Canada’s Women Wrap-Up NCAA Tour

Ottawa, Ontario – Earlier this month, Canada’s Women’s National Team Head Coach, Even Pellerud, took his team on a four-city, five-match tour of the USA where they played the University of Louisville and Purdue University in Louisville, KY, the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO, the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS, and the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, NE.



The Canadian team was invited to travel to the Midwest by the above mentioned Universities and when approached, Pellerud jumped at the opportunity to get his squad together.



“Thanks to an invitation from a group NCAA teams, we took advantage of a week long opportunity to play five scrimmages while traveling from state to state,” said Pellerud, following his squad’s nine-day camp.



“While we were victorious in all five games and scored a total of 22 goals while conceding only 2, the trip was an important early step for us as a team as we start to build the program towards the World Cup Qualifying tournament this coming November.



The nine days also provided Pellerud with an excellent opportunity to experiment with his squad.



“All the players saw considerable playing time in their preferred positions but we also took advantage of this opportunity to incorporate different playing styles; had the opportunity to play and train in some extreme conditions (heat); and were able to train on both grass and on turf.



“It must also be said that the different playing styles of our opposition provided excellent experience to our players and staff.”



Pellerud also singled out Melanie Booth for her string of superb performances. The Burlington, Ontario native has earned 15 senior caps but was making her first appearance with the senior squad since Canada took on Brazil on July 17, 2003. She had played 22 times with the U-19 squad, scoring thrice and was a vital component of Canada’s unprecedented run to the final of the 2002 FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championship.



“Melanie Booth’s return to the team was a huge success. Her service from left fullback position was crucial in helping us build from the back and spring forward with quick, decisive attacks.”



The Women’s National Team will come together again in early June in Nanaimo, BC. Details regarding the camp will be released when available.