January 18, 2012
AIMING FOR THE OLYMPICS
Rutgers defender Woeller on Canada

Rutgers women’s center back Shannon Woeller and the Canadian Women’s National Team begin competition at the 2012 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic qualifying tournament against Haiti at 10:30 p.m. ET. on Thursday.

“Having the opportunity to compete for a spot in the Olympics is a dream come true for me,” Woeller said. “As a team, we are feeling well prepared and together and are really excited to start this tournament. Playing a major tournament at home in front of friends, family and fans is an experience few people get to have, so it’s something that I hope I can come out of with a lot of special memories.”

All matches will be held at BC Place in Vancouver. Woeller and Canada also will meet Cuba (Jan. 21) and Costa Rica (Jan. 23) in the group stage. The semifinals, which will feature the top two teams from each group, will take place on Jan. 27. The semifinal winners will qualify for the 2012 London Summer Games. The final is set for Jan. 29.

A Vancouver native, Woeller has earned nine caps, earning player of the match honors against Argentina in the Pan American Games last October as Canada won a gold medal.

With Rutgers, Woeller was named to the All-Big East third team, as she saw 90-plus minutes at center back in 14 of 15 matches she played. She is one of three college athletes on the Canadian team.