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Hopes high for Canucks ahead of women's world under-19 soccer championship

BY NEIL DAVIDSON

CP

956 words

13 October 2004

15:58

The Canadian Press

English

© 2004 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

The road to the soccer World Cup has been dotted by disappointment for the Canadian men. The senior women stumbled at the final obstacle before the Athens Olympics.

But the future looks bright for Canada as it prepares for the world under-19 women's championship next month in Thailand.

In fact, Canada finds itself in the unusual position of being one of the favourites.

``I think the players feel that too, which can always be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you take it,'' coach Ian Bridge said Wednesday.

``We've done lots of goal-setting sessions over the last year, even 18 months, to talk about this tournament,'' he added. ``We believe we can win gold. We've set that as a goal.''

The Canadian women, runners-up to the U.S. in the inaugural world championship two years ago in Edmonton, are going to the 12-team competition as regional champions having taken their revenge on the Americans in qualifying in CONCACAF, which covers North and Central America and the Caribbean.

Canada will be led by Kara Lang and Brittany Timko, who have 75 caps at the senior level between them. Others to watch include Veronique Maranda and Aysha Jamani and goalkeeper Stacey VanBoxmeer.

And there is youth. Forward Jodi-Ann Robinson is 15 while defender Sophie Schmidt is 16. Several under-15 players are still in contention for the few positions left on the squad.

Despite their talent and track record, the Canadians still face a tough road at the tournament. A supposed benign draw, courtesy of winning the CONCACAF region, turned a lot nastier when Spain upset Germany to win the European championship.

That put the Germans in Canada's group as the second-place European team, along with Australia and Thailand.

The Germans had been considered a lock to win the European title, outscoring their opposition 23-0 en route to the final _ including a 7-0 win over Spain.

``They were the strongest team in the tournament,'' Bridge said of the Germans at the European championship. ``But they just had a very poor performance in the final against Spain.''

Spain won 2-1 on a 52nd-minute free kick.

The Germans were left with the consolation prize of 24 goals in five games, a scoring record in a UEFA finals tournament for both men and women at any level.

Group B in Thailand consists of Brazil, China, Italy and Nigeria while Group C features South Korea, Russia, Spain and the U.S.

The presence of Germany means there will be a battle for first place in Group A, a position that carries a more favourable quarter-final. The group winner plays a third-place team in one of the other pools while the runner-up meets the No. 2 team from Group B.

The semifinals are tough however you cut it. Even if Canada wins its group and then its quarter-final, a semifinal with the U.S. could await.

Bridge points to Brazil as a tournament force. Players like Marta, Renata Costa, Kelly and Cristiane were all part of the Brazilian team at the first under-19 tournament as well as the Athens Olympics.

The Brazilian women made it to the Olympic final, losing in overtime to the Americans.

The Canadian coach is also wary of Australia in his group.

``It's the one team we've not seen to be able to scout,'' he said. ``And it's the game you play first so that's always the tough one.''

Canada opens Nov. 10 against the Aussies in Bangkok.

Bridge has already named 17 members of his 21-woman roster. The final four places will be decided by Oct. 22 when the final squad has to be declared.

Some of the Canadian women have been together since August in residency at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, B.C., practising with senior players and taking on local teams.

The women even visited Alert Bay in northern B.C., tying an under-19 men's team 1-1.

Several U.S.-based players will join the camp next week.

``It's been a great experience,'' Bridge said. ``We've had over 45 training sessions and about 12 games in the five weeks. They've been as close to professional as they can be.''

The Canadian teams leaves Nov. 1 for Thailand. The tournament runs Nov. 10-27.

Notes: Soccer fans may have noticed that Fox Sports World Canada has dropped Sky Sports News. A network spokesman said the decision to cut Sky was made because the English Premier League raised its fees and Fox Sports World Canada could not afford keep both. Fox Sports World Canada has the rights to midweek and early Sunday EPL games this season. Rogers Sportsnet carries Saturday games. Some Sunday games are also available on pay-per-view.

Canadian Under-19 Roster

Goal: Stephanie Labbe, Stoney Plain, Alta., Edmonton Aviators; Stacey VanBoxmeer, Collingwood, Ont., Indiana University.

