly gave us a full 90 minute workout in this second game of the Peace Queen Cup,” said Pellerud. “Although we soon dictated the game with relentless pressure and the leading goal, the Korean team came quickly back and scored on a tremendous long range free kick.”

“The first half finished without anymore goals but more goal scoring opportunities were created first and foremost by a poisonous Christine Sinclair. The Korean defence dropped deeper and deeper and we took advantage of the space between the defence and midfield in the second half. Sinclair dominated this space the entire half and threatened to take shots herself or make creative passes to colleagues Franko and the always lively Wilkinson.

“Two well taken finishes by Sinclair settled the game at 3:1 and we will now prepare to win or tie Brazil so that we can play the final in this tournament.”

The win for Canada gives a 2-0-0 winning record for the tournament and only a tie against Brazil is needed on Wednesday to play in the tournament final on November 4th.

For additional details on the Women’s Peace Queen Cup 2006, please visit: www.peacecup.com

Match Statistics

October 30, 2006 – Peace Queen Cup
Canada 3 (1)
South Korea 1 (1)

Goals: Canada - Sinclair (23, 49, 69); South Korea: n/a (25)
Cautions: Kiss (39)

Canada-McLeod; Kiss (Chapman, 45); Gayle (Robinson, 78); Hermus (Andrews, 87); Booth; Matheson; Walsh (Schmidt, 76); Timko (Neil, 84); Wilkinson (Morneau, 86); Franko; Sinclair

Head Coach: Even Pellerud
Substitutes not used: Alcia, Vermeulen

Tournament Schedule:

Peace Queen Cup Korea 2006
October 28th to November 4th, 2006
South Korea (six cities): Seoul; Cheonan; Suwon; Changwon; Masan; Gimhae.

Group A:
Canada
Brazil
Korea Republic
Italy

Group B:
USA
Australia
Denmark
DPR Korea

Upcoming Match details for Canada:

November 1st, 2006 - Changwon, South Korea 5:00 pm - Canada vs. Brazil

Tournament Final, Teams TBD.
November 4th, 2006 – Seoul, South Korea
1:30 pm

[Joe MacCarthy]

Canada slams South Korea in Peace Cup
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2006/10/30/2175546-cp.html

MESAN, South Korea (CP) - Newly appointed captain Christine Sinclair scored all three goals Monday as Canada defeated South Korea 3-1 for its second win in as many games at the inaugural Peace Queen Cup.

The hat trick raised Sinclair's total to five goals in two games.

Just 23, Sinclair has scored 63 times for Canada in 84 appearances. The forward from Burnaby, B.C., made her debut for the senior side in 2000.

"Since she started residency camp on Sept. 11, I think she has been an absolutely outstanding leader for us," head coach Even Pellerud said from the team hotel.

Canada is missing three experienced players at the tournament. Longtime captain Charmaine Hooper, Sharolta Nonen and Christine Latham have been suspended over a dispute with the association to do with the team's residency camps in Vancouver.

Pellerud refused to discuss the three missing players Monday.

Canada, ranked 10th in the world, leads Group A with six points after opening with a 3-2 win over Italy and needs only a draw against No. 4 Brazil in its last group match Wednesday to qualify for the final.

"We need a draw and based on what I have seen, that is realistic," Pellerud said.

The Italians held Brazil 1-1 on Monday, leaving the Brazilians in second place with four points.

Australia leads Group B with three points after its opening win over Netherlands, followed by the United States and Denmark.

The invitational tournament, formerly a club-level event for men, features eight teams in two groups. The group leaders will meet in Saturday's final in Seoul for a US$200,000 prize.

Sinclair beat South Korean goalkeeper Kim Jung-mi with a powerful strike in the 22nd minute Monday before the hosts equalized on Hong Kyung-suk's well-taken free kick.

Sinclair took control after halftime, racing into the penalty area in the 49th and driving a shot inside the far post. She gave the Canadians a two-goal margin in the 68th minute with a one-touch volley that went over Kim.

"Overall a strong performance," Pellerud said. "I always tend to look at goal-scoring chances and we had maybe nine or 10 and they had maybe two or three. So it was a quite dominant performance but they were good enough to challenge us."

Sinclair, who led the world under-19 championships in scoring four years ago in Edmonton, also scored two of Canada's three goals in a win over Italy on Saturday.

Brazil followed up on its narrow win over South Korea by scraping a tie against Italy.

