Pellerud Releases Roster for Italy Friendly

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s Women’s head coach, Even Pellerud, has released his 17-woman roster for the upcoming June 25th International Friendly against Italy. The Canadians will host the Italians at Centennial Stadium in Toronto with the kickoff scheduled for 6:00 pm ET.



The Italian friendly will kickoff a very busy few months for Pellerud’s squad as he begins to ramp up his preparations for qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in China next summer. The Canadians have lined up several friendlies between now and late August with high ranking teams from CONCACAF, Asia, and Europe (details to be released soon) but the Italian friendly will be the first stern test for his team since the two-game Holland series in mid March 2006.



“We have a couple of exciting months to look forward to – with a number of top standard international games lined up.”



“The first of which will be the game against Italy in Toronto. Italy has an enviable soccer tradition – and their women’s program works in line with that great soccer culture. Italy is at the moment challenging Norway for first spot in their UEFA Qualifying group for China 2007 – their only loss was away to Norway (1-0) so this should be an indication of the quality of opposition our team will face June 25th.”



“But we will be ready for the challenge since our team should be well prepared and fit following a week of successful training in Nanaimo, BC.”



Pellerud has selected an experienced team ahead of Sunday’s friendly with Italy. Sixty percent of the squad have more than 40 full senior caps for Canada and 15 of the 17 players currently ply their trade in the highly competitive USL W-League.



However, Pellerud has invited a debutant into his team for the June 25th friendly. Ottawa Fury defender Robyn Gayle, a veteran of two youth World Championships, will be hoping to impress Pellerud in her first appearance with the full senior side.



Match Information

June 25 – CANADA vs. Italy – Centennial Stadium, Etobicoke, ON – 18:00 ET



Roster – CANADA