Named to the Olympic qualifying roster today were 10 players younger than 24. The youngest of which was just three years old when that 2002 u19 tournament was helping to jumpstart Canadian soccer into the mainstream.
There are still a couple of the old guard hanging around – Erin McLeod (although sadly no longer sporting a Mohawk) and, of course, Sinclair were both on the 2002 team. They are joined by a few other contemporaries in Melissa Tancredi, Stephanie Labbé, Rhian Wilkinson and Diana Matheson with Allysha Chapman, Sophie Schmidt and Desiree Scott representing an in between generation.
But, the rest are kids. Six won’t be able to legally enjoy a celebratory post game drink in Houston if Canada qualifies to Rio.
Missing are players that were slam dunk picks in the past. Lauren Sesselmann and Kaylyn Kyle will probably raise the most eyebrows.
Now, Herdman did say that the door was open for some of the former players to return to the team – and it will be interesting to see if experience is given a greater emphasis if they do get to Rio – but it seems like a page was turned today.
Is it a risk? Sure, a bit. Canada will need the kids to perform in Texas. That said, the draw has been kind in that Canada will have an easy touch in group stage. They should still have the talent to beat (likely) Mexico or Costa Rica but that semi-final will be a nervous affair.
Bottom line is the time to build for 2019/2020 is now. Herdman has likely concluded that a repeat of London’s bronze performance in Rio is unlikely and has instead turned his attention to building a team that can truly contend in the next cycle.
The Class of 2002 has done Canada proud. They drove the sport (for both genders) forward with their performance in 2002 and inspired a country with their bronze medal run in 2012. Hosting the 2015 World Cup probably doesn’t happen without them. They accomplished what they did with far less sophisticated coaching and tactical awareness than this new generation has had. They also fought for more equal treatment for the women’s team and, although I’m sure there could still be improvements, they have come a long way on that front – certainly in the public’s eye they are every bit the equal of the men’s team, if not actually more relevant.
Yes, they had a generational talent in Sinclair, but she alone doesn’t take the team to the heights it found. They will be missed.
Perhaps the Class of 2002’s greatest legacy is that they helped create an environment at the national team level where the young players that are replacing them are being provided with the resources they didn’t have when they first came up. Whereas the 2002s were often plucky underdogs performing above their level through hard work and athleticism, the hope is that the next group will have a much greater technical base to draw from. In turn, that could allow Canada to truly aspire to accomplish even more.
Let's be honest: The Class of 2002 was highly unlikely to ever win a World Cup. The goal with this group is to make such a goal realistic.
Look, there are still issues in the Canadian development system. That’s especially the case on the women's side. We focus on the negatives a lot though. It would be a mistake to ignore the top level talent that is there now and that, at least at the national team level, it's getting world class coaching.
Basically we're saying that it’s OK to be excited about the Class of 2016 while saying goodbye to the 2002s and working to create a healthier system at all levels.
Canada’s roster is below:
GK – Erin McLeod, February 26, 1983 (age 32). From: St. Albert, AB
GK – Stephanie Labbé, October 10, 1986 (age 29). From: Edmonton, AB
GK – Sabrina D'Angelo, August 24, 1992 (age 23). From: Welland, ON
D – Kadeisha Buchanan, November 5, 1995 (age 20). From: Brampton, ON
D – Rebecca Quinn, August 11, 1995 (age 20). From: Toronto, ON
D – Shelina Zadorsky, October 24, 1992 (age 23). From: London, ON
D – Josée Bélanger, May 14, 1986 (age 29). From: Coaticook, QC
D – Allysha Chapman, January 25, 1989 (age 27). From: Courtice, ON
D – Rhian Wilkinson, May 12, 1982 (age 33). From: Baie-d'Urfé, QC
M – Jessie Fleming, March 11, 1998 (age 17). From: London, ON
M – Ashley Lawrence, June 11, 1995 (age 20). From: Caledon, ON
M – Diana Matheson, April 6, 1984 (age 31). From: Oakville, ON
M – Deanne Rose, March 3, 1999 (age 16). From Alliston, ON
M – Sophie Schmidt, June 28, 1988 (age 27). From: Abbotsford, BC
M – Desiree Scott, July 31, 1987 (age 28). From: Winnipeg, MB
F – Janine Beckie, August 20, 1994 (age 21). From: Highlands Ranch, CO
F – Gabrielle Carle, October 12, 1998 (17). From: Lévis, QC
F – Nichelle Prince, February 19, 1995 (age 20). From: Ajax, ON
F – Christine Sinclair, June 12, 1983 (age 32). From: Burnaby, BC
F – Melissa Tancredi, December 27, 1981 (age 34). From: Ancaster, ON