Soccer in Canada | Canada Hosting the 2026 World Cup

[elly63]

CANADA SOCCER UNVEILS WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM ROSTER FOR THE TOKYO 2020 OLYMPIC GAMES
18 athletes will represent Canada in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Tokyo 2020
canadasoccer.com June 23, 2021

Canada Soccer and the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) unveiled the 18 athletes nominated to represent Canada in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Tokyo 2020 from 21 July to 6 August.

As the reigning back-to-back Olympic bronze medallists, Canada will kick off their Tokyo 2020 journey when they face Japan in the opening match in Sapporo on 21 July at 19.30 local (06.30 ET / 03.30 PT). Canada will next face Chile on 24 July at 16.30 local (03.30 ET / 00.30 PT), before wrapping up the group stage against Great Britain in Kashima on 27 July at 20.00 local (07.00 ET / 04.00 PT).

From 12 nations in three groups, the top-eight nations advance to the Olympic Quarterfinals with the top two from each of the groups joined by the top two third place finishers. The Quarterfinal winners will advance to the Semifinals with the winners playing in the Gold Medal Final at Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium and the other two Semi finalists playing for the Bronze Medal.

“For me, team selection was a question of picking the right blend of players across the pitch, so that we can progress through the six games at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament ready to win,” said Bev Priestman, Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team Head Coach. “I know these players will do everything in their power to make Canada proud. With hard work, the right mindset and a strong belief in our individual and collective ability, Canada can give any team a really difficult game and ultimately succeed in the Olympic Games.”

Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Soccer Team qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the 2020 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship in Texas and California in January 2020, earning Canada its fourth consecutive Olympic berth in women’s soccer.

Canada are one of just five nations in the world that have qualified for each of the past four Women’s Olympic Football Tournaments. Canada is also the only nation in the world to reach the podium at both London 2012 and Rio 2016 in women’s football. At Rio 2016, Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team were the first Canadian Olympic team to win back-to-back medals at a summer Olympic Games in more than a century and at London 2012 were the first Canadian team to win a medal at the summer Olympic Games since 1908.

“It is always an honour to represent Canada at the Olympic Games and I am excited to be returning to my fourth Olympic Games,” said Captain Christine Sinclair. “The Olympic Games have played an important part in the history of Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team, and I am looking forward to do whatever I can to help take this team back to the podium and make history again. Our team is in good spot, we are excited, we are hungry, and we are ready to go.”

CANADA’S SQUAD

Canada’s team will once again be led by two-time Olympic bronze medallist and Captain Christine Sinclair. Sinclair, who is the all-time international goalscoring record holder, will be participating at her fourth Women’s Olympic Football Tournament. At London 2012, Sinclair served as Canada’s flag bearer at the Olympic Games Closing Ceremonies.

Twelve players from Canada’s squad were part of the first Canadian Olympic team to win back-to-back medals at a summer Olympic Games in more than a century: Janine Beckie, Kadeisha Buchanan, Allysha Chapman, Jessie Fleming, Stephanie Labbé, Ashley Lawrence, Nichelle Prince, Quinn, Deanne Rose, Desiree Scott, Christine Sinclair, and Shelina Zadorsky.

Goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan traveled to Rio in 2016 as an alternate, while Vanessa Gilles, Jayde Riviere, Julia Grosso, Adriana Leon, and Evelyne Viens will be participating at their first Women’s Olympic Football Tournament.

In addition to the roster of 18 players, four alternates were named who will travel and train with the team and be available should there be injuries to the 18-player roster including goalkeeper Erin McLeod, Jordyn Huitema, Sophie Schmidt, and Gabrielle Carle.

OLYMPIC MEDAL WINNERS & CONCACAF CHAMPIONS
Canada are two-time Olympic bronze medal winners (2012 and 2016) and two-time Concacaf champions (1998 and 2010). In all, Canada have participated in seven consecutive editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ (1995 to 2019) and three consecutive editions of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament (2008 to 2016). At Rio 2016, Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team were the first Canadian Olympic team to win back-to-back medals at a summer Olympic Games in more than a century.

Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Youth Teams, meanwhile, have won four Concacaf youth titles: the 2004 and 2008 Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship, the 2010 Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Championship, and the 2014 Concacaf Girls’ Under-15 Championship. Canada have qualified for seven editions of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup (including a silver medal at Canada 2002) and all six editions of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup (including a fourth-place finish at Uruguay 2018).

