Photo via Steve Kingsman for Canada Soccer
Photo via Steve Kingsman for Canada Soccer

Sinclair leads Canadian women’s soccer team to Rio for Olympic Games

Canada Soccer has announced the women’s squad that’s headed to Rio2016.

After clinching a berth back in February, the reigning Olympic bronze medal-winning team is now ready to take on the world at the Games once again.

Rio 2016 women’s national soccer team in photos:

The roster is complete with 18 players from across the country – a mix of fresh faces and long time members. The team will once again be led by Christine Sinclair who will be headed to her third Olympic Games after scoring six goals in the London 2012 tournament and being named closing flag bearer for Canada. Sinclair will be joined by long time teammates Melissa Tancredi, Rhian Wilkinson, Diana Matheson and Sophie Schmidt.

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The team is also joined by some newer faces such as Shelina Zadorsky, Kadeisha BuchananNichelle Prince and Janine Beckie – all of whom were elevated to the senior squad in the last four years since Canada competed in London.

Janine Beckie (right) celebrates her late goal against Brazil to seal a 1-0 win in an international friendly on June 7, 2016 in Ottawa (Greg Kolz).

Janine Beckie (right) celebrates her late goal against Brazil to seal a 1-0 win in an international friendly on June 7, 2016 in Ottawa (Greg Kolz).

The team will be bringing along two goalkeepers: Stephanie Labbe and Sabrina D’Angelo. Labbe was the main keeper during TO2015 Pan Am Games for the team and has become the regular starter.

RELATED: Canada 0-2 Brazil
RELATED: Canada 1-0 Brazil

Canada recently played two friendlies against Brazil at home. After a loss in the first match in Toronto, the team went on to Ottawa where Beckie scored a goal during stoppage time leading Canada to victory.

Canada challenging Brazil on a set-piece, though the visitors held the clean sheet for a 2-0 win in Toronto on June 4, 2016.

Canada challenging Brazil on a set-piece, though the visitors held the clean sheet for a 2-0 win in Toronto on June 4, 2016.

The team took Olympic bronze four years ago in London after Matheson scored the lone goal against France in the bronze medal match. They now look ahead to Rio for a chance to win gold.


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Canada’s path to the podium will not be easy as they have landed in a group with world number two Germany, Australia (no. 5) and Zimbabwe (no. 95th). Canada is ranked no. 10 in the FIFA women’s world football rankings and will open on August 3, 2016 in Sao Paulo at 2:00 p.m. ET against Australia.

Canada's women's football team receive their bronze medals at Wembly Stadium at the 2012 London Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, COC - Mike Ridewood

Canada’s women’s football team receive their bronze medals at Wembly Stadium at the 2012 London Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, COC – Mike Ridewood

Here is the complete roster:

Stephanie Labbe
Sabrina D’Angelo
Kadeisha Buchanan
Rebecca Quinn
Shelina Zadorsky
Josee Belanger
Allysha Chapman
Rhian Wilkinson
Jessie Fleming
Ashley Lawrence
Diana Matheson
Deanne Rose
Sophie Schmidt
Desiree Scott
Janine Beckie
Nichelle Prince
Christine Sinclair
Melissa Tancredi