Matheson and McLeod ruled out of FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 through injuries

Canada Soccer have confirmed that Diana Matheson and Erin McLeod have both been ruled out of the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 through injuries. The two Women’s National Team veterans will miss this summer global event for the first time since 2003 when they helped Canada finish fourth overall at the world’s biggest sporting event.

“Its extremely disappointing not to be able to join Canada at the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019,” said Diana Matheson, Canada Soccer midfielder. “Unfortunately, despite great support from Canada Soccer and Utah Royals FC, I am unable to play through this injury and will be undergoing surgery as soon as possible to start the recovery process. I look forward to cheering on our team from home along with the rest of Canada. I know the players and staff are primed and ready to bring the World Cup back to Canada.”

Matheson has made 203 international appearances for Canada since 2003, in fact making her one of only two Canadian players to surpass the 200-match milestone. She has represented Canada at four FIFA Women’s World Cups and three Olympic Football Tournaments, winning bronze at London 2012 and Rio 2016.

“I am so incredibly proud of being part of this team and I get to do what I love every single day,” said Erin McLeod, Canada Soccer goalkeeper. “I have had a nagging injury that has hindered my ability to push my limits – which is the main reason I love what I do, it makes me feel alive. So in my heart I know it’s time for me to get healthy because I still believe I have more soccer to play. This is a special group which is why it is even harder to step away. They will do incredible things and continue to make history.”

McLeod has made 118 appearances for Canada since 2002, a record for Canadian goalkeepers. She has represented Canada at the four FIFA Women’s World Cups and two Olympic Football Tournaments, finishing in fourth place at USA 2003 and winning a bronze medal at London 2012.

CANADA AT THE FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP FRANCE 2019™
Canada will open the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™ on 10 June in Montpellier against Cameroon. After the opening match, Canada will face New Zealand on 15 June in Grenoble and Netherlands on 20 June in Reims. Beyond the group phase, two or three nations from Canada’s group will advance to the Round of 16 with those initial knock-out matches to be played from 23-25 June. Beyond the Round of 16, the Quarter-finals are 27-29 June, the Semi-finals are 2-3 July, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™ Final in 7 July.
CANADA AT THE FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP : http://canadasoccer.com/?t=project&sid=1272

Fans are encouraged to be part of Canada’s journey at the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ from 10 June to 7 July by watching all the action live on TSN and RDS. Fans can also follow the Women’s National Team both on and off the pitch across Canada Soccer’s digital channels including CanadaSoccer.com, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
OLYMPIC MEDAL WINNERS & CONCACAF CHAMPIONS
Canada are two-time Olympic bronze medal winners (2012 and 2016) and two-time Concacaf champions (1998 and 2010). In all, Canada have participated in seven consecutive editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ (1995 to 2019) and three consecutive editions of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament (2008 to 2016). At Rio 2016, Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team were the first Canadian Olympic team to win back-to-back medals at a summer Olympic Games in more than a century.
WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM: https://canadasoccer.com/women-s-national-team-p144312

Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Youth Teams, meanwhile, have won four Concacaf youth titles: the 2004 and 2008 Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship, the 2010 Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Championship, and the 2014 Concacaf Girls’ Under-15 Championship. Canada have qualified for seven editions of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup (including a silver medal at Canada 2002) and all six editions of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup (including a fourth-place finish at Uruguay 2018).