Ex-national soccer player Carmelina Moscato named next Ottawa Rapid head coach

The Ottawa Rapid have announced former Canadian national team defender Carmelina Moscato as their head coach starting next season.

Current head coach Katrine Pedersen announced last month she will be leaving the Northern Super League leaders at the end of the season.

Moscato is a Canada Soccer Hall of Famer who played in three Women's World Cups and won bronze at the 2012 Olympics. She has since coached in Denmark, Mexico and most recently Saudi Arabia.

The Rapid said she will join the team this year on a two-season deal and work ahead on 2027, including recruitment.

"Carmelina is a proven leader with exceptional coaching experience, technical knowledge, and a deep understanding of Canadian soccer," said team CEO Thomas Gilbert in a news release.

"The Rapid have established a strong foundation in a short period of time.… I look forward to building on that work and fostering an environment in which players can perform, develop and compete at the highest level," Moscato said.

Ottawa is atop the NSL standings with 10 wins in 15 matches. Their last loss was in late May.

The Rapid's next game is in Calgary at 4 p.m. Saturday, and you can catch it live on CBC Gem.