Women’s senior team: Five players to watch

The Canadian women’s national team already has a few youngsters on its roster — Kadeisha Buchanan, Ashley Lawrence, Jessie Fleming, Adriana Leon — but after showing off at the Pan Am Games, a few more could be in contention to break into the senior squad lineup for the Rio Olympics next summer.

Here’s a look at five potential candidates to make that jump:

JANINE BECKIE Age: 20 Position: Striker Club: Texas Tech University International Caps: 5 Beckie was considered for this summer’s World Cup squad but didn’t make the cut. A Pan Am standout with two goals and some incisive assists, her performance could propel her into the squad.

REBECCA QUINN Age: 19 Position: Defender/Midfielder Club: Duke University International Caps: 9 Also considered for the World Cup but dropped, Quinn didn’t have as strong a Pan Am Games as did Beckie. But Quinn’s a versatile player who could help shore up the centre of Canada’s defence.

GABRIELLE CARLE Age: 16 Position: Striker Club: AS Armada Chaudière-Est International Caps: 0 She may be a long-shot given her age but, as coach John Herdman always says, “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.” Controlling opposing full-backs on the wing during Pan Ams indicated she might be good enough.

KAILEN SHERIDAN Age: 19 Position: Goalkeeper Club: Clemson University International Caps: 0 With Karina Leblanc retired, there’s a chance for Sheridan to become Canada’s third ’keeper. But she’ll have competition from Sabrina D’Angelo, who didn’t play at the Pan Ams but is part of the NWSL’s Western New York Flash.

NICHELLE PRINCE Age: 20

Position: Striker Club: Ohio State University

International Caps: 3 Prince was supposed to be part of the Pan Am squad but injured herself in training just before. She was also supposed to be Canada’s offensive powerhouse, so don’t count her out of the running to crack Canada’s Rio roster just yet. Laura Armstrong