Canada is taking an experienced women's soccer team to the London Olympics.

John Herdman's 18-player roster features 12 members of the Canadian squad that reached the quarter-finals at the 2008 Games.

The Olympic veterans include captain Christine Sinclair, forward Brittany Timko and goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc.

Canada earned an Olympic berth at the CONCACAF women's qualifying tournament in Vancouver in January.

The team opens the Olympics July 25 against World Cup champion Japan before matches against South Africa and Sweden.

Either two or three teams will advance from each group, with eight spots available in the quarter-finals.