5 Canadians set to play feature roles in new Women's Super League season

Chelsea has ruled the roost in the Women's Super League over the last few years, winning three consecutive English championships to go along with a pair of FA Cups and two FA League Cups. 

The Blues look poised to continue their dominance, thanks in some part to the addition of Canadian defender Kadeisha Buchanan, when the 2022-23 WSL season kicks off this weekend.

Buchanan, a 26-year-old native of Toronto, established herself as one of the best centre backs in the world during her six seasons at Olympique Lyon, helping the French club win five domestic championships, five UEFA Champions League titles and three French Cups.

But the stalwart defender wanted a new adventure and turned down offers from other WSL clubs in the off-season to sign with Chelsea. Buchanan's arrival at Chelsea strengthens a roster that's already littered with international stars, including Australian striker Sam Kerr, who was the league's top scorer last season.

Canadian women's team coach Bev Priestman believes Buchanan will benefit from the move from France to England, and that it will better prepare her for next summer's FIFA World Cup. 

"It'll pose a different challenge to what she's experienced at Lyon. The [WSL] might be more physical, and that'll be great for Kadeisha; it'll bring her game alive a little bit," Priestman said. 

Buchanan's transition at Chelsea will be helped along by the presence of fellow Canadian Jessie Fleming, a 24-year-old midfielder from London, Ont., who is coming off a breakout season. 

After playing four years of NCAA soccer at UCLA, Fleming made her professional debut with Chelsea in 2020-21 but struggled for playing time in her rookie campaign. Last season was a completely different story. Fleming featured in 21