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Buchanan returns as CanWNT names squad for June pre-Olympic friendlies

Canada Soccer announced on Thursday the 28-player squad that will travel to Spain next month for friendlies against the Czech Republic and Brazil.

Coach Bev Priestman has named a strong roster for the two tune-up matches ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, which begin in late July. Key veterans like captain Christine Sinclair, Sophie Schmidt, and Desirée Scott have been included, as have youngsters like Sarah Stratigakis, Julia Grosso, and Evelyne Viens. Every player who saw the pitch in Canada’s 2-0 win over England in April will be involved in this camp, including stars like Jessie Fleming, Ashley Lawrence, and Janine Beckie.

The squad features two players who could make their debuts for the Canadian senior squad, with 23-year-old Chicago Red Stars defender Bianca St-Georges and 27-year-old Benfica forward Cloé Lacasse joining the mix.


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St-Georges returns after missing the previous camp with injury — as do goalkeepers Kailen Sheridan and Sabrina D’Angelo, and attacker Adriana Leon. Former Canada Soccer Player of the Year Kadeisha Buchanan is also back for this window, and she’s likely to make her first appearance for Canada under Priestman after missing the previous two camps in 2021. Buchanan has not played for the national team since March 2020.

A notable absence from this camp is the bicentennially capped Diana Matheson, who has not appeared in a Canada squad under Priestman.

Canada’s camp in mid-June will take place in Cartagena, Spain, where they will play friendly matches against the Czech Republic (June 11, 11 am ET/8 am PT) and Brazil (June 14, 3 pm ET/12 pm PT). Priestman is likely to use this window for final adjustments and evaluations before selecting her final 18-player roster for the Olympic Games.

Full CanWNT squad:

GK- Sabrina D’Angelo | SWE / Vittsjö GIK
GK- Stephanie Labbé | SWE / FC Rosengård
GK- Erin McLeod | USA / Orlando Pride
GK- Kailen Sheridan | USA / NJ/NY Gotham FC
CB- Kadeisha Buchanan | FRA / FCF Olympique Lyonnais
CB- Vanessa Gilles | FRA / FC Girondins de Bordeaux
CB- Jade Rose | CAN / Super REX Ontario
CB- Shelina Zadorsky | ENG / Tottenham Hotspur
FB- Gabrielle Carle | USA / Florida State University
FB- Allysha Chapman | USA / Houston Dash
FB- Ashley Lawrence | FRA / Paris Saint-Germain
FB- Jayde Riviere | USA / University of Michigan
FB- Bianca St-Georges | USA / Chicago Red Stars
M- Jessie Fleming | ENG / Chelsea FC
M- Julia Grosso | CAN / University of Texas at Austin
M- Jordyn Listro | USA / Kansas City NWSL
M- Quinn  | USA / OL Reign
M- Sophie Schmidt | USA / Houston Dash
M- Desiree Scott | USA / Kansas City NWSL
M- Sarah Stratigakis | USA / University of Michigan
F- Janine Beckie | ENG / Manchester City FC
F- Jordyn Huitema | FRA / Paris Saint-Germain
F- Cloé Lacasse | POR / SL Benfica
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