Canadian Women's National Team Ready for 2016 Rio Olympic Qualifiers

The Canadian Women's National Team will kick-off their first game of Olympic Qualifying this Thursday February 11^th in Houston, Texas. The team is largely expected to win their group, but games against Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, and Guatemala can be tough tests for the women.

The qualifying tournament features two groups of four teams, with the top two from each group going to the semi-finals. The finalists will qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Canada may find it tough to qualify for the Olympics if they happen to play the US Women's team, in a semi-final match. This can occur if either finishes 2nd in their group, while the other wins their group. Canadian coach, John Herdman, has selected his team based on youth and experience, opting for 13 players who were part of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada. Canada will participate in Group B.

The qualifying tournament will take place entirely in Texas, with the BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, hosting all of Canada's group games, the knock-out round, and the final.

Canadian Women's National Team Schedule (Group B):

Thursday February 11, 2016:

CanWNT vs. Guyana

BBVA Compass Stadium

Houston, Texas

8:30PM ET/5:30 PM PT

Live streaming on CBCSports.ca

Sunday February 14, 2016:

T&T vs. CanWNT

BBVA Compass Stadium

Houston, Texas

4:00 PM ET/1:00 PM PT

Live streaming on CBCSports.ca

Tuesday February 16, 2016:

CanWNT vs. Guatemala

BBVA Compass Stadium

Houston, Texas

8:30PM ET/5:30 PM PT

Live Streaming on CBCSports.ca

Knock-out round matches will be broadcast live on Sportsnet One.

Canada's CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Championship 2016 roster by position

GOALKEEPERS (3): Erin McLeod, Stephanie Labbé, Sabrina D'Angelo.

DEFENDERS (6): Shelina Zadorsky, Kadeisha Buchannan, Rebecca Quinn, Rhian Wilkinson, Allysha Chapman, and Josée Bélanger.

MIDFIELDERS (5): Diana Matheson, Sophie Schmidt, Desiree Scott, Ashley Lawrence, and Jessie Fleming.

FORWARDS (6): Janine Beckie, Christine Sinclair (C), Nichelle Prince, Deanne Rose, Gabrielle Carle, and Melissa Tancredi.