Amy Walsh makes 100th appearance

Amy Walsh has become the fifth Canadian player to make 100 appearances for the national team. The Canadian midfielder reached the century mark this afternoon in a

2:1 win over Netherlands at the 2009 Cyprus Women’s Cup.



“It feels good to reach 100 appearances,” says Walsh. “I feel it’s been a long time coming with a couple injuries. It’s very special to share the moment with a core group of girls that I have played with for a long time.”



Walsh was roundly cheered by her teammates and the Canadians in the crowd as she made her way on to pitch for Diana Matheson in the 88th minute. Walsh follows in the steps of Charmaine Hooper, Andrea Neil, Christine Sinclair and Randee Hermus.



“It’s a great moment for her,” said coach Carolina Morace, who picked up her first win for Canada that afternoon. “She deserves all the accolades she receives. The players are very happy for her; it’s very a good moment.”



Walsh made her debut with the national team on 19 July 1998 in a 1:2 loss to China. She is one of two remaining active players that won the 1998 CONCACAF Women’s Championship under coach Neil Turnbull (along with goalkeeper on the day Karina LeBlanc).



She led the national team in minutes played in both 1999 and 2000, setting a new national record with 18 starts and 1,615 minutes in 2000 under first-year coach Even Pellerud. As team captain, she scored four goals that year, two of which were scored in the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup.



Walsh has represented Canada at two FIFA Women’s World Cups (USA 1999 and China 2007), four CONCACAF championships (Championship 1998 and Gold Cups 2000, 2002 and 2006), and the 2008 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament. She also won a bronze medal at the XV Pan American Games Rio 2007.



Walsh also says she has no plans of slowing down. “I don’t make long-term plans, but I’m enjoying playing under Carolina and the new staff, so we’ll see where it goes.”