Chilliwack soccer star Jordyn Huitema dons Canadian colours Thursday, leading her country into battle against the United States.
Two of the world’s women’s soccer powers go head-to-head at B.C. Place Stadium, in a game that starts at 7 p.m.
Team Canada is trumpeting the youth of its roster for this friendly. Huitema is one of six teenagers dressing for the match. Huitema and two others, Jayde Riviere (Markham, ONT) and Ariel Young (Ottawa, ONT), are just 16 years old.
Julia Grosso (Vancouver) is 17, Deanne Rose (Alliston, ONT) is 18 and Jesse Fleming (London, ONT) is 19.
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“At this stage in the planning for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, it is a good time to provide a group of young players with the experience in preparing for and playing against the top ranked team in the world,” Team Canada coach John Herdman said. “We are underdogs as always going into a match against the USA, but when you have young hungry players, it brings a special quality.”
The young guns will have veteran assistance from 11 players who won bronze at the 2016 Summer Olympics in London, including two-time bronze medalists Christine Sinclair and Desiree Scott.
Huitema and company will travel to San Jose for the back half of this home-and-home on Sunday.