Follow| Archive When asked to describe Jayde Riviere and her play during the CONCACAF W Championship, Canadian head coach Bev Priestman zeroed in on one phrase.
Game changer. “It's scary where Jayde’s potential is,” Priestman said. “She's so young, hasn't gone pro yet, and this is what she's putting out.” The 21-year-old right back has featured in all four of Canada’s games at the CONCACAF W Championship in Monterrey, Mexico, including Thursday’s semifinal win against Jamaica.
She has earned three starts and has been a steadying presence on the backline, while also providing a spark in the attack with her ability to fly up the flanks and send crosses. “When she's come into a game, or whether she started the game, she's been critical in our attacks,” Priestman told TSN. “That right-hand side has looked very dynamic because of that.” Priestman points to several of Riviere’s attributes, such as her acceleration and mental resilience, as reasons for her recent growth. “I think she's got fitter,” she said. “She's defending more, attacking.
It's exciting where she can be.” Riviere has quietly become a regular for Priestman, who also coached the native of Pickering, Ont.