Italy captain Patrizia Panico headed Tatiana Zorri's free kick across the goalmouth for defender Giulia Perelli to score in the 21st minute. Suzana saved the day for the Brazilians with a powerful left foot shot in the 54th minute.

The tournament features five of top 10 teams in the world, including No. 10 Canada.

Canada is using it as a warmup ahead of next month's World Cup qualifying event in California.

North Korea, ranked No. 7 and winner of this year's world under-20 championship in Russia, pulled out following the regime's Oct. 9 nuclear test.

Tuesday's Group B matches feature the United States against Australia and Denmark against Netherlands.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Timko Earns Three-Peat as Big 12 Player of the Year
Courtesy: NU Media Relations Release: 10/30/2006
http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=100&ATCLID=661103

Senior Brittany Timko earned her third consecutive Big 12 Player-of-the-Year honor on Monday.
http://i12.tinypic.com/34rccg5.jpg
Courtesy: Scott Bruhn/NU Media Relations

Senior Brittany Timko became the first player in league history to earn three consecutive Big 12 Soccer Player-of-the-Year honors when the conference announced her as co-winner of the 2006 accolade on Monday. Timko shares the award with Oklahoma State’s Yolanda Odenyo.

In addition to becoming the first player to receive three nods in the history of Big 12 soccer, Timko also joined an elite group of athletes in any sport to ever welcome such an honor. She joins Texas’ Cat Ostermann (Softball) and Sarah Wanezek (Swimming), Oklahoma State’s Maria Boden (Golf) and Baylor’s Benedikt Dorsch (Tennis) as the only five athletes in Big 12 history to notch three or more player-of-the-year awards in their career.

Timko was also a first-team All-Big 12 selection for the third consecutive season, while senior Tanya Dennis and sophomore Aysha Jamani both earned repeat nominations with selections to the All-Big 12 second team. Dennis earned her first Big 12 award as a first-team selection in 2004. Jamani earned her place on the second-team last season. Freshman Carly Peetz rounded out the Husker honorees, representing Nebraska as an All-Newcomer selection.

Heading into Wednesday’s first round of the Big 12 Championship, Timko leads Nebraska in points (29), goals (11) and assists (7), as well as in shots on goal (28). Timko's 29 points also rank second in the Big 12.

The Coquitlam, British Columbia, native has reached a number of plateaus on the year, including topping the 100-point mark for her career in Nebraska's 3-2 win over North Texas on Sept. 8. Timko produced the fourth hat trick of her career in the contest to pull within one hat trick of tying the program record of five hat tricks set by Kim Engesser.

An offensive specialist, Timko has been involved with either a goal or an assist on 17 of 26 goals the Huskers have produced with Timko in the lineup. The 5-7 forward earned another NU program record against Iowa State on Sept. 24 as she recorded an assist on a goal from freshman Carly Peetz. With the point, Timko had scored at least one point in 13 consecutive games, which topped the previous consecutive games with a point record of 12 set by Kim Engesser in 1997. Timko's streak ended at 14 games on Oct. 1 against Kansas as the Huskers were held scoreless for the first time in 16 games.

In her career at Nebraska, Timko has notched single-season records for assists (21) and game-winning assists (8), as well as holding career records for game-winning assists (17). She is chasing records for career assists, multi-assist games and hat tricks, ranking either second or third in each category.

With her 11 goals and seven assists this season, Timko has 41 goals and 42 assists in her career. With 40 goals and 40 assists, Timko joined Meghan Anderson as the only players in Big 12 history to accomplish the feat. They are also two of just 35 players in NCAA history to achieve the marks.

Dennis anchors the Nebraska defense as a central defender in 2006. During the regular season, Dennis and the NU defense allowed just 89 shots on goal and 23 opponent goals. Thanks in large part to Dennis' work, NU opponents average just over one goal per game and only 12.5 shots per contest. Dennis also has a pair of assists on the season.

In her second season at Nebraska, Jamani, a Calgary, Alberta, native, has tallied four goals and four assists for 12 points, which ranks second on the team behind Timko. Jamani has put a lot of work into her goals this season, taking a team-best 63 shots, including the 100th shot of her career against Baylor on Oct. 6. Although she has proven her scoring ability with four goals in 18 games this year, she has increased her creativity by notching four assists as well, including two that resulted in game-winning goals.

