Canadians welcomed to Washington

Canada’s women’s national team was welcomed to USA at the Embassy of Canada in Washington, DC. National head coach Carolina Morace, along with Canadians Erin McLeod, Karina LeBlanc and Christine Sinclair, took part in a press conference with the Washington Freedom at the Embassy of Canada.



Canada is in Washington this week training in advance of the 3 June international friendly match against Norway. Canada faces Women’s Professional Soccer team Washington Freedom this Sunday 23 May at George Mason Stadium in Fairfax, VA.



“This is an important test for us as we build toward the international match against Norway and this October’s CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup,” said Canadian national head coach Carolina Morace. “We have 10 days together here in Washington to prepare both on and off the pitch with one goal in mind: to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011.”



At the press conference, it was announced that Canadian national team goalkeeper McLeod would play for her professional club, Washington Freedom, this Sunday. In attendance at the press conference were Freedom head coach Jim Gabarra, Freedom players Sarah Huffman and Rebecca Moros, and special guest Shaone Morrisonn of the Washington Capitals. Representing the Embassy of Canada was Sally Southey, Minister Counsellor, Public Affairs and Deputy Head, Washington Advocacy Secretariat, Embassy of Canada.



Canadian Ambassador to the United States, Gary Doer, then met Morace and the Canadian players for a photo on the rooftop.



“We would like to thank the Ambassador and the Canadian Embassy for welcoming Canada’s national team to Washington,” said Canadian national head coach Carolina Morace. “We would like to thank the Washington Freedom for their hospitality this week.”



Canada, whose title sponsor is Winners and presenting sponsor is Teck, is preparing this year for the 2010 CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup, which serves as the qualification route to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011. So far this season, Canada has posted five wins and one loss in six international matches.