Canada announced roster for the upcoming 2012 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Vancouver

Canada has announced its roster for the upcoming 2012 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Vancouver, BC. Head coach John Herdman has selected 20 players that will compete in the eight-team competition from 19-29 January, with all matches to be played at BC Place. Only the top two teams from the continental championship will qualify for the London 2012 Olympics.

"The team is very excited to show Canada what they can do in Vancouver,” said Herdman. “The players have been training for this chance to represent Canada and they are fully deserving of their selection.”

Canada's 20-player roster for the CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament features 14 players who won gold at the recent Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. Five of the other six players were all FIFA Women's World Cup players, all of whom missed the Guadalajara 2011 tournament because of either club or school commitments or injury.

The one player making her international competition debut is Chelsea Buckland, a striker from Surrey, BC. Buckland made her international debut on 15 May of this year in a 1:1 draw with Switzerland. She scored her first international goal on 22 November in Canada's 2:1 win over Sweden.

Canada, whose title sponsor is Winners and presenting sponsor is Teck, will open camp in early January in California. The team then arrives in Vancouver on 14 January before the opening match on 19 January. All CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament matches will be broadcast by Sportsnet.

CANADA:

GK- Karina LeBlanc | USA / Sky Blue FC