Defenders: Tanya Dennis, Brampton, Ont., University of Nebraska; Justine Labrecque, Laval, Que., Montreal Xtreme; Kara Lang, Oakville, Ont., Vancouver Whitecaps; Katie Radchuk, Halifax, Montreal Xtreme; Emily Zurrer, Crofton, B.C., Nanaimo Women's Premier; Sari Raber, Richmond, B.C., University of Nebraska; Sophie Schmidt, Abbotsford, B.C., Abbotsford Rush.

Midfielders: Brittany Timko, Coquitlam, B.C., Vancouver Whitecaps; Amanda Cicchini, Oakville, Ont., Dixie 86; Veronique Maranda, Saint-Lambert, Que., Montreal Xtreme; Kate Bazos, London, Ont., London; Selenia Iachelli, Edmonton, University of Nebraska.

Forwards: Josee Belanger, Coaticook, Que., Montreal Xtreme; Aysha Jamani, Calgary, Edmonton Aviators; Jodi-Ann Robinson, Richmond, B.C., Semiahmoo Spirit.

Four players to be named later.

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It appears those morons at Sportsnet may not show the U-19 World Cup at Thailand. At least is not on their published schedule. Is it not frustrating that we as Canadians cannot see our team playing in the second most important world soccer event for the women side. Does it not make sense that this group of young women will be representing their country with pride and giving it all they got, but no one back in Canada can see their effort and applaud they play. Makes you wonder what's the point of all this.

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I wouldn't worry! Sportsnet commited to this tournament awhile ago. With the lack of NHL hockey on their schedule, I can see no reason to back out now. Up until 2 days ago the U-19 final in 2002 was their highest rated program ever! (beaten by Sox-Yankees game 7 on Wednesday)

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Not a bad article from the FIFA site- they sure like using the "canuck style" comment in their articles:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.fifa.com/en/comp/index/0,2442,103502,00.html?comp=U19W&year=2004&articleid=103502

Canada keen to make their own momentum

Kara Lang, though still young, is one of the team's veterans

courtesy of CanadaSoccer

(FIFA.com) 22 Oct 2004

The Canadian U-19 women, who caused such a sensation by reaching the final match as hosts of the first FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship two years ago, are back and putting the final touches on ahead of their trip to the competitions' sophomore instalment in Thailand this November.

Preparing to finalise the squad after a short respite for Canadian Thanksgiving, the reigning CONCACAF champions' training camp in Burnaby, British Columbia has been exhaustive. But between two-a-day training sessions and a score of matches against regional men's and women's teams alike, head coach Ian Bridge found time to sit for a chat with FIFA.com. The Canuck boss and FIFA World Cup veteran knows full well that their adventure in Southeast Asia is bound to be fraught with hardships, and will be no cosy, homespun cakewalk this time around.

Long road worries

"It is going to be more difficult than it was two years ago," Bridge told FIFA.com. "The big difference is that we won't be at home as that was a huge advantage for us. As the tournament went on we got great support throughout the country, not just in the stadiums, and it become a powerful source of momentum."

Aside from the comforts of home, 13,298 kilometres away in the exotic land once known as Siam, Bridge will be without the services of Canada 2002's top-scorer Christine Sinclair. The current senior team standout scored a remarkable 10 goals in six matches, including five against England, to earn Golden Boot honours as top scorer and Golden Ball as the tournament's best player two years ago in Edmonton.

No obvious heir to Sinclair

"Well we have no Sinclair this year, so the rest of the team will have to share the scoring responsibilities," Bridge added. "But all of our attacking players will score, and we have been getting goals regularly from midfield too. We will just have to adapt and get goals when and where we can."

Though perhaps not the dynamo Sinclair was two years ago, prolific striker and Calgary native Aysha Jamani has her coach's seal of approval around the penalty area. "She (Jamani) has scored in almost every game we've played so far, and she would have to be considered the closest thing we have to another out-and-out scorer like Sinclair."

The side that edged out the U.S. in CONCACAF qualifying to take a little revenge (add link) for the loss in the U-19 final in Edmonton, will - according to Bridge - need to make use of the prototypical qualities associated with the Canadian sporting tradition.

'Fast, forward and aggressive'

"The words I use to describe our play would be 'fast, forward and aggressive,' the faster we can attack the better," Bridge went on. "We always looked to go forward and get into dangerous positions. And of course we will always try to use our aggressive style to our advantage - it's a Canadian hallmark.

