Jordyn Huitema’s homecoming will have to wait, thanks to COVID-19.
The Chilliwack FC product was scheduled to join the Canadian national women’s soccer team for a game against Australia on April 14.
Chilliwack FC had arranged for two fan buses to head into the city to watch the hometown hero play at B.C. Place Stadium.
But Canada Soccer announced Friday that all sanctioned soccer country-wide has been suspended, including that match.
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“Given the extraordinary nature of the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation and after close dialogue with our membership and public health authorities, Canada Soccer has taken the necessary decision to suspend all domestic soccer activity as well as national team programming to ensure the well being of all involved,” said Steven Reed, Canada Soccer President.
Huitema and company just finished playing three games at the Tournoi de France.
They lost 1-0 to France on Mar. 4, battled Netherlands to a scoreless draw Mar. 7 and tied Brazil 2-2 on Tuesday.
Huitema could be a first-time Olympian this summer if she joins the national team for the Summer Games in Tokyo, but the international event that runs July 24 to Aug. 9 is not certain to go ahead if the coronavirus crisis worsens.
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eric.welsh@theprogress.com
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