National soccer team takes on China in Moncton match

Moncton is playing host to some of Canadas top soccer players Wednesday when the Womens National Team kicks off a game against China PR.

"This is a very exciting time for our city," said George LeBlanc, Monctons mayor. "This is the last time they will play here in Canada before they play in the Olympics. So lets give them a great send off in Moncton. Lets get out and see the game, its going to be a tremendous match."

Moncton recently won a bid to host the 2015 Womens World Cup. For the players, Wednesdays match will be the first time many have played in the Maritimes.

"I think its important that we play throughout the country and to be playing here in Moncton is very important - the host city for the World Cup," said Christine Sinclair, captain. "I think its important to start growing the sport."

The Womens National Team is rankedseventh in the world. It will be the first time many fans at Stade Moncton 2010 Stadium will get to see first class players in person.

The national team hopes morefans will get excited about the game.

"Sometimes going and seeing a Christine Sinclair live and seeing how good she is, that inspires kids," said Coach John Herdman. "You know with that vision, they then develop that passion and that passion drives a bit of discipline, and when them three come together, you get world class players."

Marie-Eve Nault, who comes from Trois-Rivires, Quebec, said she hopes the game will help young fans realize it doesnt matter where they come fromthey can still reach international success, and even play in the World Cup.

"I think it would be amazing if one girl or two girls to be from the Maritimes and could play near their home," she said.

Tickets are still available to Wednesdays game.