"We are also dangerous on set pieces," he said, "And we can trouble any defence with our ability in the air."

Veteran input

Canada coach Ian Bridge is in charge once more

courtesy of CanadaSoccer.com

And the coach really has every reason to be optimistic, considering he will have two members of the 2002 side on the Thailand-bound flight in early November. Both Kara Lang and Brittany Timko of the Vancouver Whitecaps lined up for the Canadians at home in 2002, before stepping up to the big stage and representing the Great White North at the FIFA Women's World Cup USA 2003.

Then just 15, Lang was one of the sensations of the inaugural competition garnering the plaudits for her cool head and wonderful ability. And this time around, her boss is hoping the 17-year-old can turn that experience into much-needed leadership as one of the side's "elder" stateswomen.

As far as the group-phase is concerned, Bridge is urging his young ladies to take things one step at a time in Group A.

First things first, never count out the hosts

"Our game against Australia will be the toughest, as it's the first. We know very little about them, as they are tough to scout." The coach said. "But we will be putting all of our energy into being more than ready for that first game.

"Germany are the strongest team from Europe," he added. "Even though they lost to Spain in the continental final I still think they are the toughest and best attacking team in UEFA. I don't think Thailand will be that strong. Physically and experience-wise we will have the edge on them, but as we showed two years ago you can never discount the hosts."

Canada will be looking to keep the dream alive and continue their meteoric rise in the world of women's football. Though it will be a tougher test this time around, underestimate Bridge's battling lasses at your own peril.

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U19 Women’s National Team versus the Senior Women’s Provincial Champions Surrey United

The North Shore Soccer Development Centre, for the second year in a row, is happy to host a game involving the U19 Women’s National Team versus the Senior Women’s Provincial Champions, Surrey United. This game will take place on Friday, October 22nd at 6:15 pm at William Griffen turf field in North Vancouver.

This will be the last preparation game for the U19 National team before they head to Thailand for the FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championship.

Come see Canadian international players such as Aysha Jamani & Kara Lang along with notable players from the Senior Women’s Provincial Champs Martina Holan & the NSSDC’s own Sara Maglio.

Please come and support these future stars of Canada and watch the highest quality of soccer available on the North Shore. There will be time after the game for autographs.

U19 Canadian team roster for the game Friday....

Alexander Molly, UW

Bazos Kate, Ont

Belanger Josee, QC

Cicchini Amanda, Ont

Dunnett Jaclyn, BC

Everrett Deana, Ont

Gayle Robyn, UNC

Iacchelli Selenia, Alb

Jamani Aysha, Alb

Labbe Stephanie, Alb

Labrecque Justine, QC

Lang Kara, White Caps

Leroux Sydney, BC

Maranda Veronique, QC

Radchuck Katie, NS

Robinson Jodi-Ann, BC

Schmidt Sophie, BC

VanBoxmeer Stacey, IU

Vanderpool Caroline, UOL

Zurrer Emilly, BC

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Final Roster Announced

Canadian coach picks 14-year-old

By NEIL DAVIDSON

(CP) - Canadian coach Ian Bridge fleshed out his roster Friday for the world under-19 soccer championship next month in Thailand, naming 14-year-old Sydney Leroux and three others to his 21-woman roster.

Bridge had previously told 17 players they had already made the squad for the Nov. 10-27 tournament.

The final four announced Friday were Leroux, a forward from Surrey, B.C., who only turned 14 in May; Robyn Gayle, an 18-year-old defender from Mississauga, Ont.; Deanna Everrett, a 16-year-old forward from Oakville, Ont.; and Erin McNulty, a goalkeeper from Winnipeg who turned 15 in June.

"She is a special talent for a couple of reasons," Bridge said of Leroux. "She has great speed and she's a great finisher - not an easy combination for teams to handle.

"She's tough, has almost a nasty streak to her which again is a great quality for a goal-scorer. You can't avoid noticing her when she plays. And even though she's the youngest player on the squad she doesn't play like that."

Canada was runner-up to the U.S. at the inaugural under-19 championship in Edmonton in 2002.

The Canadian women leave Vancouver on Oct. 31 for Phuket, Thailand, to play two friendlies against Russia on Nov. 4 and 6 before shifting to Bangkok for final tournament preparations.

