Canada’s women’s national football team welcomes a new face at its helm, with Cindy Tyethe esteemed Under-20 coach, who takes charge as interim coach for the upcoming friendly matches against Iceland et South Korea.
Following the departure of the head coach Bev Priestman Following a damning independent report regarding the Olympic drone surveillance scandal, Canada Soccer turned to Tye to guide the team through this period of transition. Priestman, with assistant coach Jasmine Mander and the analyst Joey Lombardiis currently facing one-year suspensions imposed by FIFA, leading to Lombardi’s resignation from his position with Canada Soccer.
As a former Canadian international and associate athletic director and head coach of the women’s team at Dalhousie UniversityTye brings a lot of experience to the bench. She will be supported by the return of the assistant coach Neil Woodalongside interim assistant coach Katie Collarfrom the goalkeeping coach Jen Herstand the interim performance analyst Maryse Bard-Martel.
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The assistant coach Andy Spencewho previously captained the team at the Olympics and in the recent 1-1 draw against currently 3rd ranked Spain, is not available for this camp but is expected to return for the next FIFA window.
The star of the former national team Diana Mathesonwho now serves as the Northern Super League’s director of growth, joins the coaching staff, alongside Collar, who coaches the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Girls Elite. They had previously acted as team spokespersons during media interactions.
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The Canadians, ranked 6th, are preparing to face the 13th Iceland the November 29 and the 19th South Korea the December 3with the two meetings scheduled for Pinatar Sand in Murcia, Spain.
Tye’s group includes several of his under-20 protégés, such as Janet Okeke from the University of North Carolina and No Rose of SMU, who both received their first call-ups to the senior team. Okeke, an 18-year-old defender from Laval, Quebec, and Rose, a 19-year-old forward from Markham, Ontario, showcased their talents at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia earlier this year. Notably, Rose’s older sister, Jadehas already won 26 caps for Canada but will miss this trip due to injury.
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In addition, additional summons were issued for Jeneva Hernandez Gray18, of the Vancouver Whitecaps Girls Elite, and Megan Reida 28-year-old defender playing for Angel City and NWSL.
This FIFA window, which will take place from November 25 to December 3marks the final camp for Canada’s women’s team in 2024, as players based in North America begin their offseason while those in Europe prepare for club competition.
Canada has faced Iceland twice in the past in the Algarve Cup, with two 0-0 draws in February 2019 and Canada winning 1-0 in March 2016. Against South KoreaCanada has a solid record of 7 wins, 1 loss and 1 draw, remaining undefeated in the last five meetings. Their last match ended in a scoreless draw in Toronto in June 2022.
The announced call-up list has an average age of 23 but a few stars will be absent due to injuries, notably Kadeisha Buchanan, Sydney Collins, Cloé Lacasseet Quinn. Chelsea’s Buchanan suffered ACL injury, joining Seattle Reign striker Jordyn Huitemawho is unavailable for personal reasons.
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Highlighting her impressive performances, Nyah Rose was recently selected to the Atlantic Coast Conference Third All-Star Team, a first for her program. During her first year at SMU, she led the American Athletic Conference with 11 goals before the school changed to join the ACC.
Rose’s contributions to the national team are already starting to make waves; she opened the scoring in Canada’s first tournament against France and provided a strong performance against Fiji.
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Among the players who stand out, Janet Okeke played in 11 games for North Carolina this season, and Jeneva Hernandez Gray also showed his skills at the U-20 World Cup. On the other hand, Megan Reida Calfournian of Canadian descent, made her return to soccer after a hiatus by signing with Angel City in the NWSL.
This is an opportunity for Canada to regroup and gain momentum ahead of upcoming competitions, while showcasing the growing talent within its ranks.
Canada squad:
- Guardians: Sabrina D’Angelo (Aston Villa), Lysianne Proulx (Juventus), Kailen Sheridan (San Diego Wave)
- Defenders: Gabrielle Carle (Washington Spirit), Vanessa Gilles (Olympique Lyonnais), Ashley Lawrence (Chelsea), Janet Okeke (Caroline du Nord), Megan Reid (Angel City), Jayde Riviere (Manchester United), Shelina Zadorsky (West Ham)
- Midfielders: Marie-Yasmine Alidou (Benfica), Simi Awujo (Manchester United), Jessie Fleming (Portland Thorns), Julia Grosso (Chicago Red Stars), Jeneva Hernandez Gray (Vancouver Whitecaps), Emma Regan (HB Køge)
- Attackers: Janine Beckie (Racing Louisville), Adriana Leon (Aston Villa), Nichelle Prince (Kansas City Current), Deanne Rose (Leicester City), Nyah Rose (Southern Methodist University), Olivia Smith (Liverpool), Evelyne Viens (AS Roma)
For continuous updates, follow @NeilMDavidson on X.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on November 21, 2024.
Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press
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