VANCOUVER

Will the legacy of the Women’s World Cup include a fourth, Edmonton-based Canadian team in Major League Soccer?

Will the legacy include additional North American Soccer League teams in Canada?

Will the legacy also include a Canadian franchise or two in the National Women’s Soccer League?

Peter Montopoli believes so.

“Certainly Edmonton intends to be in the discussion for the MLS,” said the secretary general of the Canadian Soccer Association and CEO of the organizing committee, not wishing to go beyond that.

The pro league currently includes the Montreal Impact, Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps.

“I believe there will be people who will look at the NASL now who maybe wouldn’t have three weeks ago,” he added of the league which previously included the Whitecaps and Impact and now includes Ottawa and Edmonton franchises.

“To draw 1.4 million people for this event, I don’t think people saw that being possible going in,” said Montopoli. “I think investors will see the success and the opportunity. Hopefully it will mean at least one Canadian franchise in the National Women’s Soccer League.”

The National Women’s Soccer League currently includes the Chicago Red Stars, Seattle Reign, Washington Spirit, Houston Dash, Boston Breakers, FC Kansas City, Portland Thorns, Western New York Flash and Sky Blue FC.

As many as 16 players from Canada’s national team have played in that league and had their salaries paid by the CSA.

“I think this success will spearhead Canadian teams in that league. It’s certainly a possibility,” added Montopoli.

It was legacy day at the Women’s World Cup with a press conference in which Sandy Gage, marketing manager of the organizing committee outlined those as potential legacies.

“From coast to coast, the growth of the game will be possible through the building and enhancement of 18 world-class training fields in our six official host cities,” Gage told the gathering.

“The National Women’s Soccer League is a joint effort from Canada, the United States and Mexico to provide opportunity for our national team to play professionally close to home. It is our hope that the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 from an attendance perspective demonstrates the potential of the women’s game in Canada and will spur investment to expand the NWSL to Canada.

“‘More Sinclairs more often’ is a phrase we have heard many times from head coach John Herdman.”

Gage outlined a program involving 1.1 million Canadian school kids between Grades 4 and 9 to participate in a soccer orientated phys-ed program this year, the 2,100 volunteers representing more than 100 nationalities devoting 80,000 hours. In addition 1,000 youth players from 50 clubs participated in the ‘Live Your Goals’ program, escorted by the players to the pitch holding hands prior to each game.

She said the economic impact of the U-20 last year and the World Cup this year had been pegged $337 million.

SHORT-TERM LEGACY TBD

The greatest legacy of the Women’s World Cup, of course, will be left by the team itself and that will be directly connected to the results.

If Canada defeats England here Saturday in front of another 50,000 fans and enormous television numbers, the team will advance to the final four.

They would proceed to Edmonton for a Canada Day semifinal at Commonwealth Stadium against the winner of Japan-Australia quarterfinal.

A win in the semi would send them back to Vancouver for the final while a loss would keep them in Edmonton to play for bronze.

That’s the legacy on the line, staying alive until the final weekend of the season to inspire youth for the future.

But coach John Herdman doesn’t want his team thinking about it.

“We’re just focusing on the football and letting the football take care of the legacy. Keep winning the matches. Keep moving forward. Step by step,” he said.

“We know what’s happening behind the scenes. We know there’s young girls out there watching these players, aspiring to be the next Sinclair, Schmidt, Scott, whoever.

“I think the key is to keep coming back to the team and focusing on the team than what it’s going to do for their country.

“We want the clarity that girls, you have to be at your very best this weekend. It’s time. We’re going to have a full house again. I imagine the country is going to tune in. Yeah, lets do it! Lets just win the match. Do what it takes to win the match.”

Twitter: @sunterryjones

Email: terry.jones@sunmedia.ca