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WINNIPEG -- Some played together in college, others may have played on the same professional teams, but Thursday evening those friendships get pushed aside as Canada once again tries to beat the United States in womens soccer. Ahmad Bradshaw Womens Jersey . Its something the Canadians havent managed since 2001 but this time theyll have a home crowd edging close to 30,000 to cheer them on at Investors Group Field, the home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. "Its a game that Canada wont dominate," Canadian coach John Herdman said Wednesday after their final practice before the game. "Were not going to have 700 shots and 700 crosses, so the fans have got to be ready to really get behind us when we need (them). We know these games are always tough tight games, hopefully." In club and varsity soccer, Canadians and Americans play side-by-side. Canadian captain Christine Sinclair, for example, is an attack partner of American star Alex Morgan on Portland Thorns FC of the National Womens Soccer League. But internationally its a different story as the neighbouring countries have developed a strong rivalry. Canada is ranked seventh in the world in womens soccer and the U.S. sits at No. 1, but American midfielder Lauren Holiday suggests those numbers dont necessarily reflect the way things play out on the field. "Every game is such a battle, you never know whos going to win," says Holiday. "Every time we play them its such a fierce competition that . . . anything can happen." The rivalry intensified after Canadas semifinal loss to the United States at the last Olympics. The U.S. team went on to win gold but Canada won the bronze medal, an event which has meant a lot for womens soccer. Herdman says the country now needs to do more capitalize on the strong base of players now developing across Canada. "Weve got the third largest playing population in the world and we cant produce a consistent podium team." He says there are 350,000 girls playing soccer in Canada, compared with just 30,000 in perennial contender Japan. This game is just a friendly but it will give both national teams another chance to see how they stack up against a top tier opponent prior to next years Womens World Cup. And while Canada wont be playing there, the U.S. team might end up playing in Winnipeg, one of the venues for the 2015 event also being held in Vancouver, Edmonton, Ottawa, Montreal and Moncton. Herdman also said jokingly that this game is basically dedicated to midfielder Desiree Scott, a Winnipeg native who joined him at the final pre-game news conference. She will be playing live in front of her family for the first time in her national team career. "I think its going to be the Desi Scott show tomorrow," said Herdman. "I think the whole of Manitobas going to come and see her in action. . . "Its a proud moment for the team. Weve all got a massive smile on our face cause the local girl gets to come home. Can you imagine playing in front of your mom and your family for the first time, no pressure Des." Scott likes the buzz. "Im just trying to thrive off the excitement of playing at home," said Scott, nicknamed "The Destroyer." "And being in front of my family and friends, I think it will definitely give me that energy." For both Herdman and interim head U.S. coach Jill Ellis, this is very much about preparing for the World Cup. "I think for our players its just a great opportunity to play against a quality opponent," said Ellis, U.S. Soccers director of development who took over when Tom Sermanni was fired last month. "Im just hoping the crowd now will get a real sense of whats coming in 2015," said Herdman. "This country will stop at some point. This team will make the country stop and everyone will tune in. Its just going to be an amazing experience for womens sport." Trent Richardson Womens Jersey . They just probably couldnt have imagined how much. Blake Griffin had 26 points, 11 rebounds and six assists Sunday night as Los Angeles stormed out to a 31-point lead in the first quarter with its All-Star point guard back on the court and pummeled the Philadelphia 76ers 123-78. Pat McAfee Womens Jersey . Bayern led second-place Leverkusen by 10 points with a game in hand, while Dortmund was another four points off the pace. Freiburg midfielder Felix Klaus scored in the last minute as his side twice came from behind to climb provisionally out of the relegation zone.The Atlantic Division champion Toronto Raptors are guaranteed home court advantage in the first round of the NBA playoffs and can finish with the either the third or fourth seed. The Raptors finish with the third seed with: - A win (at the New York Knicks) OR a Chicago Bulls loss (at the Charlotte Bobcats) The Raptors finish with the fourth seed with: - A loss (at the Knicks) AND a Bulls win (at the Bobcats) The Raptors will face the Washington Wizards IF: - They finish in third AND the Wizards win (at the Boston Celtics) AND the Brooklyn Nets win (at the Cleveland Cavaliers) - They finish in third AND the Wizards lose (at the Celtics) AND the Bobcats lose (at home to the Bulls) - They finish in fourth AND the Wizards win (at the Celtics) AND the Nets lose (at the Cavaliers) The Raptors will face thee Brooklyn Nets IF: - They finish in fourth AND the Nets win (at the Cavaliers) - They finish in fourth AND the Wizards lose (at the Celtics) - They finish in third AND the Nets lose (at the Cavaliers) AND the Wizards win (at the Celtics) The Raptors face the Charlotte Bobcats IF: - They finish in third AND the Bobcats win (at home against the Bulls) AND the Wizards lose (at the Celtics) The Indiana Pacers have secured the top seed and will host the eighth-seeded Atlanta Hawks.Jerrell Freeman Elite Jersey. The Miami Heat have wrapped up the second seed and will either host the Bobcats or Wizards. Games of interest: Wednesday: Chicago Bulls at Charlotte Bobcats (7pm et)Toronto Raptors at New York Knicks (8pm et)Washington Wizards at Boston Celtics (8pm et)Brooklyn Nets at Cleveland Cavaliers (8pm et) cheap jerseys cheap jerseys from china ' ' '