CANADA ROSTER
GK- Stephanie Labbé | SWE / FC Rosengård
GK- Kailen Sheridan | USA / NJ/NY Gotham FC
CB- Kadeisha Buchanan | FRA / FCF Olympique Lyonnais
CB- Vanessa Gilles | FRA / FC Girondins de Bordeaux
CB- Shelina Zadorsky | ENG / Tottenham Hotspur
FB- Allysha Chapman | USA / Houston Dash
FB- Ashley Lawrence | FRA / Paris Saint-Germain
FB- Jayde Riviere | USA / University of Michigan
M- Jessie Fleming | ENG / Chelsea FC
M- Julia Grosso | CAN / University of Texas at Austin
M- Quinn | USA / OL Reign
M- Desiree Scott | USA / Kansas City NWSL
F- Janine Beckie | ENG / Manchester City FC
F- Adriana Leon | ENG / West Ham United FC
F- Nichelle Prince | USA / Houston Dash
F- Deanne Rose | USA / University of Florida
F- Christine Sinclair | USA / Portland Thorns FC
F- Evelyne Viens | USA / NJ/NY Gotham FC

ALTERNATES
GK- Erin McLeod | USA / Orlando Pride
FB- Gabrielle Carle | USA / Florida State University
M- Sophie Schmidt | USA / Houston Dash
F- Jordyn Huitema | FRA / Paris Saint-Germain

• Video Link

[elly63]

Originally Posted by elly63

I can remember when Wes McLeod was the poster boy for Canadian soccer

Just a little bit of trivia that no one will care about

Among Wes's Canadian teammates on the 1982 NASL Tampa Bay Rowdies club were: Terry Moore, member of the future 1986 World Cup team, Jack Brand, goalkeeper for Canada in the Montreal Olympics of 1976 and the other keeper, Tom Boric, who found fame elsewhere post soccer (3:20).

• Video Link

And now, back to our regularly scheduled thread.

[elly63]

Liverpool in talks to sell Liam Millar to Basel
James Pearce The Athletic June 27, 2021

Liverpool are in talks to sell Liam Millar, with Basel leading the chase for the 21-year-old forward’s signature.

Millar, who is valued at around £2 million, is understood to be keen on moving to the Swiss outfit.

The Athletic understands that negotiations are continuing between the clubs as they attempt to agree a financial package. Liverpool will insist on a significant sell-on clause being included in the deal.

Which other clubs are interested?

Millar has also attracted interest from New York Red Bulls, Odense, Blackpool and Charlton Athletic.

The Red Bulls previously tried to sign him in January 2020 after he returned to Liverpool from a loan spell at Kilmarnock.

The 21-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Charlton where he scored three goals in 27 appearances in the Championship (sic) (League One - elly).
Who is Millar?

Toronto-born Millar joined Liverpool’s academy from Fulham in 2016 and has captained the club’s under-23s.

His solitary senior appearance was against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup in February 2020.

He has made eleven appearances for the Canadian national team.

[elly63]

And speaking of Switzerland, 18 year old Carson Buschman-Dormond has a two-season loan (includes an option-to-buy) from the Estonian Meistriliiga club JK Tulevik to FC Zurich. Pretty impressive leap considering his age.

[Proof Sheet]

Originally Posted by elly63

Some interesting prospects highlighted above in the 60 man provisional Gold Cup roster (has to be cut down to 23) Herdman has done a fantastic job attracting and capping players to the program (better than any other CMNT coach) in my memory.

Just noticed Borjan not on that roster so that should give some much needed senior experience to Crepeau and Pantemis.

A 60 man roster less than a month before the tournament. That is a very far reaching roster #, when you have to purge down to 23 very soon.

I gather the games are only on OneSoccer and on Fox Sports in the US so unless you subscribe to OneSoccer ($9.99 for a month) we're out of luck.

The sports I like to watch (Soccer in all forms and the Tour de France) are increasingly moving to internet channels or via apps on Roku/Apple/Fire Stick. I notice that OneSoccer is not available on the Fire Stick so that is me out.

For me, DAZN is enough.

[EndoftheBeginning]

Hopefully, F1 never follows that path. I already miss way too much cycling and soccer now given the migration from OLN (a former haven for cycling) and SN/TSN to the streaming platforms.

