Thirteen members of the women’s soccer team named Monday won gold at the Tokyo Games and six – captain Jessie Fleming, Janine Beckie, Kadeisha Buchanan, Ashley Lawrence, Prince and Quinn – also won bronze at the Games from Rio, in 2016.
The six veterans have a total of 717 selections, ranging from 149 for Buchanan to 97 for Prince.
Fifteen members of the Olympic roster were part of the 23-player squad for the Women’s Soccer World Cup held last summer. Since then, captain Christine Sinclair and midfielder Sophie Schmidt have retired from international soccer.
Collins made the team after fracturing his ankle in February during Canada’s camp ahead of the Concacaf Gold Cup. Prince injured her calf during the tournament. Quinn is returning from a knee injury.
The four substitutes who will train and travel with the Olympic team — in case of injury — are goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx, defenders Gabrielle Carle and Shelina Zadorsky, as well as forward Deanne Rose. All four of them were on the World Cup roster.
Missing are midfielder/forward Olivia Smith, midfielder Emma Regan and forward Clarissa Larisey, who were on Priestman’s list for the June friendlies.
Priestman opted for forwards Janine Beckie, Jordyn Huitema, Cloé Lacasse, Adriana Leon, Prince and Quebec’s Evelyne Viens.
“It was a very difficult task, which is a testament to the immense talent in this program,” Priestman said in a statement. “However, I believe we have a team that combines experience and youth, is balanced positionally and has incredible athleticism and talent.”
“With back-to-back games, intense heat and top-level opposition, it was really important to build a balanced team that could handle these critical factors for the tournament ahead.”
Canada begins the defense of its Olympic title on July 25, against New Zealand. He will then face France on July 28 and Colombia on July 31.
The top two teams from each of the three groups as well as the two best third-place teams will advance to the elimination phase.
Canada is the only country to have reached the podium in women’s soccer at the last three Olympic Games.
“When I think back to 2012, it was this team that inspired a nine-year-old girl to aim for the heights,” said defender Jade Rose. And seeing those dreams come true 12 years later is beyond anything I could describe.”
Canada qualified for the Paris Olympics in September, beating Jamaica 4-1 on aggregate goals in the two Concacaf Olympic qualifying playoff matches.
The Canadian team is 10-1-4 since posting a disappointing 1-1-1 performance at the World Cup. The Maple Leaf team did not advance to the playoff round.
Teams have until Wednesday to reveal their Olympic roster.
Formation du Canada
- Goalkeepers: Sabrina D’Angelo, Arsenal (England); Kailen Sheridan, San Diego Wave (NWSL).
- Defenders: Kadeisha Buchanan, Chelsea (England); Sydney Collins, North Carolina Courage (NWSL); Vanessa Gilles, Olympique Lyonnais (France); Ashley Lawrence, Chelsea (England); Jayde Riviere, Manchester United (England); Jade Rose, Harvard (NCAA).
- Midfielders: Simi Awujo, USC (NCAA); Jessie Fleming, Thorns de Portland (NWSL); Julia Grosso, sans team; Quinn, Seattle Reign (NWSL).
- Forwards: Janine Beckie, Portland Thorns (NWSL); Jordyn Huitema, Seattle Reign (NWSL); Cloé Lacasse, Arsenal (England); Adriana Leon, Aston Villa (England); Nichelle Prince, Houston Dash (NWSL); Evelyne Viens, AS Roma (Italy).
- Substitutes: Gabrielle Carle, Washington Spirit (NWSL); Lysianne Proulx, Bay FC (NWSL); Shelina Zadorsky, West Ham (England); Deanne Rose, Leicester City (England).
- Coach: Bev Priestman.
- Adjoints: Jasmine Mander, Andy Spence, Neil Wood.
- Goalkeeping Coach: Jen Herst.
