Picture Copyright Anne-Marie Sorvin for USA TODAY Sports activities
Because the reigning Olympic champions put together to defend gold in Paris this summer season, they’re at a crossroads. Canadian nationwide group supervisor Bev Priestman already has the subsequent technology of footballers knocking on her door. However can they earn their spots on a restricted, 18-player roster?
“The 18-player roster for the Olympics actually hampers you in some methods,” Priestman defined to The Equalizer forward of the 2024 Gold Cup. “For those who take a 23-player roster then you definately’ve obtained three or 4 roster spots that you just’re actually investing in for the longer term. I believe with an 18-player roster it’s very a lot in regards to the now. What I’m happy to say is we’ve obtained some very younger gamers which might be performing and that helps.”
Midfielders Simi Awujo, Olivia Smith, and centerback Jade Rose are three gamers Priestman is absolutely excessive on as a part of that subsequent wave. Awujo and Smith have been on Canada’s roster on the 2023 World Cup. Rose was compelled to withdraw resulting from an damage.
“You speak in regards to the under-20s going to a World Cup,” Priestman stated. “We had Simi and Jade. It’s actually staying aligned with the pipeline and bringing in gamers the place we are able to for coaching camps when it’s not so tournament-focused. I do know after the Olympics it’s very a lot about casting the web a bit wider to take a position by way of cap accumulation and getting to grasp the best way that we work.”
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