The Canadian Women’s National Team planned to boycott all international games leading up to the 2011 Women’s World Cup unless the Canadian Soccer Association mended its relationship with coach Carolina Morace, who announced last month that she was stepping down after the World Cup. Although the situation between the the CSA and Morace hasn’t been resolved, the Canadian Women’s National Team will play, beginning with Wednesday’s game against Scotland to kick off the 2011 Cyprus Cup.
“Needless to say we are extremely happy and proud to be playing tomorrow versus Scotland, but ultimately in a game that is bringing us one step closer to the World Cup,” Canada midfielder Carmelina Moscato said. “Our team morale has been high, and we have had an intense and productive training camp. We are optimistic that the CSA and Carolina will come to an agreement soon, but we are just happy that there has been progress towards keeping her on board past the 2011 World Cup.”
At the Cyprus Cup, Canada is in Group A with Scotland, England, and Italy. Group B includes France, Holland, New Zealand, and Switzerland, and Group C includes Mexico, Northern Ireland, Russia, and South Korea.