A native of Lincoln, Peetz has seen more time on the pitch than nearly any Husker and with great success. Peetz has started in every game this year and played every minute of Nebraska's first six contests. Peetz has also played both sides of the pitch and is the only NU player to earn a start as both a defender and a forward. Peetz’s offensive talent has paid off for the Huskers, with both a goal and an assist on the season.

Nikki Marshall of Colorado was named to the Big 12 Rookie of the Year, while Oklahoma State Head Coach Karen Hancock was named the Big 12 Coach of the Year.

Nebraska will be seeking its sixth Big 12 Championship title this week in San Antonio, Texas. The Huskers open the tournament against Texas at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Co-Players of the Year: Brittany Timko, Nebraska and Yolanda Odenyo, Oklahoma State
Rookie of the Year: Nikki Marshall, Colorado
Coach of the Year: Karen Hancock, Oklahoma State

ALL-BIG 12 FIRST TEAM

GK -- Ashley Holder, Baylor, Jr, Roseville, Calif.
D -- Kasey Moore, Texas, So, Mission Viejo, Calif.
D -- Stephanie Logterman, Texas, So, Austin, Texas
D -- Emily Peterson, Texas A&M, So, Tulsa, Okla.
MF -- Yolanda Odenyo, Oklahoma State, Jr, Uppsala, Sweden
MF -- Carrie Schmit, Texas, Sr, La Mesa, Calif.
MF -- Amy Berend, Texas A&M, Jr, Highland Village, Texas
F -- Nikki Marshall, Colorado, Fr, Mead, Colo.
F -- Brittany Timko, Nebraska, Sr, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
F -- Kelsey Carpenter, Texas, Texas, Jr, Allen, Texas
F -- Suzzette Devloo, Texas A&M, Sr, Houston, Texas

ALL-BIG 12 SECOND TEAM**

GK -- Dianna Pfenninger, Texas, So, Sugar Land, Texas
GK -- Kristin Arnold, Texas A&M, Fr, Centennial, Colo.
D -- Laura Munnelly, Colorado, Sr, Arvada, Colo.
D -- Jenny Murtaugh, Kansas, So, Littleton, Colo.
D -- Tanya Dennis, Nebraska, Jr, Brampton, Ontario, Canada
MF -- Missy Geha, Kansas, So, Overland Park, Kan.
MF -- Jessica Bush, Kansas, So, Blue Springs, Kan.
MF -- Amy Burlingham, Texas, Sr, Costa Mesa, Calif.
MF -- Paige Carmichael, Texas A&M, Jr, Glendale, Ariz.
MF -- Allison Martino, Texas A&M, Jr, Draper, Utah
F -- Holly Gault, Kansas, Sr, Spring Hill, Kan.
F -- Aysha Jamani, Nebraska, So, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
F -- Ashlee Pistorius, Texas A&M, Texas A&M, Jr, Bloomington, Ill.
**Ties in Voting

[Joe MacCarthy]

Canada advances to Peace Queen Cup final
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2006/11/01/2197393-ap.html

CHANGWON, South Korea (CP) - A depleted Canadian side defeated Brazil 4-2 Wednesday to advance to the final of the Peace Queen Cup women's soccer tournament.

Canada led 2-0 after seven minutes on goals by Martina Franko and Randee Hermus en route to its third straight victory at the eight-team tournament. Rhian Wilkinson scored one goal and set up another by captain Christine Sinclair, who collected her sixth goal in three games.

Brazil pulled within a goal in the 13th minute but Sinclair restored Canada's two-goal lead in the 28th minute. Wilkinson scored six minutes later with Brazil picking up a consolation goal in the 86th minute.

Leisha Alcia, a 24-year-old from Mississauga, Ont., made her national team debut in goal.

Canada, ranked 10th in the world to No. 4 for Brazil, will play in Saturday's final in Seoul with US$200,000 on the line.

Canada's opponent will be decided Thursday with the completion of Group B play. The U.S. has four points and leads Denmark on goal difference. Australia has three points and could advance in the unlikely event that the Netherlands holds the Americans to a draw, while it beats Denmark.

Canadian head coach Even Pellerud expects to meet the No. 2 Americans in the final and admits his squad will have to play better to have a chance against them.

"If you talk about beating USA, this is not the level we can play at," he said from the team hotel.

Canada and the U.S. are using the tournament as a warmup for the Gold Cup, a World Cup qualifying event, later this month.

