Regina female soccer players inspired by Canadian Olympic team in Rio

For the second Olympics in a row, Canada’s women’s soccer team is bringing home the bronze medal.

For some soccer players in Regina, the win is also bringing motivation.

“Yeah, it’s pretty inspiring to see that,” said the University of Regina women’s soccer team captain Kayla McDonald.

While U of R team members watched Canada fall in the semi-final to Germany, they were unable to see the bronze medal game against Brazil. That’s because the Cougars were on the pitch themselves at Leibel Field against the University of Winnipeg.

At one point in the game, one of the officials revealed to some players that Canada had defeated the Brazilians 2-1. Coincidentally, it’s the same score the Cougars ended up beating the Wesmen by.

McDonald hadn’t heard about the news until after the game.

“That’s awesome. That’s really good news. We were really disappointed we couldn’t watch it because we had our own game but that’s awesome to hear,” she said after learning the outcome, complete with an excited “wahoo”.

A win like that makes players of any age train harder, she continued, especially when they’re young. McDonald said watching an inspirational win makes you want to hit the field, kick the ball around and apply things you see the professionals do in your own practice.

For females of any age who play the sport, medaling at the Olympic Games is the ultimate goal.

“It’s one of the highest points you can get in your life as a women’s soccer player. CIS is also awesome to be a part of but honestly that Olympic team is something I think every girl strives for from the age of eight. Everyone’s always working toward that,” McDonald explained.

The U of R’s next home game goes Sept. 10 against Fraser Valley.