Eleri Earnshaw joins Casey Stoney’s CANWNT staff ahead of fall friendlies

Photo by Canada Soccer (CS)

CALGARY — The new face on Canada's bench this fall has seen the game from just about every angle.

Eleri Earnshaw joined Casey Stoney's staff as a women's national team assistant coach in July, and the October friendlies against Denmark will be her first window with the group. The Welshwoman arrives after five seasons with Angel City FC in the NWSL, climbing from performance analyst to first assistant.

Earnshaw's resume runs deep: 18 years coaching across the pro, college and youth game, international experience with Wales and the United States U-20s, and a playing career that included Arsenal and 21 senior caps for Wales. She holds UEFA A and B licences and once led Gotham's reserves to an undefeated WPSL conference title and a Coach of the Year nod.

"Eleri brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our programme, and we're really pleased to have her join our coaching staff," Stoney said. "She'll bring a lot to the environment we're continuing to build, both on and off the pitch."

Sporting director Kenneth Heiner-Møller called the hire "another important step as we complete a strong and highly capable coaching team."

With the Concacaf W Championship and World Cup qualifying weeks away, Stoney is surrounding herself with people who have been through the grind. Earnshaw fits that bill.