New faces headline Canada's 18-man roster against Trinidad
The Canadian Press
Posted: Aug 10, 2012 3:08 PM ET
Last Updated: Aug 10, 2012 3:23 PM ET
The coach of Canada's men's soccer team says the Olympic bronze the women's squad won has been a great boost for the sport.
Stephen Hart spoke about the women's medal as he announced the 18-man roster for a friendly next Wednesday against Trinidad and Tobago.
It includes key veterans like FC Dallas midfielder Julian de Guzman as well as four new faces, including striker Lucas Cavallini of Uruguay's Club Nacional.
Hart says the performance of the women's team at the Olympics hasn't just raised their profile, it has helped the sport in general in Canada.
The other new players joining the men's team are Toronto FC defender Doneil Henry, Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Russell Tiebert and forward Evan James of the Montreal Impact.
All four were on the team that made it to the semi-finals of Olympic qualifying tournament in March.
Whitecaps to miss five players
Five Vancouver Whitecaps players have been called up by their national teams to play in international friendly matches this month.
Defender Carlyle Mitchell, wingers Dane Richards and Russell Teibert, as well as strikers Etienne Barbara and Darren Mattocks will miss at least one MLS game each.
Teibert got his first call-up to Canada's senior national team for the game against Trinidad and Tobago.
Teibert will play against teammate Mitchell, who was called up by Trinidad and Tobago.
Mattocks and Richards have been called up by Jamaica for a friendly against CONCACAF rival El Salvador in Washington, D.C., also Wednesday.
Barbara has been called up by his native Malta for a friendly at San Marino on Tuesday.
Barbara will miss two Whitecaps home matches versus Real Salt Lake on Saturday and FC Dallas on Wednesday while Mattocks, Mitchell, Richards, and Teibert will all miss the game versus FC Dallas.
