The last time Canada's national women's team actually played in Canada was nearly two years ago. A pair of friendlies against China in Newfoundland in August of 2006. Since that time they've played, oh, about 40 matches, that's all. It doesn't seem right, does it?
So it's about time they returned home to finally make their debut at Canada's National Soccer Stadium. The heady days of that fourth-place finish at the 2002 World Cup and the drama of the FIFA under 19 World Cup seem so long ago. And yet the core of this team remains intact heading into the Olympics. Christine Sinclair, Kara Lang, Brittany Timko -- they're all here. More mature now, and determined to do well in China. Confidence is high. They've performed well this year and were solid in the Olympic qualifier.
And they're still popular. Hundreds of youngsters took in Tuesday afternoon's training session and dutifully lined up for autographs after. Just like the old days. Support for this team includes Canada's most-decorated Olympian in Marnie McBean. The rower without parallel has motivational qualities that match her expertise in a scull with an oar in her hand. She'll guide the team through all the potential pitfalls that come with this Olympian trip to China. Guided for one last fling by Even Pellerud who seems to be pulling all the right strings, Canada is poised for the challenge. They can't wait to play in front of a large and supportive crowd in Toronto. It's something they haven't known after all, for far too long.
