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While visibly wounded to be dumped out of the competition at the quarter-final stage, the 17-year-old veteran of two FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cups was proud, positive and looking towards a bright future with her team.
“I think I’m going to look back on this tournament with a positive outlook, I’ve grown myself and as a team we have developed so much as players and gained so much experience,” the hard-working midfielder told FIFA.com.
There
were times when we slipped up and had to clean up our messes so I guess
we just need to be a bit sharper, but at the end of the day we just did
our best and that’s all we can ask for.
Ashley Lawrence, Canada captain
Two late efforts by Korean goal-machine Ri Un Sim did the damage on Thursday night, and though Nichelle Prince’s strike provided hope, it was not enough.
“We did stick to our game plan, there were times when we slipped up and had to clean up our messes so I guess we just need to be a bit sharper, but at the end of the day we just did our best and that’s all we can ask for.”
As her tear-stained team-mates trudged away from defeat towards the bus outside the 8km Stadium, which would eventually lead them home, Lawrence was looking forward to the potential-laden road rolling out in front of this team.
Thoughts turn to upcoming tournaments
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 is destined for Canadian soil, but a year prior to that the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup arrives as a precursor, posing an exciting opportunity for her and the young charges from North America.
“It’s very exciting; obviously it’s a big advantage getting the home crowd behind you so I’m definitely looking forward to that. I think it’s easy to see we have a lot of talent from back to front so I think we’ll definitely be seeing these players there.”
And like all her team-mates, the inspiration provided by Christine Sinclair and Co’s Olympic bronze-winning performance has led Lawrence to want to make her own mark with her team. “You’ve seen how the senior women have improved and left a legacy for us, and we just want to make a difference for Canada ourselves so it is very exciting.
Female football in Canada
has moved forward and we have seen some quality players. I am happy
where we are and what we have shown. I think we can grow from this
experience.
Bryan Rosenfeld, Canada coach
Coach Bryan Rosenfeld’s pride in his team was clear after the final whistle, as they battled throughout against their much-fancied opponents. “I am very proud of my team, they showed character and fought until the last minute. That is part of our make-up and DNA – as footballers we never give up.
“I think you have seen a new brand of football from Canadians here. The intention was not to waste time or go into penalties, we kept trying to attack. Unfortunately, mistakes and little details can damage you at this level.”
It was his 11th game in charge at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, and he departed his third tournament on a positive note. “What’s important is that female football in Canada has moved forward and we have seen some quality players. I am happy where we are and what we have shown. I think we can grow from this experience.”
Squad List
| Nr. | Name | Date of Birth | Position | Clubs | Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kailen SHERIDAN | 16/07/1995 | GK | Pickering SC (CAN) | 177 |
| 2 | Lindsay AGNEW | 31/03/1995 | DF | Ohio Premier Eagles (USA) | 175 |
| 3 | Madeline IOZZI | 05/03/1995 | DF | Pickering SC (CAN) | 162 |
| 4 | Summer CLARKE | 15/09/1995 | FW | Richmond Selects (CAN) | 168 |
| 5 | Rebecca QUINN | 11/08/1995 | MF | Erin Mills (CAN) | 177 |
| 6 | Amanpreet SHERGILL | 05/10/1995 | DF | Vancouver Whitecaps (CAN) | 172 |
| 7 | Ashley LAWRENCE | 11/06/1995 | MF | Erin Mills (CAN) | 163 |
| 8 | Jasmin DHANDA | 10/09/1995 | FW | Vancouver Whitecaps (CAN) | 172 |
| 9 | Amandine PIERRE-LOUIS | 18/02/1995 | FW | St. Leonard (CAN) | 168 |
| 10 | Valerie SANDERSON | 16/03/1995 | MF | Boisbriand (CAN) | 170 |
| 11 | Nichelle PRINCE | 19/02/1995 | FW | Pickering SC (CAN) | 162 |
| 12 | Kadeisha BUCHANAN | 05/11/1995 | DF | Erin Mills (CAN) | 170 |
| 13 | Elissa NEFF | 16/12/1995 | MF | Vancouver Whitecaps (CAN) | 169 |
| 14 | Rebecca PONGETTI | 28/06/1995 | DF | Oakville (CAN) | 167 |
| 15 | Victoria PICKETT | 12/08/1996 | DF | Glen Shields (CAN) | 167 |
| 16 | Emily PIETRANGELO | 23/08/1995 | MF | Erin Mills (CAN) | 165 |
| 17 | Jordyn LISTRO | 10/08/1995 | MF | Brams Utd. (CAN) | 164 |
| 18 | Taylor BUCKLIN | 17/03/1995 | GK | CFC Utd. (USA) | 170 |
| 19 | Nicole LONCAR | 19/06/1995 | DF | Brams Utd. (CAN) | 172 |
| 20 | Larisa STAUB | 15/09/1995 | DF | Southwest Utd. (CAN) | 175 |
| 21 | Maryse BARD-MARTEL | 12/01/1995 | GK | Boisbriand (CAN) | 170 |
Coach: Bryan ROSENFELD (CAN)
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