The Canadian win Wednesday came despite tactical issues, errors and "lack of commitment to play physical, (to) tackle," Pellerud said bluntly.

"It was a little bit of everything," he added. "I think one reason for sure, to be fair to the players, must be fatigue after three games in five days."

The Canadian coach said his players knew the performance was not there, despite the outcome.

"I think they knew from my little bit agitated behaviour on the bench," he said dryly.

Canada has been reduced to just 15 outfield players at the tournament. Midfielder Melissa Tancredi returned home after the first game against Italy because of an foot injury while midfielder Robyn Gayle and midfielder-forward Brittany Timko left after the second against South Korea because of school commitments.

The Canadians are also without veterans Charmaine Hooper, Sharolta Nonen and Christine Latham. All three were suspended over failing to show up for games against China in August over a dispute regarding the team's Vancouver residency camps.

Alcia has been No. 4 on the depth chart but got her chance with injuries to Karina LeBlanc and Taryn Swiatek.

"She has been a very patient player for many years ... so it was a pleasure for me to give her that chance," said Pellerud.

Earlier Wednesday, Italy took a 2-1 consolation win over South Korea.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Canada beats Brazil and heads to tournament Final
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2569

http://i12.tinypic.com/2zh40o4.jpg

OTTAWA, ONTARIO – The Canadian Women’s National soccer team defeated Brazil 4:2 on Wednesday ending group match play undefeated with three consecutive wins and the right to play in the Peace Queen Cup tournament final on November 4th.

Early goals were the story of the match. The Canadian side wasted no time to capitalize on an early break where Christine Sinclair found Martina Franko at the first minute to put the red and whites up 1:0 mere moments after the starting whistle. Brazil was stunned and unfortunately for them, the damage was far from over. Soon after, it was Randee Hermus’ turn to impress the Brazilian squad. Hermus connected on a Christina Kiss corner kick at the seventh minute to make it a 2:0 advantage.

Canada had momentum and was determined to end the game in the first half. A Brazilian goal in the 13th minute did put a brief damper on the plans but could not overshadow Canada’s determination.

Striker phenomenon Christine Sinclair has been the highlight of this tournament accumulating five goals in two games. She continued her scoring streak on Wednesday earning a tournament leading sixth goal after Québec native Rhian Wilkinson was able to set her up at the 28th minute. This put Canada back into the driver seat with a two goal lead.

Wilkinson then decided to score one of her own, connecting on a Melanie Booth pass at the 33rd minute.

Canada had now a commanding 4:1 lead at the half and all the confidence in the world heading into the remaining 45 minutes of the match.

“With three players less on the roster: Tancredi (injury); Gayle and Timko (school), and three games in five days, most of our players had slower legs and declined intensity in our defensive pressure. We allowed two goals and too many defensive errors, but our offensive play rescued us again,” said head coach Even Pellerud.”Two goals came early against a poorly organized Brazilian team, but we then slowed down and let Brazil control too much of the ball and allowed an easy penetrating pass for the goal.”

“With a 4:1 halftime score, this allowed us to make a series of replacements and our hope is that it will help us in our recovery for the final game in Seoul on Saturday,” added Pellerud.

Several substitutions were made during the second half for Canada. Among the noticeable was Leisha Alcia who earned her first cap for Canada replacing Erin McLeod at the 77th minute. Alcia took the opportunity with stride and demonstrated great determination on the pitch.

Brazil slowly picked up their tempo and managed a second goal late in the second half at the 85th minute to close the gap to two goals. Yet, Canada was deemed too strong of an opponent and prevailed to a 4:2 victory and a berth to the tournament final on November 4th in Seoul.

Canada will play either the United States or Denmark in the tournament final. Both teams are currently tied for first place in Group B with four points and will play their final group matches on Thursday; the Americans face the Netherlands and Denmark face third-place Australia.

For additional details on the Women’s Peace Queen Cup 2006, please visit: www.peacecup.com

Game report:

November 1, 2006 – Peace Queen Cup
Changwon, South Korea

Canada 4 (4)
Brazil 2 (1)
Goals: Canada - Franko (1), Hermus (7) Sinclair (28), Wilkinson (33); Brazil - n/a (13), n/a (85)

Cautions: Sinclair (53)

Canada: McLeod (Alcia, 77); Kiss; Chapman (Andrews, 45); Hermus; Booth; Matheson; Walsh (Neil, 77); Schmidt (Morneau, 45); Wilkinson; Sinclair (Robinson, 75); Franko (Vermeulen, 64)

Tournament details:

Peace Queen Cup Korea 2006
October 28th to November 4th, 2006
South Korea (six cities): Seoul; Cheonan; Suwon; Changwon; Masan; Gimhae.