The team will be led by Kara Lang and Brittany Timko, both starters on the senior side and veterans of the first under-19 world championship.

Six other players have also won caps with the senior team; Josee Belanger, Tanya Dennis, Aysha Jamani, Veronique Maranda, Sari Raber and Emily Zurrer.

There is plenty of youth. Forward Jodi-Ann Robinson is 15 while defender Sophie Schmidt is 16. Leroux, Everrett, McNulty and Schmidt all made their mark with the under-15 and under-17 development teams.

That youth bodes well for Canada. After this tournament, FIFA is changing the age limit to under-20 so players like Leroux could get three kicks at the can.

Of the four additions Friday, McNulty will serve as cover in goal while Leroux and Everrett may gain experience by coming off the bench.

Gayle, who plays at highly regarded North Carolina, is pushing for a starting job. She fell out of the national team picture after problems dealing with the heat in Trinidad at a Canadian training camp, but has put that trouble behind her through training at UNC.

The Canadian women are going to the 12-team competition as regional champions having beaten the Americans in qualifying in CONCACAF, which covers North and Central America and the Caribbean.

A supposed benign draw, courtesy of winning CONCACAF, turned a lot nastier when Spain upset Germany to win the European championship.

That put the Germans in Canada's group as the second-place European team, along with Australia and Thailand.

The presence of Germany means there will be a battle for first place in Group A, a position that carries a more favourable quarter-final.

The group winner plays a third-place team in one of the other pools while the runner-up meets the No. 2 team from Group B.

The semifinals are tough however you cut it. Even if Canada wins its group and then its quarter-final, a semifinal with the U.S. could await.

Canada opens against Australia on Nov. 10 and continues Group A play against Thailand on Nov. 13 and Germany on Nov. 16

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SCHEDULE, FINAL ROSTER AND CSA ARTICLE

http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=1937

Women's Under-19 Team

Friday, October 22, 2004

Bridge Selects Roster For Thailand

Ian Bridge

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s Women’s Under-19 Head Coach Ian Bridge today announced his 21-player roster for the FIFA Under-19 Women’s World Championship from November 10-27, 2004 in Thailand.

Canada will depart from Vancouver on Sunday, October 31st for Phuket, Thailand to play two friendlies against Russia on Thursday, November 4th and Saturday, November 6th. The team will depart after the second friendly for final preparations in Bangkok, Thailand.

Canada will begin their quest for gold against Australia on Wednesday, November 10th and continue Group A play against Thailand (host) on Saturday, November 13th and Germany on Tuesday, November 16th.

Bridge has selected two players from the Canadian squad who earned silver in the inaugural Championship hosted by Canada in 2002. Veterans Kara Lang and Brittany Timko will lead the young team in Thailand. Both players are regular starters on Canada’s Women’s World Cup (senior) team. Lang of Oakville, Ontario has 10 goals in 24 appearances since her U-19 debut on June 30, 2001 against the United States. Timko of Coquitlam, British Columbia has earned nine goals in 29 appearances since her debut with Bridge’s team on April 13, 2002 against Jamaica. With the senior team, Lang has scored 21 goals in 43 games and Timko has been capped 34 times.

Joining the two silver medalists are the members of the U-19 squad which recently claimed first place at the 2004 CONCACAF U-19 Qualifying Tournament played in Montreal and Ottawa; Kate Bazos (London, ON), Josee Belanger (Coaticook, QC), Amanda Cicchini (Oakville, ON), Selenia Iacchelli (Edmonton, AB), Aysha Jamani (Calgary, AB), Stephanie Labbe (Stoney Plain, AB), Justine Labrecque (Laval, QC), Veronique Maranda (Saint-Lambert, QC), Sari Raber (Richmond, BC), Katie Radchuck (Halifax, NS), Jodi-Ann Robinson (Richmond, BC), Stacey VanBoxmeer (Collingwood, ON), Emily Zurrer (Crofton, BC).

VanBoxmeer was named top goalkeeper at the CONCACAF Tournament with four shut-outs in five starts, while Zurrer scored three goals, and was named tournament MVP. Jamani scored five times for second place in scoring at the tournament followed closely by Belanger with four. Belanger’s last goal of the tournament came in the final two minutes of the second overtime period to defeat the United States 2:1 in the CONCACAF final.

