CHICAGO – It was announced today that Canadian Women’s National Team Head Coach John Herdman has named his roster of 20 players that will take on Japan in back-to-back women’s international friendlies on Saturday October 25, at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton and then on Tuesday October 28, in Vancouver at BC Place. Chicago Red Stars forwards Adriana Leon and Melissa Tancredi, as well as defender Rachel Quon were named to the roster.

“We’ve brought players that have that experience but also have that blend of youth,” said Herdman. “I think that it’s an important feature as we look for the right group that will take us through the Women’s World Cup in 2015.”

These games against Japan mark Canada’s continued preparations as they get set to host the world next summer for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™. Canada’s already hosted the United States and Germany this year.

With just over seven months to go until the competition, these matches will serve as a good yardstick for Canada as they look to close the gap between the top programs in the world.

“We just came into residency and the players have been on a break from their professional environments, so I think the main thing for us is that we’re able to be really competitive in these matches and that’s what we want to make sure,” said Herdman. “The players I’ve selected are close to the fitness levels that I’m looking for in internationals.”

These two teams last met when they played their respective opening games at the 2012 Olympics in London. Melissa Tancredi scored for Canada but it wasn’t enough as Japan came away as 2:1 winners. Japan is one of the five nations already qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™, finishing on top of the table in AFC Qualifiers.

From 129 competing nations, Canada will be one of the 24 finalists that take part in next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™. The 52 matches in the final competition will be played from 6 June to 5 July. Tickets to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ are available via FIFA.com/Canada2015.

CANADA
GK- Stephanie Labbe | SWE / KIF Orebro
GK- Erin McLeod | USA / Houston Dash
D- Kadeisha Buchanan | USA / West Virginia University
D- Allysha Chapman | SWE / Eskilstuna United DFF
D- Rhian Wilkinson | CAN / Comètes de Laval
D- Sura Yekka | CAN / Brams United
D- Emily Zurrer | SWE / Jitex BK
D- Carmelina Moscato | USA / Seattle Reign FC
D- Rachel Quon | USA / Chicago Red Stars
M- Jessie Fleming | CAN / London NorWest SC
M- Kaylyn Kyle | USA / Houston Dash
M- Ashley Lawrence | USA / West Virginia University
M- Diana Matheson | USA / Washington Spirit
M- Sophie Schmidt | USA / Sky Blue FC
M- Desiree Scott | ENG / Notts County FC
F- Adriana Leon | USA / Chicago Red Stars
F- Christine Sinclair | USA / Portland Thorns
F- Melissa Tancredi | USA / Chicago Red Stars
F- Josée Belanger | CAN / Comètes de Laval
F- Jonelle Filigno | USA / Sky Blue FC