Group A:
Canada
Brazil
Korea Republic
Italy

Group B:
USA
Australia
Denmark
DPR Korea

Tournament Final:

Canada vs. Team TBD

November 4th, 2006 – Seoul, South Korea
1:30 pm (Seoul, South Korea Local time)

[RichardFH]

Seems they're doing just fine without the three suspended players.

[Joe MacCarthy]

United States defeats Canada 1-0
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/2006/11/04/2231506-cp.html

http://i11.tinypic.com/2r3ftoo.jpg
Canada's Martina Franko, left, fights for the ball against U.S. Christian Jo Frimpong during Peace Queen Cup final in Seoul, Saturday. (AP/Ahn Young-joon)

SEOUL, South Korea (CP) - The Canadian women's soccer team looked good in a losing cause against the U.S. in the final of the Peace Queen Cup on Saturday.

The second-ranked Americans won 1-0 but the tenth-ranked Canadian women will be coming home with some new confidence.

"We feel that we have closed the gap (with) the strong U.S. team," said coach Even Pellerud.

"It was always even, always intense," added Pellerud. "I can't complain.

"I was pleased with my team's performance. It was probably the best performance we had in the whole tournament."

The Americans earned US$200,000 for winning the tournament, which was a friendly tune up ahead of regional qualifiers for the 2007 World Cup in China.

American captain Kristine Lilly scored the winner Saturday on a superb play in the 68th minute. She beat Canadian goalkeeper Erin Mcleod on a curling rising drive from 15 yards after sidestepping a defender on the edge of the area for her 116th career goal.

Before Lilly's goal, almost everyone American player had an opportunity to score, only to be denied by Calgary's McLeod.

Christine Sinclair of Burnaby, B.C., had six goals in the competition and took home the Golden Shoe award as top scorer. She was also a runner-up to Lilly for the MVP award.

It was Sinclair's first tournament as team captain since taking over from the suspended Charmaine Hooper. Veterans Sharolta Nonen, Christine Latham and Hooper were banned from the team over failing to show up for an exhibition series against China in a dispute with the association over the team's residency camps in Vancouver.

After Saturday's loss, Pellerud made mention of that controversial camp. Canada featured a thin roster of 17 players - two of whom were goalies - but the coach didn't believe fatigue was a factor in the final.

"(It) underscores the importance and efficiency of the two-month residency camp leading up to this tournament," said Pellerud.

Canada, semifinalists in the 2003 World Cup, beat world No. 4 Brazil, Italy and host South Korea to top Group A in the eight-team event with a perfect nine points and advance to the final.

Sinclair had an early chance when she beat a defender on the left of the penalty area and headed the ball forward before misfiring weakly into goalkeeper Hope Solo.

Vancouver's Andrea Neil tried her luck five minutes before halftime with a 30-yard drive. Lindsay Tarpley looked set to give the United States the lead from outside the left post before defender Candace Chapman of Ajax, Ont., blocked her.

The United States, two-time world and Olympic champion, opened the second half aggressively and Lori Chalupny hammered a shot from the edge of area in the 51st minute that only a diving save from McLeod could smother. Natasha Kai kept the goalkeeper busy with another shot minutes later after powering down the left flank.

Sinclair threatened to open the scoring about 10 minutes later for Canada, picking up a pass on the right and racing into the area, but Solo defused it from the edge of the box.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Canada falls short at Peace Queen Cup Final
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2572

Seoul, South Korea - It was an all North American final today in the Peace Queen Cup Championship game featuring both Canada and the United States. USA (2:0:1) defeated Canada (3:0:0) 1:0 in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday to be crowned tournament Champions.

More than sixteen thousand of Korean soccer fans showed up to watch both CONCACAF rivals battle it out for the title and bragging rights.

Canada (FIFA ranked 8th), with an unbeaten 3:0:0 record, entered this game with all the confidence in the world accumulating an astonishing 10 goals in three games compared to the USA’s (FIFA Ranked 2nd) four goals.

