After more than a year of working her way back to full fitness, Lauren Sesselmann has been recalled by the Canadian women’s soccer team.
Sesselmann, 31, on Monday was named to coach John Herdman’s 23-player roster for Thursday’s friendly between Canada and France at Stade Robert-Bodin in Bondoufle.
The veteran defender tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee just prior to 2014 Cyprus Cup tournament. She underwent surgery and has been rehabbing ever since, and recently returned to full training with Canada and the Houston Dash, her professional club.
“It feels amazing. I’ve been working hard towards this goal of getting back on the team and being a part of the World Cup roster is definitely my goal—that’s what I’ve been working for the past year,” Sesselmann told Sportsnet.
“All the hard work and effort you put in, sometimes you don’t know how it’s all going to turn out. To be back in action with the team, it’s awesome.”
Sesselmann made her debut for Canada in 2011, and started all six games for her country at the 2012 Olympics when the Reds won the bronze medal. She has 39 caps for Canada.
Two weeks ago, Canadian soccer writer Duane Rollins posted on Twitter that someone close to the women’s team told him that Sesselmann would unlikely be ready to return in time for this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup. That came as a shock to Sesselmann, who tweeted this in response:
“I’m usually not one to respond to stuff like that, but I did because I wanted to let everyone know how hard I’ve been working and that I’m going to be ready for the World Cup,” Sesselmann told Sportsnet.
Herdman will announce his World Cup roster on April 27. The fact Sesselmann was called into camp for this France game means she’s not only fit to play at the World Cup, but she’s also in contention for a roster spot.
“I have every ounce of belief in myself that I’m going to be ready and prepared to help Canada at the World Cup,” Sesselmann stated.
Thursday’s match is the second between the two nations since Canada defeated France for third at the London Games. The two nations battled to a 1-1 draw in April, 2013.
Herdman is using this game to prepare for this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup that will be staged in Canada from June 6 to July 5.
Canada will play China in Edmonton on the opening day the tournament. Canada’s second game vs New Zealand on June 11 is also Edmonton. The Reds conclude group stage play vs the Netherlands on June 15 in Montreal.
John Molinaro will have a full-length feature story on Lauren Sesselmann’s comeback later this week on Sportsnet.ca
CANADA’S ROSTER FOR FRANCE GAME
• Goalkeepers: Stephanie Labbe (unattached), Karina LeBlanc (Chicago Red Stars) and Erin McLeod (Houston Dash).
• Defenders: Kadeisha Buchanan (West Virginia University), Allysha Chapman (Houston Dash), Robyn Gayle (unattached), Carmelina Moscato (unattached), Marie-Eve Nault (unattached), Rebecca Quinn (Duke University), Lauren Sesselmann (Houston Dash), Rhian Wilkinson (Portland Thorns FC) and Emily Zurrer (unattached)
• Midfielders: Kaylyn Kyle (Portland Thorns FC), Jonelle Filigno (Sky Blue FC), Jessie Fleming (London NorWest SC), Desiree Scott (Notts County Ladies FC), Sophie Schmidt (unattached) and Ashley Lawrence (West Virginia University).
• Forwards: Josée Bélanger (unattached), Janine Beckie (Texas Tech University), Adriana Leon (Chicago Red Stars), Christine Sinclair (Portland Thorns FC) and Melissa Tancredi (Chicago Red Stars).