New players excited on eve of CONCACAF championship

Christina Julien and Brooke McCalla are not scared. In their case, it is just the opposite: on the eve of the 2010 CONCACAF Women’s World Cup Qualifier, Julien and McCalla both say they are excited and can’t wait for the championship to begin.



The 2010 CONCACAF Women’s World Cup Qualifier officially gets underway on Thursday 28 October, but Canada plays its first match on Friday 29 October against Trinidad and Tobago. The Canada match kicks off at 17.00 local time (18.00 ET / 15.00 PT).



In Cancún, Mexico, Canada’s 20-player roster features eight players making their debut at a CONCACAF championship for national “A” teams. Six of those young players have participated in CONCACAF youth tournaments, including Josée Bélanger who struck gold with Canada in 2004 (CONCACAF Women’s Under-19 Championship) and Chelsea Stewart who struck gold with Canada in 2008 (CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championship).



Unlike their teammates, however, Julien and McCalla have never participated in a CONCACAF tournament – at any level. Julien joined the national program in 2009 while McCalla joined the program in 2010. Canadian coach Carolina Morace has seen 51 different players this 2010 season.



Julien is a 22-year old striker from Williamstown, ON (CAN / Ottawa Fury). She already has 12 international appearances under her belt, including her 5 March 2009 debut in which she scored against New Zealand.



McCalla is a 23-year old midfielder from Pickering, ON (CAN / Master’s Futbol Academy). She has made three international appearances, including her 24 April 2010 debut against China PR.



Both Julien and McCalla are looking forward to the experience and the chance to represent Canada. They know Canada might win some fans in the first two matches against Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana, but they will get no love from the fans come 2 November when the team plays Mexico here in Mexico.



Canada, whose title sponsor is Winners and presenting sponsor is Teck, is taking part in the 2010 CONCACAF Women’s World Cup Qualifier from 28 October to 8 November. Canada has qualified for each of the last four FIFA Women’s World Cups and hopes to make it five straight with a qualification to Germany 2011.