As the road to Rio nears its destination, John Herdman is doubling down on the young squad that earned Canada its spot at this summer’s Olympic Games.

“We’ve stayed pretty much consistent now, trying to build that on-field chemistry with a group of players, and we’re using that opportunity to cement roles within the team and for people to get ready for what the Olympics could look like,” the Canadian women’s national team head coach said Monday.

He announced he’s sticking with a young squad — average age being just 25.2 years old — for two friendlies against Brazil, starting Saturday.

While there is still more than two months before the Canadian team kicks off its attempt at back-to-back Olympic podiums, Herdman expects changes between now and then to be few and far between, if at all.

Any movement, he said, would be driven more by injuries than performance.

The only player missing from the squad that secured Canada its Olympic berth at the qualifiers in February is No. 1 goalkeeper Erin McLeod, who suffered a long-term ACL injury in March.

Forwards Janine Beckie, Nichelle Prince, Gabrielle Carle and Deanne Rose, midfielder Rebecca Quinn, defender Shelina Zadorsky, and goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo, the seven young faces that joined the squad ahead of competing in Houston this winter, have cemented their roles within the team.

Goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan is the lone player added to the squad this time around, after D’Angelo suffered an injury to her left wrist and remains questionable for August.

Herdman is confident the young group has some of the qualities that were missing when host Canada finished in sixth place at last summer’s Women’s World Cup.

Herdman believes they are as ready as they’re going to be for their age.

“This might be their best performance ever, because they play with no fear and bring that youthful energy to matches,” Herdman said. “I think there’s a long way to go for these players. You wish they were older and closer to their peak, but the reality is I think they are ready to give their best.”

Offering the youngsters that chance will almost definitely rule out defenders Robyn Gayle, Emily Zurrer, Lauren Sesselmann and Carmelina Moscato, midfielders Kaylyn Kyle and Selenia Iachelli and strikers Adriana Leon and Jonelle Filigno.

“Those chances are getting slimmer, and they’re the worst part of my job,” Herdman said.

Herdman also has to make two more cuts before Brazil to get his roster down to 18 players.

It doesn’t mean Canada will be without its most notable names, though. Players like Diana Matheson, Kadeisha Buchanan and captain Christine Sinclair were named to the roster.

Sinclair has suffered from nagging calf and Achilles injuries this year. While having its talisman striker hurting is not the perfect scenario for the Canadians, Herdman said he’s not too worried about her.

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“It’s hard to shut Christine down; I think that’s the challenge. She’s such a competitor and this is her life. She wants to train, she wants to play.”

Canada plays Brazil June 4 at BMO Field before travelling to Ottawa for the second game of the double-header June 7.

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