Returning to the roster is Tanya Dennis (Brampton, ON) who missed the CONCACAF tournament due to injury. Robyn Gayle (Mississauga, ON) will also re-join the roster following a year long absence from the team.

Along with Lang and Timko, six players listed on the roster have also earned caps with the senior team; Belanger (1/0), Dennis (12/0), Jamani (10/7), Maranda (12/1), Raber (1/0), and Zurrer (2/0). (Caps/Goals)

New to Bridge’s roster are young players that have made their mark with the Under-15 and Under-17 development teams; Deana Everrett (Oakville, ON), Sydney Leroux (Surrey, BC), Erin McNulty (Winnipeg, MB), and Sophie Schmidt (Abbotsford, BC).

"The staff and I are very excited about this dynamic, talented, young team,” said Bridge. “We have a great mix of experience and youth: players with senior team and World Cup experience like Kara Lang, Brittany Timko, Tanya Dennis, Aysha Jamani and Veronique Maranda; as well as ‘graduates’ of our U-17 and U-15 teams like Amanda Cicchini, Jodi-Ann Robinson, and Emily Zurrer. Choosing the final roster - especially the last few selections - was very difficult because the players have all worked so hard, and with such passion to be a part of this team.”

“For the past 20 months, over 40 players have been in camps or competitions in the U-19 program, and although not in the final roster, these players have played a part in any successes the team may have in the future. Now that the selections have been made, we enter into the final phase of preparations here in Vancouver before departing for Thailand on November 1st,” concluded Bridge.