Oh, and Ayo Akinola, 21 yr old striker from Toronto FC has switched allegiance from the US to Canada.

https://www.tsn.ca/Soccer/video/cana...llegia~2232914

[elly63]

[elly63]

CANADA SOCCER ANNOUNCES 2021 CONCACAF GOLD CUP ROSTER
Canadian Soccer Association July 01, 2021

Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team have announced a strong 23-player roster for the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup. On the heels of two rounds of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in March and June, the upcoming confederation championship provides Canada’s exciting young team with an important opportunity to build momentum and gain valuable experience while playing meaningful matches against some of the top nations in the region ahead of the Concacaf Final Round in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. The 30th anniversary edition of the biennial Concacaf Gold Cup runs 10 July to 1 August.

“The Concacaf Gold Cup allows Canada to keep building on the momentum from the last six matches in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers,” said John Herdman, Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team Head Coach. “We’ve missed the opportunity to play some of these big matches that come at a Concacaf Gold Cup, so every match counts to create that spirit and cohesion required to take this country to the next level. We need this dynamic group of players to keep growing and learning together and the Concacaf Gold Cup provides great experience to prepare us for FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.”

From March and June 2021, Canada were the only Concacaf nation to run a perfect 6-0-0 record in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, including five clean sheets and a Men’s National Team record 31 goals. With their win over Haiti on 15 June, Canada qualified for the Concacaf Final Round of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers for the first time since 1997.

Two years ago, Canada reached the Quarterfinals at the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup, which was the first in a decade that Canada reached the knockout phase in back-to-back editions of the confederation championship. This year’s Concacaf Gold Cup provides an opportunity for Canada and USA to renew their rivalry after they split a home-and-away series in Concacaf Nations League A in 2019. Since the last Concacaf Gold Cup, Canada have played seven different Concacaf opponents in official competitions including USA, but the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup provides Canada with an opportunity to play some bigger nations through advancing beyond the group phase.

All of Canada’s matches at the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup will be broadcast live in Canada on OneSoccer, starting with the Sunday 11 July group match against Martinique (17.30 local / 18.30 ET / 15.30 PT). In the group stage, Canada will also face a yet-to-be-determined Concacaf nation on Thursday 15 July (either Barbados, Bermuda, Haiti or St. Vincent and the Grenadines) and then the recent Concacaf Nations League champions USA on Sunday 18 July. All three of Canada’s group matches will be played in Kansas City. Fans will find extended coverage across Canada Soccer’s digital channels on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube featuring the hashtag #CANMNT.

Canada are one of 13 nations that have already qualified for the Group Phase of the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup, doing so in 2019 through Concacaf Nations League A. Joining Canada in the Group Phase are Costa Rica, Curaçao, El Salvador, Grenada, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Suriname, USA, and Asian Confederation guest nation Qatar.

From the Concacaf Gold Cup Group Stage, which commences 10 July 2021, the top-two nations from each of four groups will advance to the Knockout Stage featuring Quarterfinals, Semifinals and the Final.

The 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup Preliminary Round, which runs 2-6 July, will feature Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Cuba, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Montserrat, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and either Trinidad and Tobago or Antigua and Barbuda.

CANADA SQUAD

Canada’s squad features a mix of youth and experience, with in fact 11 Concacaf Gold Cup debutants and 12 returning players including midfielders Jonathan Osorio and Samuel Piette who will both participate in their fifth consecutive confederation championship since 2013. Forward Cyle Larin will participate in his fourth consecutive Concacaf Gold Cup since 2015.

Included in the group of 12 returning players is Canada Soccer’s 2020 Canadian Player of the Year Alphonso Davies, who takes part in his third Concacaf Gold Cup since 2017. Davies was the Concacaf Gold Cup Top Scorer and Best Young Player four years ago in 2017.

Other returning players from Canada’s Quarterfinals finish at the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup are goalkeepers Maxime Crépeau and Jayson Leutwiler, centre backs Doneil Henry and Kamal Miller, midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye, and forwards Lucas Cavallini and Junior Hoilett. From Canada’s Quarterfinals finish at the 2017 Concacaf Gold Cup, centre back Steven Vitória along with Cavallini, Crépeau, Davies, Hoilett, Kaye, Larin, Leutwiler, Osorio and Piette have all returned for the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup.

Veterans from the 2019 squad who are unavailable through injury or rest and preparation ahead of the 2021-22 European season include Scott Arfield, Milan Borjan, Jonathan David, and Atiba Hutchinson.

Canadian players making their Concacaf Gold Cup debut in 2021 are goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, centre back Scott Kennedy, fullbacks Alistair Johnston and Richie Laryea, midfielders Stephen Eustáquio, Liam Fraser and Harry Paton, and forwards Ayo Akinola, Tajon Buchanan, Theo Corbeanu and Tyler Pasher.