With the likes of Christine Sinclair, Rhian Wilkinson and Martina Franko, the Canucks were definitely tournament favourites heading into this final. In fact, Sinclair has scored the lights out collecting a tournament leading 6 goals.

Four words can sum up this game: A hard fought battle.

The game was a change in tempo for the Canadians. Both team’s defensive lines dominated the play and were the story of the match. Canada’s trio of Sinclair, Wilkinson and Franko did pressure USA’s back four effectively but was kept goalless after 45 minutes.

The second half was a filled with suspense – with neither team wanting to make that one crucial mistake. The USA did however manage to change speeds and move towards a more productive attack.

It was the USA’s captain and golden ball game winner, Kristine Lilly, who surprised everyone with a wonder strike at the 68th minute to put her team up 1:0.

Canada made several substitutions to try to get an equalizer, pushing hard in the final 10 minutes. The USA had to scramble in the 84th minute to clear away a Canada outbreak in front of the net. Canada continued to add pressure when moments later, the USA goalkeeper had to come out and bravely stop Melanie Booth, crashing into one another, to keep Canada off the score sheet.

The USA held on to their one goal lead relaying on good tactical defensive work. The USA defeated Canada 1:0 and was crowned champions of the inaugural Peace Queen Cup.

‘The best two teams in the Peace Queen Cup delivered a thriller of a game in the final. In an even first half, both teams attacked with intensity and quality but two sharp backlines withstood all pressure and gave up only a limited number of goal chances. Our fear of tired legs and fatigue due to a thin roster of 17 players never became a reality and underscores the importance and efficiency of the 2 months residency camp leading up to this tournament.‘ Said head coach Even Pellerud

’USA started to push even more forward mid second half and fresh legs gave them a minor possession advantage. They organized a quick quality counterattack following a Canadian attack on the left flank and K. Lilly managed to get the winning goal, not exactly the first in her amazing career. The last 20 minutes of the game we pushed players forward and worked hard to get the equalizer and almost did via a Melanie Booth penetration through the middle. The US Team then used smart delaying tactics and we ran out of time. We feel that we have closed the gap to the strong US Team, we hope to play them again soon.”

Canada’s own Christine Sinclair did not leave South Korea empty handed. She was awarded the Peace Queen Cup Golden shoe for the tournament’s top scorer.

Nevertheless, this Championship is a confidence builder for the Women’s national team as they prepare for the upcoming Gold Cup at the end of November. The team will face either Panama or Jamaica on November 22nd in California, USA for a berth to the 2010 World Cup.

Game report:

November 4th, 2006 – Peace Queen Cup
Seoul, South Korea

Canada 0
USA: 1
Goals: USA - Lilly (68),

Cautions: None

Canada: Mcleod – Morneau – Hermus – Chapman (Robinson 84th)– Franko
Booth – Neil (Schmidt 77th )– Walsh (Andrews 77th ) – Matheson – Wilkinson – Sinclair

Sierra Mist Woman of the Match: Kristine Lilly

Peace Cup Awards

Fair Play Award: South Korea

Golden Ball: Kristine Lilly, USA
Silver Ball: Christine Sinclair, Canada
Bronze Ball: Natasha Kai, USA

Golden Shoe: Christine Sinclair, Canada
Silver Shoe: Kristine Lilly, USA
Bronze Shoe: Patrizia Panico, Italy

Tournament details:

Peace Queen Cup Korea 2006
October 28th to November 4th, 2006
South Korea (six cities): Seoul; Cheonan; Suwon; Changwon; Masan; Gimhae.

Group A:
Canada
Brazil
Korea Republic
Italy

Group B:
USA
Australia
Denmark
DPR Korea

[Calif]

Hey Joe has there been any friendly games between Mexico's Women's NT against Canada?

[Joe MacCarthy]

Tks to Chet at Vs for headsup

SURVEY: Canadians play big roles at women's powers
9/29/2006 4:40:00 PM
http://www.socceramerica.com/article.asp?Art_ID=562137756

Longtime North Carolina coach Anson Dorrance has called it the biggest change in women's soccer in the last decade.

Canadian players have played a growing role in the success of nationally ranked teams. In 2002 and 2005, Canada national team star Christine Sinclair led Portland to NCAA Division I titles. In 2004, Canadian Katie Thorlakson was instrumental in Notre Dame's championship run.

