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Melissa Tan ,

February 23, 2015 Email

Melissa Tan

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A 24-player roster was announced for the Cyprus Women's Cup 2015 on Monday.



In Canada's final tournament before this summer's FIFA Women's World Cup (WWC), head coach John Herdman is looking to solidify team chemistry.



“This Cyprus Cup has a clear outcome and that clear outcome is building that team cohesion similar to what we did in the Four Nations (in China) where we built a depth in the squad,” Herdman told Canada Soccer. “In Cyprus, it’s about the cohesion in the group of players to go and win football matches.”



Canada is entering the Cyprus Cup with momentum from last month's BaoAn Cup (also known as the Four Nations Tournament) championship win.



Three changes to the January camp were made with defender Robyn Gayle, midfielder Selenia Iachelli and forward Christina Julien being called up.



Defender Lauren Sesselmann, who suffered a torn left ACL during a training session at last year's Cyprus Cup, gave an update on her recovery status:



For everyone wondering and asking...I am almost 100% and back to full contact...Bigger picture in mind:) #SoClose #FinalStretch #Leeggooo⚽️ — Lauren Sesselmann (@lsesselmann) February 23, 2015 Sesselmann’s National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) team, the Houston Dash, also noted:



Lauren Sesselmann not called up, will go into preseason training with Dash & be reevaluated by Canada thereafter for WWC. #DashOn — Keeper Notes (@keepernotes) February 23, 2015 Diana Matheson, an anchor in Canada's midfield, is also racing to return to the pitch in time for the WWC. After tearing her left ACL in October, Matheson spoke with the Toronto Star in December about her progress.



Canada is kicking off Group A action on Wednesday, March 4 against Scotland, then facing Korea Republic and Italy on Friday, March 6 and Monday, March 9, respectfully.



Also competing at the Cyprus Cup are Australia, England, Finland and The Netherlands in Group B; and Belgium, Czech Republic, Mexico and South Africa in Group C.



The Cyprus Cup has been a fairly successful tournament for Canada, winning the title three times in 2008, 2010 and 2011. England (2009 and 2013) and France (2012 and 2014) are the only other countries who share that honour.



The CanWNT placed fifth in 2014 after finishing second in Group A and defeating the Republic of Ireland 2-1 in the final standings decider.



“We’ll be only three months out from a World Cup with probably only a few more games after this tournament,” said Herdman. “We’re starting to define the players’ roles and responsibilities in the team environment and the team culture.”



Canada is opening their WWC against China on Saturday, June 6, then New Zealand five days later before finishing Group A play against The Netherlands on Monday, June 15.



Cyprus Cup roster



GK- Stephanie Labbé | SWE / KIF Örebro

GK- Karina LeBlanc | USA / Chicago Red Stars

GK- Erin McLeod | USA / Houston Dash

D- Kadeisha Buchanan | USA / West Virginia University

D- Allysha Chapman | USA / Houston Dash

D- Robyn Gayle | unattached / sans club

D- Carmelina Moscato | unattached / sans club

D- Marie-Eve Nault | SWE / KIF Örebro

D- Rebecca Quinn | USA / Duke University

D- Rhian Wilkinson | USA / Portland Thorns FC

D- Emily Zurrer | SWE / Jitex BK

M- Kaylyn Kyle | USA / Portland Thorns FC

M- Jonelle Filigno | USA / Sky Blue FC

M- Jessie Fleming | CAN / London NorWest SC

M- Desiree Scott | ENG / Notts County Ladies FC

M- Sophie Schmidt | unattached / sans club

M- Selenia Iachelli | unattached / sans club

M- Ashley Lawrence | USA / West Virginia University

F- Josée Bélanger | CAN / Comètes de Laval

F- Janine Beckie | USA / Texas Tech University

F- Christina Julien | GER / FF USV Jena

F- Adriana Leon | USA / Chicago Stars

F- Christine Sinclair | USA / Portland Thorns FC

F- Melissa Tancredi | USA / Chicago Red Stars



Other Notes



Canada will be playing France in a friendly in Bondoufle, France on Thursday, April 9.



The NWSL schedule was announced earlier this month. The 2015 season will open with the Houston Dash vs. Washington Spirit on Friday, April 10. Aside from a brief one week break in June, NWSL matches are scheduled during the WWC, including 4 matches on the opening night of the tournament.



Canada will be in residency to prepare for the WWC and players are expected to join their respective teams upon the conclusion of their WWC journey.



Fans will be able to see the WWC trophy up close during its tour through Canada April 1 to May 31, starting in Ottawa and ending in Vancouver. Check out the dates for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola here.