RHIAN'S SOCCER REPORTS

AND SO, WE MOVE ON TO 2011          3rd January 2011

CSN Canadian team of the year.

It was a quick decision for the editors of Canadian Soccer News to select the Canadian Team of the Year. This is an award that can go to either club or country, at any level. It recognizes the success and accomplishments of the Canadian team that has done the most in their league, competition or season to further the game in Canada.

This year's winner is the Canadian Women's National Team which won the 2010 CONCACAF title. The Canadians tallied five straight wins, including two against Mexico, scoring 17 goals and not conceding a single marker along the way. The victory secures them a berth in the 2011 World Cup. And despite being placed in the group of death in Germany 2011, expectations are higher than they've ever been for the Canadian Women.

The State of Canadian Soccer; From Major League Soccer Peter Mallett

The unofficial slogan for the Canadian women’s soccer team in 2011 is fast becoming "First Germany, and then the world." The Women's team says that they relish the challenge of being grouped with powerhouse Germany in next summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, they have much bigger designs further down the road.

The Canadians will be thrown into a pressure cooker atmosphere when they kick off against host nation Germany before a packed house of over 50,000at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium on June 26, 2011.“Playing title holders Germany in front of their home crowd in the opening match is a big task,” Canadian coach Carolina Morace said. “Although the Germans might be a little nervous, too, so I see no reason why we shouldn’t take something from the opening match provided we play well.”

In the same World Cup pool, the WNT face African Champions Nigeria and rising women’s power France in the 16-team tournament. Regardless of their success or failure on the field in Germany, the "... and then the world" part comes with Canada’s bid to host the next World Cup in 2015.

“We have extensive credibility in hosting events in Canada, not only soccer but the [2010 Winter] Olympics as we saw earlier this year,” Canadian Soccer Association general secretary Peter Montopoli said.

A Canada-hosted World Cup would have an enormous target market to draw on as Canada’s No. 1 participatory sport boasts 873,032 registered players with almost half of those (377,320) female.

Back on the field, Canadian women’s soccer has enjoyed a noticeable renaissance under the guidance of coach Morace, who replaced fEven Pellerud in February, 2009. Canada have moved back into the top 10 in the FIFA rankings and the team has excelled with Morace’s technical expertise, emphasizing ball possession and midfield buildup.

The former Italian women’s national team coach guided Canada to a berth in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup after defeating host Mexico in the semifinal and final of last month’s CONCACAF Championship tournament.

 From CNBC and  Jason De Vos.

Although 2010 was a banner year for the Canadian Women's National Team program, 2011 could be even better. The Canadian women won three titles in 2010, including the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and claimed a place in next summer's FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany. Along the way, the team recorded its best ever record in a calendar year - 13 wins, 2 loses and 3 draws - and tied its longest unbeaten streak at 10 games and counting.

It was a bold decision by the CSA to hire the Italian Carolina Morace. But, if coaches are judged by results, it is hard to argue that hiring Morace was anything but a good move. The team  is fitter, stronger, faster and more technical - all key ingredients in the modern women's game.

Other Items

The WNT rarely has the chance to thank all their fans who support them throughout the year. Thanks to faithful Pendray, the Korean gnomes and the many other individuals and teams who travel to watch us play. Best wishes from the whole team to Sarah Rees of Mississauga, and we hope to see you when we next play in Toronto.

2011 promises to be a busy year and we are all enjoying the last days of our vacations before we leave for China.