Fourteen of the 23 foreigners who are starting for teams in the Soccer America Women's Top 25 are Canadians. Unbeaten West Virginia has surged into the No. 7 spot with the help of three Canadian starters Amanda Cicchini, Deana Everrett and Robin Rushton. A fourth Canadian, Nicole Mailloux, has also seen significant action.

The impact of Canadians is even more dramatic at Maine, which moved into the Top 25 for the first time in its history this week. The No. 24 Black Bears start eight Canadians.

The majority of Canada's national team, one of the most progressive women's programs in the world, have played or currently play at U.S. colleges. North Carolina's Robyn Gayle, Nebraska's Brittany Timko and Princeton's Diana Matheson missed the first week of the college season to play for Canada on tour in France. Florida's Melanie Booth and Portland freshman Sophie Schmidt are red-shirting in 2006 to concentrate on their national team duties. In addition, UCLA's Kara Lang, the most highly recruited Canadian in history, is sidelined with a knee injury.

The foreign influence in women's soccer isn't as great as it is in men's soccer. The 26 teams in the Women's Top 25 -- two teams are tied for No. 25 -- average only 0.88 foreign starters. In last week's survey of Men's Top 25 teams, the average was 1.36 foreign starters per team. Ironically, not one Men's Top 25 team started a Canadian.

WOMEN'S TOP 25 FOREIGNERS

RANK/TEAM (FOREIGN STARTERS)
1. Notre Dame 0
2. North Carolina 1 (Robyn Gayle-Canada)
3. Florida State 5 (Katrin Schmidt-Germany, Selin Kuralay-Australia, Kirsten van de Ven-Netherlands, Mami Yamaguchi-Japan, Iraia Iturregi-Spain).
4. Portland 0
5. Santa Clara 0
6. UCLA 0
7. West Virginia 3 (Amanda Cicchini-Canada, Deana Everrett-Canada, Robin Rushton-Canada)
8. Penn State 0
9. Rice 0
10. Texas 1 (Stephanie Gibson-Canada)
11. Virgina 0
12. Texas A&M 0
13. Villanova 0
14. BYU 0
15. California 0
16. Wake Forest 0
17. Purdue 1 (Sylvia Forbes-Canada)
18. Boston University 0
19. Tennessee 0
20. Pepperdine 0
21. Florida 0
22. Oklahoma State 3 (Angelika Feldbacher-Germany, Yolanda Odenyo-Sweden, Adriane Radtke-Germany)
23. Loyola Marymount 0
24. Maine 8 (Jasmine Phillips-Canada, Anjelica Hodgson-Canada, Marie-Andree Canuel-Canada, Christine LaBelle-Canada, Marie-Michele Bouchard-Canada, Laura Harper-Canada, Varonique Fleury-Canada, Jordon Pekrul-Canada)
25. Navy 0
25. William & Mary 1 (Donna Mataya-Canada)

(Foreigners who have started at least half of their team's games through Sept 27.)

[Joe MacCarthy]

Hey Joe has there been any friendly games between Mexico's Women's NT against Canada?In 13 games (all time) vs Mexico, Canada has 11 wins, 1 draw, and one loss with 43 goals for and 8 against.

http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/wwc_notes.pdf

Results since 2000

June 24, 2000 Gold Cup Win 4-3 Foxboro, Mass.
November 6, 2002 Gold Cup Semi (WCQ) Win 2:0 Seattle, WA
June 12, 2003 Friendly Win 4:0 Guasave, Mexico
June 15, 2003 Friendly Win 2:1 Mazatlan, Mexico
August 31, 2003 Friendly Win 8:0 Edmonton, AB
September 4, 2003 Friendly Win 6:0 Burnaby, BC
March 3, 2004 Olympic Qualifying Loss 1:2 San Jose, Costa Rica
February 23, 2006 Friendly Win 3:1 Mexicali, Mexico
February 25, 2006 Friendly Draw 1:1 Palm Springs, California

[Calif]

Damn you guys have a good Womens NT!!!!

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Canada announces international friendly with the United States
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2625

OTTAWA (ONTARIO) – Canada’s women’s national team will face the United States in an international friendly on 12 May at the Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, TX. It will be the first 2007 contest between the two North American rivals.

“It’s time to play them again, this time as a warm-up for a major event: the FIFA Women’s World Cup China 2007,” says coach Even Pellerud. “Come kick-off time, the rivalry will be there as always.”