Akinola, Pasher and Paton all hope to make their Men’s National Team debut this summer. Since 2018, there have been 28 Canadian players who have made their international “A” debuts, including nine who have been selected to Canada’s 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup squad: Buchanan, Corbeanu, Eustáquio, Fraser, Johnston, Kennedy, Laryea, Miller and St. Clair.

As 14 of Canada’s 23 players still have 10 or less international “A” matches under their belt, the Concacaf Gold Cup provides Canada with an important opportunity for those players to gain valuable international experience while continuing to develop together as a group of players.

CANADA SQUAD
1- GK- Dayne St. Clair | USA / Minnesota United FC
2- FB- Alistair Johnston | USA / Nashville SC
3- F- Tyler Pasher | USA / Houston Dynamo
4- CB- Kamal Miller | CAN / CF Montréal
5- CB- Steven Vitória | POR / Moreirense FC
6- M- Samuel Piette | CAN / CF Montréal
7- M- Stephen Eustáquio | POR / FC Paços de Ferreira
8- M- Liam Fraser | USA / Columbus Crew SC
9- F- Lucas Cavallini | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC
10- F- David Junior Hoilett | Unattached
11- F- Theo Corbeanu | ENG / Wolverhampton Wanderers FC
12- F- Tajon Buchanan | USA / New England Revolution
13- CB- Scott Kennedy | GER / SSV Jahn Regensburg
14- M- Mark-Anthony Kaye | USA / Los Angeles FC
15- CB- Doneil Henry | KOR / Suwon Samsung Bluewings
16- GK- Maxime Crépeau | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC
17- F- Cyle Larin | TUR / Beşiktaş JK
18- GK- Jayson Leutwiler | ENG / Oldham Athletic AFC
19- FB- Alphonso Davies | GER / FC Bayern München
20- M- Harry Paton | SCO / Ross County FC
21- M- Jonathan Osorio | CAN / Toronto FC
22- FB- Richie Laryea | CAN / Toronto FC
23- F- Ayo Akinola | CAN / Toronto FC

[elly63]

AYO AKINOLA JOINS CANADA SOCCER’S MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM PROGRAM
Canadian Soccer Association June 30, 2021

Ayo Akinola will represent Canada starting this summer after his change of national associations was approved. Akinola joins Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team Program ahead of the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup as part of an exciting international season that includes Canada’s return to the Concacaf Final Round of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

“I’m really excited to represent Canada at the international level,” said Canadian forward Ayo Akinola. “It’s a very exciting time for the country with all the quality that’s on the roster. Canada has been my home for almost all my life and I’m excited to give back. I’m ready to give my best for Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team in these crucial months coming up.”

Akinola, a Canadian Championship winner with Toronto FC in 2018, was born in Detroit but grew up in Brampton, Ontario and played his youth soccer with Brampton East SC and TFC Academy. He was 17 years old when he signed his first professional contract with Toronto FC on 18 December 2017 as an MLS Homegrown Player. At the international level, he represented USA at the youth level from 2015 to 2019 and made one appearance at the international “A” level in a 2020 friendly match.

“It’s great news, we’ve been working for the last 18 months to bring Ayo home to play for Canada,” said John Herdman, Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team Head Coach. “He’s excited to get going and I’m looking forward to immersing him into the Men’s National Team environment.”

Akinola is the latest player to switch national associations to represent Canada at the international level. Since 2018, other players that have chosen to represent Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team include Theo Corbeanu, Stephen Eustáquio, Ricardo Ferreira, Cristián Gutiérrez, Frank Sturing and David Wotherspoon. In all, 28 different players have made their international “A” debut for Canada since 2018.

Akinola recently had a chance to take part in a Men’s National Team camp in June as part of Canada’s preparations for FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Through the first two Concacaf rounds of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Canada were the only nation with a perfect record with six wins, including five clean sheets and a Men’s National Team record 31 goals scored.

[elly63]

Originally Posted by elly63

Edmonton forward Gloire Amanda on verge of joining select soccer company
Neil Davidson The Canadian Press May 26, 2021

Amanda has signed with the newly promoted Klagenfurt of the top tier Austrian Bundesliga, joining such teams as Rapid Vienna, Red Bull Salzburg and Sturm Graz. For some perspective, the Austrian Bundesliga is rated by one ranking system the 13th best league in the world ahead of Argentina, Belgium, Turkey, Greece and Scotland.

