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Awards and Recognition January 05, 2017

Back-to-back bronze medals tops 2016 Canada Soccer Moments

The performance by Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, earning the team its second consecutive Olympic bronze medal, has topped the 2016 Canada Soccer Moments campaign.

The performance by Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, earning the team its second consecutive Olympic bronze medal, has topped the 2016 Canada Soccer Moments campaign.   

After becoming the first Canadian Olympic team to repeat a medal performance at a summer Olympic Games in more than a century, the Women’s National Team received more than 70 per cent of the votes from Canadian soccer fans who cast ballots.   

“We had an excellent year, earning our most-ever wins in a calendar year and winning the Algarve Cup for the first time, but the Olympic tournament stands out because to go back to back podiums is special,” said Head Coach John Herdman. “I think that we showed with results over traditional powerhouses Germany, France and Brazil when it matters most, Canada is ready to take our place among the best.”   

Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team entered the record books early during the Olympic Tournament, scoring the fastest goal in tournament history in the opening match, before becoming the first Canadian team to win the group stage at an Olympic football tournament – winning all three group stage matches.   

After repeating bronze, and earning another place in Canadian sport history, Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team earned another first – its highest ever FIFA ranking of fourth place in the world.   

“This team has consistently moved forward and now I think it’s time to push from fourth place to first,” said Herdman.  “We are a country that has a depth of talent and we want this team to be the best in the world. That’s what we are aiming for now.”   

Toronto FC’s MLS Cup Final 2016 run and Montreal Impact FC’s record crowd in the first leg of the MLS Eastern Conference Final finished second and third respectively.   

Two CanadaRED prize pack winners were selected at random throughout the campaign which ran 16-31 Dec. The prize packs included signed women’s and men’s national team jerseys and a host of other Canada Soccer merchandise.    

Canadian soccer fans will have a chance to congratulate the team when the Olympic bronze medalists return home to play Mexico in their celebration match Saturday 4 February, at Vancouver’s BC Place. Tickets start at just $20 and are available by visiting migmultidev-canada-soccer.pantheonsite.io/tickets.