Canada and the United States last faced off against each other in the Gold Cup final on 26 November. The United States won the match 2:1 on a penalty kick in extra time. By reaching the final, both teams qualified for the Women’s World Cup China 2007. At the last Women’s World Cup in 2003, Canada finished fourth overall in the 16-team finals held in the United States. In 2006, Canada posted 10 wins, four draws and three losses in 17 games.

“We will have spent considerable time together in our residency camp during the winter and spring months before the 12 May friendly,” says Pellerud. “Our players must prove to the coaching staff that they belong on the final roster for the World Cup, so each international match performance will count highly towards our final decisions.”

The FIFA Women’s World Cup China 2007 takes place Sep. 10-30 in Wuhan, Chengdu, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Tianjin.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Canada announces friendly series with China

http://i19.tinypic.com/2nl7k41.jpg
Rhian Wilkinson

OTTAWA (ONTARIO) – Canada’s women’s national team will face China in a two-game international friendly series in early May. Canada will face China on 3 May and 6 May in Hangzou, China, their first matches in China in three years. This two-game series will give Canada a chance to visit the host country for the FIFA Women’s World Cup China 2007.

"We are very fortunate to have this opportunity to visit the World Cup host country,” says Canadian national coach Even Pellerud. “It is important for us to identify travel issues, pollution issues, food issues, maybe even heat issues - all the small differences that are expected to become critical factors when we move into September (for the World Cup).

“We are going into this May series with a full player roster as well as a full staff. This has been made possible thanks to great contributions from the Canadian Olympic Committee and Sport Canada. We are very fortunate to have this tremendous support.”

Canada last faced China in the fall in a two-game series in St. John’s, NL. The teams drew 0:0 on 19 August and 1:1 on 22 August. In 14 all-time matches between the Canadian and Chinese senior women’s teams since 1990, Canada has won two matches, China has won 10 matches, and the teams have drawn twice. Canada first beat China on 8 June 2000 in the Pacific Cup in Newcastle, Australia on penalty kicks. Canada then beat China for a second time at the FIFA Women’s World Cup USA 2003 in Portland, OR (1:0).

In the March 2007 FIFA World Rankings, Canada was the 10th-ranked team in the world (second in CONCACAF behind the top-ranked United States). China, meanwhile, was the 11th-ranked team in the world. Along with Canada’s 3 May and 6 May international friendly matches against China, they will play the United States on 12 May in an international friendly in Frisco, TX. In 17 matches in 2006, Canada posted 10 wins, four draws (two of which were against China) and three losses (all against the United States).

From January to March 2007, Canada’s women’s national team ran a seven-week training stage at their residency camp in Vancouver, BC. They are currently in the midst of a second, two-week stage which runs through this Thursday before the Easter break.

“The health and fitness situation of our team keeps on progressing,” says Pellerud. “We expect all players to travel with us and be available for playing time.”

Canada is currently on the road to the FIFA Women’s World Cup China 2007. The tournament takes place 10-30 September in Wuhan, Chengdu, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Tianjin. The Official Draw for the FIFA Women’s World Cup China 2007 is 22 April.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s National Team
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Canadian women on a roll with second-straight win
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2723

FINAL Canada 5 : 0 New Zealand (match tracker)

http://i18.tinypic.com/502olrs.jpg

AUCKLAND (NEW ZEALAND) - The Canucks scored early and often: in a 5:0 victory over New Zealand, Canada’s women’s national team was dominating for their second-straight victory at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland. Amber Allen scored two goals as the team outshot their hosts 18-1.

'A large pitch in excellent condition gave our team a good opportunity to play varied attacking soccer today,' said head coach Even Pellerud. 'Our first half was played with good intensity; our second half was acceptable, but we did not keep up at the same level as before the break.'

Canada scored four times in the first half: Candace Chapman, Christine Sinclair, Allen and Jodi-Ann Robinson all scored in the first 21 minutes. Sinclair picked up assists on the goals by Chapman and Robinson. Robinson actually scored within a minute of entering the game as a substitution.

In the second half, Allen scored scored her second goal of the match.

'Our team shape and tactical awareness improves with each game,' said Pellerud. 'From an individual and technical standpoint, there is still some inconsistency; good passing connections were hurt by poor control. That will have to be addressed in training.'

Canada’s women’s national team now moves back into their residency camp in Vancouver as they continue their daily preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup China 2007. Next month, they will take part in the XV Pan American Games Rio 2007.