[elly63]

July 8 2021 ELO Ratings



May 27 2021 FIFA Rankings



ELO has Canada at 42 (up 16/year)
FIFA has Canada at 70

[elly63]

Canada legend Matheson hangs up her boots
FIFA.com July 7 2021

Diana Matheson has announced her retirement professional football after a successful 18 years representing the Canada women's national team.

Matheson has been at the heart of Canada's greatest triumphs, including capturing the bronze medal at London 2012 and Rio 2016. She was also a part of the team that finished in fourth place at the FIFA Women's World Cup USA 2003, the nation's best-ever performance in the competition.

The Princeton graduate made over 200 caps for her country, scoring 19 goals and contributing 25 assists. She was one of the most reliable players for Canada and once set a record by playing 45 consecutive international matches and was Canada’s co-leader with 16 international matches at the Olympic Games.

Of the many moments she will be remembered for on the national team, her winning goal against France at the London 2012 Olympic Games that sealed Canada's bronze medal stands out the most.

"London will always be my favourite journey," Matheson wrote for CBC Sports. "Not just for that goal against France, or for the medal, but because of everything that went into it with that group of women – and the women before us. When I got to put the ball in the back of the net against France, I grabbed the Maple Leaf on my jersey in celebration, and I grabbed it because that moment was so much bigger than just our team."

She also had a successful club career, which included winning Canada Soccer’s National Championships with Oakville SC in 2002 and the Norwegian Toppserien in 2012 with Lillestrom. Matheson was also one of the first Canadians to play in the UEFA Women’s Champions League in the 2009-10 season, and reached the NWSL Cup in 2016 with the Washington Spirit.

“Representing Canada has been the greatest honour of my life and I can’t believe my playing days have come to an end,” Matheson announced on Twitter. “I’m so grateful for all the incredible people I have met along every step of the way and for the Canadian fans for being such a huge part of the journey. I know this will be an emotional time for me, but I’m truly excited for what’s next and for continuing to be a part of the growth of women’s soccer in Canada.”

“Diana has had a massive impact on Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team program,” said Canada coach Bev Priestman. “Not only has she been a great leader for this team both on and off the pitch, she also inspired an entire nation during her incredible career. The winning goal at the London 2012 Olympic Games will forever be a turning point moment in the history of this program. We all wish her the best in her next adventure.”

Matheson leaves behind a proud legacy, which includes having a street named after her in Oakville, as she has undoubtedly inspired young women across Canada to pursue the dream of a professional football career.

[elly63]

Liverpool agree £1.3m fee with Basel for Liam Millar
James Pearce theathletic.com July 2, 2021

Liverpool have agreed to a £1.3 million fee with Basel for striker Liam Millar.

The Athletic understands that the Premier League club have also negotiated a 20 per cent sell-on clause for the Canada international.

The deal is expected to be completed in the next 48 hours after Millar has undergone a medical. Personal terms have already been agreed with the player keen to pursue a new challenge in Switzerland.

Which other clubs were keen on Millar?
Millar had also attracted interest from New York Red Bulls, Odense, Blackpool and Charlton Athletic.

But Basel were always leading the chase for the frontman.

Was he likely to break through at Liverpool?
It's a deal that makes sense for all parties with Millar knowing he stood little chance of forcing his way into Jurgen Klopp's plans.

The 21-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Charlton where he scored three goals in 27 appearances in League One.

What did Millar do during his time at Liverpool?
Toronto-born Millar joined Liverpool’s academy from Fulham in 2016 and captained the club’s under-23s.

His solitary senior appearance was against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup in February 2020. He has made 11 appearances for the Canadian national team.

[elly63]

• Video Link

[elly63]

Personally, as long as it isn't a serious injury (which it doesn't appear to be) I like the idea of the Gold Cup being the place where we can get some much needed depth and training for guys such as Crepeau, Johnston, Kennedy, Buchanan, Corbeanu, and capping Akinola and Pasher. We're going to need the depth during the Octagonals and frankly I wasn't a fan of the big names playing in this tournament. They already know the routine, we have to get time and experience to the guys above who will play a big part coming off the bench in the final eight (especially our new defenders who will be starters).

[megadude]

That street named after her is a minute away from me. Wish I lived there. Backs onto the river valley and has fairly big homes.

I didn’t even know she was still playing.

The other Oakville girl that I wish was still playing is Kara Lang. She would have been the greatest Canadian ever and could have possibly elevated Canada to that next level. Her and Sinclair on the same team for years and years would have been special.

Originally Posted by elly63

Canada legend Matheson hangs up her boots
FIFA.com July 7 2021

Diana Matheson has announced her retirement professional football after a successful 18 years representing the Canada women's national team.

