Wednesday, August 31, 2011

John Herdman new coach of the women's team

Late July, after the Canadian women's national team performed poorly at the World Cup, Italian native, Carolina Morace stepped down as head coach.

CSA hoped to find someone with international experience.

Late Wednesday evening, news broke that former New Zealand women's national team coach and technical director, John Herdman would be Morace's successor. 

Herdman's salary has yet to be disclosed but it is rumoured to be close to what Morace received. 

Herdman was head coach and technical director of the New Zealand women's national team since 2007. Until the World Cup. New Zealand had never earned a point nor scored a single goal. In Germany they drew 2:2 against Mexico and scored another goal against England. 

Herdman will act has technical director in Canada aswell. 

The announcement will become official tomorrow at 1pm ET. 

Continue to follow Bench Warmer and Canadian Soccer News for the latest info on this new development.  

Monday, August 1, 2011

New signings

Leading up to the World Cup, all but four players decided to step away from club team commitments to focus on preparing for Germany. With the World Cup over seven national team players took it in their own hands to find somewhere to continue to develop their game. 

Melissa Tancredi and Carmelina Moscato will be joining Steph Labbe at Pitea IF. World Cup starting 'keeper, Erin McLeod and veteran defender Emily Zurrer will also be playing in Sweden with Dalsjöfors. Labbe has already returned to Sweden while Tancredi, Moscato, Zurrer and McLeod will head to Sweden in September.

W-League's Vancouver Whitecaps snagged midfielder, Kaylyn Kyle right before the playoffs. Although only playing in three games, Kyle made an immediate impact scoring 2 goals in 3 games. Vancouver finished their season third in the league.

Candace Chapman and Christine Sinclair continue to play for Western New York Flash in the WPS. In their return to regular season play, they were greeted by a sold out  crowd (15,404) - a WPS record. Sinclair score two goals and assisted one as WNY defeated magicJack. Last Sunday the Flash faced the Boston Breakers and made a come-from-behind draw.

After being traded from WNY a quarter way through the 2011 season, Kelly Parker rejoins the Atlanta Beat who are currently at the bottom of the table with 7 points.

Sophie Schmidt finally gets to play for magicJack based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Unfortunately her first game didn't go as well as they lost 3-1 to WNY Flash.

Veteran goalkeeper, Karina LeBlanc also signed with magicJack. Karina previously played in the WPS for LA Sol and Philadelphia Independence. 

Continue to visit Bench Warmer for more Canadians abroad info.