Defending Olympic champions Canada have announced their women’s soccer roster for Paris 2024, with 13 of the 18 players chosen being part of the squad that secured gold in Tokyo three years ago.
Bev Priestman has included six players — Janine Beckie, Kadeisha Buchanan, Jessie Fleming, Ashley Lawrence, Nichelle Prince, and Quinn — who will be competing in their third successive Games, having also won bronze at Rio 2016.
Kailen Sheridan, Vanessa Gilles, Jayde Riviere, Julia Grosso, Jordyn Huitema, Adriana Leon, and Evelyne Viens were also part of the gold-medal winning team in Tokyo.
Three newcomers have been added to the roster, including midfielder Simi Awujo, 20, defender Sydney Collins, 24, and forward Cloe Lacasse, 30.
Goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx, defenders Gabrielle Carle and Shelina Zadorsky, and forward Deanne Rose have been named as the four ‘alternates’ who will travel and train with the squad and can be called upon in case of injury.
This will be the first Olympics where Canada competes without Christine Sinclair, who retired from international soccer in 2023. Sinclair, the all-time leading goalscorer with 190 goals in 331 appearances for her country, represented Canada at four Games.
Alongside Sinclair, midfielder Sophie Schmidt also retired from international soccer in 2023. The pair are two of six players not on the 18-player Olympic roster who were part of Priestman’s squad at the 2023 World Cup.
Double-Olympic medal winner Beckie, who missed the 2023 World Cup due to injury, returns for the Paris Games after a successful season with Portland Thorns in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Collins, Prince, and Quinn, who had injury concerns, have all been included in the squad.
Priestman stated: “It was a very challenging task, given the immense talent in this program. However, I believe we have a squad that combines experience and youth, is well-balanced in positions, and possesses exceptional athleticism and football talent.
“With back-to-back games, intense heat, and tough competition, it was crucial to build a team that could handle these factors for the upcoming tournament.
“We are aware of the history of this program at the Olympic Games. Many moments have inspired the young players in this group, not only in what was accomplished but also in how it was achieved. These values and behaviors will continue to be vital for the team’s success.”
Canada will kick off their Olympic campaign against New Zealand on July 25 and are grouped with France and Colombia in Group A.
Priestman’s team clinched gold in Tokyo after a penalty shootout victory over Sweden in the final, defeating world champions the USWNT in the semi-finals.
However, they exited last year’s World Cup in the group stages, becoming the first Olympic champions to do so.
Canada women’s soccer Olympic roster
Goalkeepers: Sabrina D’Angelo (unattached), Kailen Sheridan (San Diego Wave)
Defenders: Kadeisha Buchanan (Chelsea), Sydney Collins (North Carolina Courage), Vanessa Gilles (Lyon), Ashley Lawrence (Chelsea), Jayde Riviere (Manchester United), Jade Rose (Harvard Crimson)
Midfielders: Simi Awujo (USC Trojans), Jessie Fleming (Portland Thorns), Julia Grosso (unattached), Quinn (Seattle Reign)
Forwards: Janine Beckie (Portland Thorns), Jordyn Huitema (Seattle Reign), Cloe Lacasse (Arsenal), Adriana Leon (Aston Villa), Nichelle Prince (Kansas City Current), Evelyne Viens (Roma)
(Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