U19 Roster

No. Player Pos. DOB Caps G/S Club Hometown

1 VanBoxmeer, Stacey GK 10/05/85 9 5 University of Indiana Collingwood, ON

2 Radchuck, Katie D 27/02/86 9 0 Montreal Xtreme Halifax, NS

3 Gayle, Robyn D 31/10/85 15 0 U. of North Carolina Mississauga, ON

4 Dennis, Tanya D 26/08/85 2 0 U. of Nebraska Brampton, ON

5 Zurrer, Emily F/D 12/07/87 6 3 Nanaimo Crofton, BC

6 Labrecque, Justine D 02/07/87 3 0 Montreal Xtreme Laval, QC

7 Cicchini, Amanda M 28/02/87 7 1 Dixie Blaze Oakville, ON

8 Maranda, Véronique M 18/08/86 8 2 Montreal Xtreme Saint-Lambert, QC

9 Robinson, Jodi-Ann F 17/04/89 4 0 Semiahmoo Spirit Richmond, BC

10 Iacchelli, Selenia M 05/06/86 11 2 Edmonton Aviators Edmonton, AB

11 Belanger, Josee F 14/05/86 11 6 Montreal Xtreme Coaticook, QC

12 Bazos, Kate M 15/08/86 1 0 Toronto Inferno London, ON

13 Everrett, Deana F 26/12/87 0 0 Dixie Blaze Oakville, ON

14 Jamani, Aysha F 28/06/87 8 8 Edmonton Aviators Calgary, AB

15 Lang, Kara D 22/10/86 24 10 Vancouver Whitecaps Oakville, ON

16 Schmidt, Sophie D 28/06/88 0 0 Abbotsford Rush Abbotsford, BC

17 Timko, Brittany M 05/09/85 26 9 Vancouver Whitecaps / U. of Nebraska Coquitlam, BC

18 Leroux, Sydney F 07/05/90 0 0 n/a Surrey, BC

19 McNulty, Erin GK 03/06/89 0 0 Flames Winnipeg, MB

20 Labbe, Stephanie GK 10/10/86 3 0 Edmonton Aviators Stoney Plain, AB

21 Raber, Sari D 01/01/86 10 0 U. of Nebraska Richmond, BC

Staff

Andy Sharpe Head of Delegation

Ian Bridge Head Coach

Even Pellerud Director Women’s Program

Bob Birarda Assistant coach

Shel Brodsgaard Goalkeeper coach

Cassandra Zinkowski Athletic Therapist

Cathy Campbell Doctor

Holly Mair Massage Therapist/ Equipment Manager

Earl Cochrane Media officer

Anne Pellerud Manager

Friendlies

November 4, 2004 vs Russia - Phuket

November 6, 2004 vs Russia - Phuket

2004 U-19 World Championship Schedule

Group A

Australia

Canada

Germany

Thailand

Group B

Brazil

China PR

Italy

Nigeria

Group C

Korea Republic

Russia

Spain

USA

Group A

Game Date Venue Match

1 November 10 @ 17:00 BANGKOK THA - GER

2 November 10 @ 19:45 BANGKOK AUS - CAN

7 November 13 @ 17:00 BANGKOK GER - AUS

8 November 13 @ 19:45 BANGKOK CAN - THA

13 November 16 @ 19:45 BANGKOK GER - CAN

14 November 16 @ 19:45 CHIANGMAI AUS - THA

Group B

Game Date Venue Match

3 November 10 @ 17:00 CHIANGMAI NGA - CHN

4 November 10 @ 19:45 CHIANGMAI ITA - BRA

9 November 13 @ 17:00 CHIANGMAI CHN - ITA

10 November 13 @ 19:45 CHIANGMAI BRA - NGA

15 Nov. 16 @ 17:00 BANGKOK CHN - BRA

16 Nov 16 @ 17:00 CHIANGMAI ITA - NGA

Group C

Game Date Venue Match

5 November 11 @ 17:00 PHUKET KOR - USA

6 November 11 @ 19:45 PHUKET RUS - ESP

11 November 14 @ 17:00 PHUKET USA - RUS

12 November 14 @ 19:45 PHUKET ESP - KOR

17 November 18 @ 17:00 PHUKET USA - ESP

18 November 18 @ 17:00 BANGKOK RUS - KOR

Quarterfinals

Game Date Venue Match

19 November 21 @ 17:00 CHIANGMAI 1A - 3BC

20 November 21 @ 17:00 BANGKOK 1B - 2C

21 November 21 @ 19:45 CHIANGMAI 1C - 3BA

22 November 21 @ 19:45 BANGKOK 2A - 2B

Semifinals

Game Date Venue Match

23 November 24 @ 17:00 BANGKOK W19 - W21

24 November 24 @ 19:45 BANGKOK W20 - W22

Third place

Game Date Venue Match

25 November 27 @ 16:00 BANGKOK L23 - L24

Final

Game Date Venue Match

26 November 27 @ 19:00 BANGKOK W23 - W24

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Game report, U-19 1- Surrey United (Plus) 0, from monicacasfriend on GoBigRed:

"I was hoping that someone would have reported on the U-19s vs. Surrey United game. However, as I do not see anything I will say what I can. The U-19s won 1-0 on a long ball early in the second half from Vero Maranda which bounced in front of the goalkeeper and went over her head.

Attendance was surprisingly good. At least the word got out to the North Shore soccer community. One sideline was lined several people deep, the other had a broken line, and there was a crowd seated on the slope overlooking one end.

Surrey Utd. must have been short players because (Whitecap and Surrey Utd. coach) Steve Kindel and (ex-Whitecap and North Shore coach) Carl Valentine played for them. Martina Franko was not there, nor was Diana Artuso.

For the U-19s, Robin Gayle was not visible. Someone wore no. 17 who I didn't recognize. Man, will Timko be mad when she hears about this! (I'm kidding.) Vanboxmeer was in goal, the defenders were Radchuck, Lang, Zurrer, and Labrecque. Midfield was no. 17, Cicchini, and Iachelli. Robinson, Jamani, and Belanger started up front, but Jamani and Belanger were pulled back a bit.

In the second half Robinson and Belanger came off, as did Zurrer later, and Maranda, Vanderpool, and Schmidt came on. Vanderpool took Robinson's role, and was the only player consistently far forward.

Among the things that viewers might take note of (if they get to see the Thailand games) is that Lang looks pretty comfortable as central defender. She handles the ball much more than Zurrer. She acts like a quarterback dropping back with space and time to pass. She not only hits the long balls that we would expect but often plays a simple ball to a midfielder or pushes it out to one of the side defenders. This could send Raber or Dennis down the sidelines to start an attack.

The team in general seems to use the width of the field more effectively than before. Special plaudits go to Cicchini for this. They looked very secure at the back with only a couple of dicey situations.

