Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when you are saying farewell to those that have left a positive impression. That was the case earlier this month when Canada hosted Mexico in a friendly at BC Place stadium in Vancouver.


In their first game since last summer’s bronze medal success at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Rio 2016, Canadian supporters saw the veteran trio of Marie-Eve Nault, Melissa Tancredi and Rhian Wilkinson make their final appearances for the North American nation, as Canada defeated Mexico 3-2 on 4 February.


The friendly not only celebrated the illustrious careers of Nault, Tancredi and Wilkinson, as well as Canada’s Olympic bronze medal achievements at London 2012 and Rio 2016, it also showcased the players that will lead John Herdman’s side in the years ahead.


Still, the influence of the retiring trio on Canada’s younger players remains significant. “I think they’ve just taught me so much, in terms of their experience,” Canadian forward Deanne Rose told FIFA.com. “I’ve obviously been a new player on the team, so they’ve really taken the younger players and tried to give us as much of their information that they’ve gained over the years. I just thank them for everything that they’ve done.”


Passing the torch
Celebrating her 18th birthday early next month, Rose is one of the bright new talents in an evolving Canadian squad that boasts some of women’s football’s stars of the future. Along with fellow striker Janine Beckie and playmaker Jessie Fleming, Rose played a key role in helping Canada return to the Olympic podium last August.


This emerging generation of Canadian women’s players is considered the most technically proficient group to represent their country at international level. With Herdman having clearly stated his intention to make Canada a top team in the women’s game, their focus on a possession-oriented style with players versatile enough to play in more than one position could see Canada become a force to be reckoned with.