Matheson said that she believes NWSL coming to Canada is a more reasonable choice for developing the women’s domestic game.

The number of players in NWSL who have their contracts subsidized by the Canadian Soccer Association continues to shrink.

On Monday, Canada announced the NWSL allocations for this year. And it’s down to 11. Despite the fact that NWSL has 10 teams — two more than it did in 2013 and therefore more roster openings — our number of allocations is at an all-time low.

The new issue, out today, features a vintage shot from the World Cup qualifier which saw Canada qualify for the 1986 World Cup. And what can you find inside the issue?

Mark Sampson, head coach of the English women’s team, spoke about how vital the rise of the WSL has been to the success of his Lionesses. At the Women’s World Cup, 22 of the 23 players on the English roster came from WSL clubs. The odd one out was striker Jodie Taylor, who plays with the Portland Thorns of the NWSL.

“Until two to three years ago, the relationship was non-existent,” says Montagliani. “Basically, we were a foregone conclusion to our friends from the south. But we have strengthened our relationship, first with the USSF, and now we have better relationships at the MLS level, and the NASL level. Our relationships are improving but, remember, it’s been just two or three years.”

According to the CSA, “Canadian National Team players will remain in the Centralized Development Program to begin and train in that environment throughout the season, but will have the opportunity to participate in the first three to four NWSL matches before the start of the FIFA Women's World Cup. The NWSL will also a take brief 12-day break during the group stages of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2015 in Canada.”

She’s Canada’s all-time leading scorer, but she only scored once for the national team in 2014. But the drop-off in goal production didn’t stop Christine Sinclair from being named the Women’s National Player for the 11th straight year. You’d have to go back to 2003 to find someone else other than Sinclair (Charmaine Hooper, for the trivia buffs) who has …

Issue 4 of Plastic Pitch is out today! What will you find inside?

"But, after the World Cup, the options are open. But I did really enjoy it in England and, yes, I would go back."