Ottawa, Ontario – Canadian Women's World Cup Team head coach Even Pellerud has named his 18-player roster for another European tour from Sunday, May 22 to Wednesday, June 1, 2005. The Canadians will play international friendlies against Denmark on Wednesday, May 25 in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sweden on Saturday, May 28 in Stockholm, Sweden, and concluding against Norway on Tuesday, May 31 in Oslo, Norway.

“The senior women's team is again touring Europe, this time to Scandinavia for three games. It is only a couple of weeks since we left Europe with impressive matches against Germany and France; creating great European reports on our team's performances,” said Pellerud. “We certainly proved that we are still improving as a team; the consistent and evenly played games created a lot of confidence.”

“The recent W-league kick-off can only benefit us in terms of game fitness, and I expect Canada to challenge all these strong Scandinavian teams; as they use us as their last sparring partner before the kick off of the European Championship final in June. Denmark, Sweden and Norway have all qualified for this championship and have consistently been top ranked teams in the world.”

Up front, Pellerud will be looking for scoring opportunities from Amber Allen (Chilliwack, BC), Christine Sinclair (Burnaby, BC), Katie Thorlakson (Langley, BC), and Brittany Timko (Coquitlam, BC).

In midfield, Pellerud has invited Diana Matheson (Oakville, ON), Andrea Neil (Vancouver, BC), Sophie Schmidt (Abbotsford, BC), Melissa Tancredi (Hamilton, ON), and Amy Walsh (Montreal, QC).

Sasha Andrews (Edmonton, AB), Candace Chapman (Ajax, ON), Tanya Dennis (Brampton, ON), Randee Hermus (Langley, BC), Charmaine Hooper (Ottawa, ON), and Isabelle Morneau (Longueuil, QC) will make up the defence for Canada.

“We are pleased to see Candace Chapman and Tanya Dennis back in the team after injuries and school commitments. These athletes will give us more depth and versatility,” added Pellerud.

The two goalkeepers for this tour are Karina LeBlanc (Maple Ridge, BC) and Taryn Swiatek (Calgary, AB). In Canada's last outing, LeBlanc earned her 17th shutout in a 2:0 win France on April 27, 2005.

Oakville, Ontario native, Kara Lang is listed in all three non-goalkeeper positions.

Players who will not make it to Europe are Amanda Cicchini due to school commitments, and Jodi-Ann Robinson who will be with the Women's U20 team in Houston, Texas for an international tournament.

Friendlies

Wednesday, May 25 @ 18:00 CEST vs Denmark
Brøndby Stadium - Copenhagen, Denmark

Saturday, May 28 @ 16:00 CEST vs Sweden 
National Arena Rasunda Stadium - Stockholm, Sweden

Tuesday, May 31 @ 20:00 CEST vs Norway
Sarpsborg Stadium - Oslo, Norway

Canadian Roster

No.\tName\tD.O.B.\tClub\tPosition\tCaps\tGoals/SO
01\tKarina LeBlanc\t3/30/1980\tNew Jersey Wildcats\tGK\t44\t17
20\tTaryn Swiatek\t2/4/1981\tOttawa Fury\tGK\t16\t5
02\tMelissa Tancredi\t12/27/1981\tAtlanta Silverbacks\tM\t9\t0
03\tSophie Schmidt\t6/28/1988\tVancouver Whitecaps\tM\t4\t1
04\tSasha Andrews\t2/14/1983\tVancouver Whitecaps\tD\t25\t2
05\tAndrea Neil\t10/26/1971\tVancouver Whitecaps\tM\t104\t21
06\tTanya Dennis\t8/26/1985\tU. of Nebraska\tD\t12\t0
07\tIsabelle Morneau\t4/18/1976\tF.C. Select Rive-Sud\tD\t73\t6
08\tDiana Matheson\t4/6/1984\tOttawa Fury\tM\t33\t1
09\tCandace Chapman\t4/2/1983 1\tAtlanta Silverbacks\tD\t21\t1
10\tCharmaine Hooper\t1/15/1968\tN/A\tD\t119\t62
11\tRandee Hermus\t11/14/1979\tVancouver Whitecaps\tD\t57\t5
12\tChristine Sinclair\t6/12/1983\tVancouver Whitecaps\tF\t69\t50
13\tAmy Walsh\t9/13/1977\tF.C. Select Rive-Sud\tM\t60\t5
14\tAmber Allen\t10/21/1975\tVancouver Whitecaps\tF\t15\t4
15\tKara Lang\t10/22/1986\tVancouver Whitecaps\tD/M/F\t44\t21
16\tKatie Thorlakson\t1/14/1985\tVancouver Whitecaps\tF\t5\t0
17\tBrittany Timko\t9/5/1985\tVancouver Whitecaps\tF\t38\t0

Staff
Even Pellerud\tHead Coach
Ian Bridge\tAssistant Coach
Shel Brodsgaard\tGoalkeeper Coach
Judy Joseph\tManager
Cathy Campbell\tTeam Doctor
Dave Adolph\tTeam Athletic Therapist
Adrian Newman\tHead of Delegation
Holly Mair\tMassage Therapist