I thought that the players who were most surprising, probably because we didn't see too much of them in qualifying, were Iachelli and Vanderpool. Iachelli looked strong, had good touch, and linked up well. Vanderpool had rockets on. She beat defenders to balls she had no business getting to.

As for how the game went, Canada had most of the possession, threatened throughout, had numerous shots at goal, but didn't force very many saves. Surrey played a short passing game and for spells kept the ball moving against steady Canadian pursuit (it helped having two men on the team) but mounted almost no threat on goal."

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Note that by the time this tournament starts, Thailand will be 12 hours ahead of EST (we'll be off DST by then and Thailand does not observe DST).

As for television coverage, of course I do want it, but I'll also be pretty ticked if Sportsnet covers this and didn't cover the men's U20s.

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quote:Originally posted by DJT

As for television coverage, of course I do want it, but I'll also be pretty ticked if Sportsnet covers this and didn't cover the men's U20s.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh, dear DJT, let me tell you the parable of the prodigal son. It goes like this....

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quote:Originally posted by DJT

Note that by the time this tournament starts, Thailand will be 12 hours ahead of EST (we'll be off DST by then and Thailand does not observe DST).

As for television coverage, of course I do want it, but I'll also be pretty ticked if Sportsnet covers this and didn't cover the men's U20s.

I on the other hand say I hope Sportnet does not ignore this tournament like they did with the U20's.

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quote:Bridge has selected two players from the Canadian squad who earned silver in the inaugural Championship hosted by Canada in 2002. Veterans Kara Lang and Brittany Timko will lead the young team in Thailand.

This from the CSA article is incorrect. Robyn Gayle also was a member of the 2002 team. As I recall at the time, was considered quite the bluechipper.

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heiyall,

first time poster here just popping in to say "hi".

as Steve Kindel and Carl Valentine were part of the Surrey United team that played against the U19's Friday evening, "beachesl" has kindly asked me to post a couple of pics featuring the two for the good folks @ Voyageurs. if they seem a little too "female-centric", i apologize in advance: [:P]

041022_u19f.jpg

"Huh, no respect. Don't get no respect" - so this is grandpa Carl mixing it up with left back Katie Radchuck. the crowd had a great time heckling him to pieces, and he took it all in great stride. Very surreal (and lots of fun) to watch.

041022_u19g.jpg

And this is Sara Maglio taking charge of things, with beau Steve Kindel in tow, to her right. Surrey in general had good possession throughout the game, but was sorely missing a decisive punch (ie. Martina Franko, who was subbed off almost immediately after starting the game to make way for Old Man Valentine). Would have been interesting to see how the U19's would have dealt with a class striker like her.

Enjoy and take care everyone,

Wavester

breakertoba.com

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quote:Originally posted by mtlfan

I on the other hand say I hope Sportnet does not ignore this tournament like they did with the U20's.

Well yes, I do agree (I did say "of course I do want it"). But at the same time, I haven't gotten over the U20s (not to mention Olympic qualifying) and this would make me more angry about that.

quote:Originally posted by beachesl

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh, dear DJT, let me tell you the parable of the prodigal son. It goes like this....

You've lost me, but I admit that I don't know the parable well.
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quote:Originally posted by The Ref

Is it not frustrating that we as Canadians cannot see our team playing in the second most important world soccer event for the women side.

No, the top two are the Women's World Cup and the Olympics. Perhaps the U19 WWC is third, but the Algarve (given its history and that it's for full national teams) seems pretty big as well.
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quote:Originally posted by Massive Attack

I wonder if today's riots in southern Thailand should be cause for concern?

http://tinyurl.com/6koz6

Here's a link to a riot article you don't need to login to:

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20041025/ap_on_re_as/thailand_southern_violence

The rioting was in different provinces, the ones near the Malaysian border. Phuket is a bit more north of that, and well-policed.

The provinces where the riots occur are the ones with Muslim majorities, many of whom are separatists. Most of the people in Phuket province are Buddhists and happy with being in Thailand.

The Canadians play all their matches in the Bangkok central area, so no possible problem for them. All the playoffs are in Bangkok or in the very safe North in Chiang Mai. The US play in Phuket, but I don't expect security to be a problem.

I have travelled a lot, and I think the Thais are generally the nicest people in the world. The players will love it there. :)

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