Matheson has been at the heart of Canada's greatest triumphs, including capturing the bronze medal at London 2012 and Rio 2016. She was also a part of the team that finished in fourth place at the FIFA Women's World Cup USA 2003, the nation's best-ever performance in the competition.

The Princeton graduate made over 200 caps for her country, scoring 19 goals and contributing 25 assists. She was one of the most reliable players for Canada and once set a record by playing 45 consecutive international matches and was Canada’s co-leader with 16 international matches at the Olympic Games.

Of the many moments she will be remembered for on the national team, her winning goal against France at the London 2012 Olympic Games that sealed Canada's bronze medal stands out the most.

"London will always be my favourite journey," Matheson wrote for CBC Sports. "Not just for that goal against France, or for the medal, but because of everything that went into it with that group of women – and the women before us. When I got to put the ball in the back of the net against France, I grabbed the Maple Leaf on my jersey in celebration, and I grabbed it because that moment was so much bigger than just our team."

She also had a successful club career, which included winning Canada Soccer’s National Championships with Oakville SC in 2002 and the Norwegian Toppserien in 2012 with Lillestrom. Matheson was also one of the first Canadians to play in the UEFA Women’s Champions League in the 2009-10 season, and reached the NWSL Cup in 2016 with the Washington Spirit.

“Representing Canada has been the greatest honour of my life and I can’t believe my playing days have come to an end,” Matheson announced on Twitter. “I’m so grateful for all the incredible people I have met along every step of the way and for the Canadian fans for being such a huge part of the journey. I know this will be an emotional time for me, but I’m truly excited for what’s next and for continuing to be a part of the growth of women’s soccer in Canada.”

“Diana has had a massive impact on Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team program,” said Canada coach Bev Priestman. “Not only has she been a great leader for this team both on and off the pitch, she also inspired an entire nation during her incredible career. The winning goal at the London 2012 Olympic Games will forever be a turning point moment in the history of this program. We all wish her the best in her next adventure.”

Matheson leaves behind a proud legacy, which includes having a street named after her in Oakville, as she has undoubtedly inspired young women across Canada to pursue the dream of a professional football career.

[elly63]

Originally Posted by megadude

The other Oakville girl that I wish was still playing is Kara Lang. She would have been the greatest Canadian ever and could have possibly elevated Canada to that next level.

She wasn't that good. She had a fantastic (all world) shot but that was about it, she fit the long ball era at a time when there weren't that many competitive women's teams.

Sinc was in a league all her own, criminal that Sinc never was voted best in the world (always the bridesmaid, as they say). She is about 50 away from all time most caps (about 100 more than the next Canadians Schmidt and Matheson) and of course is the all time women's leading international scorer

[megadude]

Originally Posted by elly63

She wasn't that good. She had a fantastic (all world) shot but that was about it, she fit the long ball era at a time when there weren't that many competitive women's teams.

Sinc was in a league all her own, criminal that Sinc never was voted best in the world (always the bridesmaid, as they say). She is about 50 away from all time most caps (about 100 more than the next Canadians Schmidt and Matheson) and of course is the all time women's leading international scorer

I will add "in my opinion" to my previous statement. She played a position I think that affects the game more overall and she was the main reason they went to the gold medal game at the 2002 U-19 World Cup even though she was 15 I think. I'm basing it on that projection and reading about how great she was at UCLA. That WC was the only time I've basically watched women's soccer.

She was playing sweeper at that tournament and my roommate and I were super impressed by how she controlled the flow of the game. She tore her ACL as a sophmore and was destroyed by further injuries after that. A shame we could never see what she was capable of for a full career.

[elly63]

Originally Posted by megadude

I will add "in my opinion" to my previous statement. She played a position I think that affects the game more overall and she was the main reason they went to the gold medal game at the 2002 U-19 World Cup even though she was 15 I think. I'm basing it on that projection and reading about how great she was at UCLA. That WC was the only time I've basically watched women's soccer

I am basing my opinion on watching nearly every CNWT and CMNT game that has been available to watch since Jesus was a carpenter. The women's team especially, rotated potential future stars in and out of the lineup, most didn't have the staying power. Until Herdman came along, the men's team rarely had many potential young stars. I remember posting that in one game (Gold Cup IIRC) he capped more players in one game than some coaches did in their CMNT career.

[elly63]

Reminder: first game of the Gold Cup, Canada vs Martinique 6:30 pm EST Sunday July 11 2021