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TEAM CANADA:

Team Standing Behind Suspensions

23rd October 2006 (From a Canadian Press Report)

The Canadian National Women's soccer team says the suspension of three disgruntled players is for the best, and the team stands behind coach Even Pellerud.

In a team statement released to The Canadian Press by captain Christine Sinclair, the women say they feel "compelled to make it clear where we stand as a team regarding the recent actions of Charmaine Hooper, Sharolta Nonen and Christine Latham.

The three players were suspended by team management after failing to play in exhibition games against China in August. The three women say they were cut after expressing concerns over the format of a residency program in Vancouver partially funded by Greg Kerfoot, owner of the Vancouver Whitecaps.

"Unfortunately, due to a failure to report to camp in Newfoundland, and leaving us with 12 players to face China and France, three of our teammates have been released from the program," the Canadian team statement says. "Though saddened by the events that have transpired, we cannot stress enough that this decision was made as a team and for the betterment of the team.

"We appreciate the support Mr. Greg Kerfoot has given the National Women's Team and we are extremely happy under the leadership of Even Pellerud.

"We would like to thank everyone for their continued support at this time and look forward to making our country proud in the upcoming Gold Cup to be held in November."