Canada WNT announces roster for friendly in Germany

Canada WNT has announced its 18-player roster for the upcoming Women’s International Friendly against Germany in Paderborn, Germany on 19 June (18.00 local kick-off).

The Canada-Germany friendly on Wednesday 19 June will be broadcast in Canada on Sportsnet ONE at 12.00 ET / 09.00 PT.

Just 17 days after taking on the world-number-one side USA – Canada is continuing to test itself against top-class opposition with the fixture against Germany who are ranked as the second best team in the world.

Canada have never earned a result in 10 previous matches against the Germans dating back to 1994.

“We certainly know the quality of the German team – and obviously we have never beaten them,” said Canadian Head Coach John Herdman.

“This match is part of our commitment to keep learning and experiencing the challenges that come with taking on tier one teams.

“We will be looking to continue the work from our recent camp in Toronto and the match against USA – while also continuing to explore new talent.”

The squad features two players, defender Rachel Melhado and forward Melissa Busque, who have earned their first call-ups to the senior team. Both Melhado and Busque featured in Canada’s most recent EXCELeration camp, part of Canada’s talent identification scheme for the WNT.

Melhado, a 20-year-old defender, currently plays for University of Louisville in USA. She has previously featured for Canada at the U-18 and U-20 levels.

“Melhado’s been tracking well throughout the year in the various EXCELeration camps and has earned a call-up,” said Herdman.

“She is an aggressive, athletic defender and she showed good composure on the ball at last year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.”

Busque, a 23-year-old forward, currently plays for Seattle University in USA. She made her debut in the Canadian youth program when she was 15.

“Busque is a robust attacking player – and she has some trickery as well,” said Herdman.

“She has showed at the EXCELeration level that she is capable of having an impact.”

Thirteen of the 18 players named to the squad for the Germany friendly featured in Canada’s most recent camp in Toronto.

CANADA

GK- Stephanie Labbé | SWE / KIF Örebro DFF
GK- Erin McLeod | USA / Chicago Red Stars
D- Kadeisha Buchanan | CAN / Toronto Lady Lynx
D- Robyn Gayle | USA / Washington Spirit
D- Rachel Melhado | USA / University of Louisville
D- Carmelina Moscato | USA / Chicago Red Stars
D- Desiree Scott | USA / FC Kansas City
D- Lauren Sesselmann | USA / FC Kansas City
D- Chelsea Stewart | USA / UCLA
D- Rhian Wilkinson | USA / Boston Breakers
D- Emily Zurrer | USA / Seattle Reign FC
M- Kaylyn Kyle | USA / Seattle Reign FC
M- Diana Matheson | USA / Washington Spirit
M- Sophie Schmidt | USA / Sky Blue FC
M- Danica Wu | CAN / Comètes de Laval
F- Mélissa Busque | USA / Seattle University
F- Adriana Leon | USA / Boston Breakers
F- Christine Sinclair | USA / Portland Thorns FC