Priestman had to make some tough decisions in choosing roster to defend women's soccer gold

When the roster dropped for Canada's soccer team on July 1, it came with a sense of anticipation.

As Canada, the reigning Olympics champions, head back to defend their title, there are nerves, excitement, and confidence among the players. But the reaction from Canadian fans and some in the soccer community is more tense.

Now, there will always be chirping about any roster and opinions from the interwebs that flow along with them. Everybody is an expert, right?

Asking questions and getting answers is part of the process ahead of any major tournament and that's exactly what media calls are for. Professionals in the space study the roster and ask about the composition of the team, the process of selection and even how some players who did not make it took the news.

In a call with coach Bev Priestman after the roster was revealed, there were queries about players' injuries and updates plus insight into those selected.

Priestman confirmed "it did come right down to the wire" for players like Sydney Collins, Nichelle Prince and Quinn who had been injured earlier this year.

WATCH | Priestman offers insight into team's approach ahead of Paris 2024:

When the roster was announced on television, Priestman said that she had to pick "the best team — not the best players." I thought about that a lot.

"Balancing positional needs are in the system that we play and a couple of components is pace in the number nine role. It came right to the wire," she said later.

Let's be clear that Priestman doesn't have to explain herself. She's the boss and she makes the decisions. Priestman is the head coach of the program for a reason. She has witnessed historic ups and some deep downs.

It's up to her expertise to put together a squad that she