Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – It all started with an incredible e-mail invite.
Amelia Russo opened her inbox last fall and there it was – an invitation to a National Development Centre competition that would feature the top U20 women's soccer players in Canada.
What resulted was a trip to Laval, Quebec in late November where she played three exhibition games for a 'Rest of Canada' team, comprised of players not already at Canada Soccer's three development centres in Quebec, Ontario and B.C.
"It was a really cool experience because the girls we competed against have already competed at the national level," said the MacEwan Griffins defender. "Some of them played with the senior national team and the youth national team. It was cool to play against them."
By all accounts, Russo held her own at the event as the 'Rest of Canada' team (players mainly from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia) beat Quebec 4-3, tied Ontario 0-0 and tied B.C. 1-1. Those three teams had players who've been training together all year.
"That was pretty crazy because we've never played together before that tournament," said Russo.
Griffins head coach Dean Cordeiro noted Russo really put her name on the national radar.
"From speaking to the coach that worked with the 'Best of the Rest' squad, Amelia Russo really stood out," he said. "I'm not surprised. She was a staple for them, so I think she's definitely garnered the attention of the U20 staff. That's exciting and that's what these opportunities are all about."
Whether or not that means she'll get an opportunity with Canada's U20 national team remains to be seen, but at the very least, Russo played her way into the conversation at a competition full of NCAA players and recruits.
"I think I did pretty well," she said. "I think I impressed myself because I've never thought of myself (going) that pathway. Now that I know I can compete with them, I think that was a huge eye-opener for myself."
She was the only Canada West player on the team, although there were some U SPORTS recruits at the competition.
"For U SPORTS, they don't often look that way for national teams, but hopefully they start looking because there's so many talented people in this league," said Russo.
Russo has already brought that high level back to the Griffins, who kicked off their winter exhibition schedule with a 6-2 win over Calgary Foothills on Friday afternoon.
"I'm proud of Amelia Russo, who had a great rookie campaign with us," said Cordeiro. "To go and showcase her abilities amidst the best in our country speaks volumes of her as a footballer."
