TORONTO - Christina Julien is one of a select few Canadians whose soccer skills led them to Russia. Veteran defender Ante Jazic spent time with Kuban Krasnodar before signing with the MLS Los Angeles Galaxy. And some prospects like Joseph Dichiara have earned contracts. Juliens club ties to WFC Rossiyanka stand out on a Canadian national team whose players are largely spread around the National Womens Soccer League in the U.S. "Its been an experience, thats for sure," the 25-year-old from Cornwall, Ont., said with a smile. "Theres been a lot of ups and downs. "Its such a privilege to be able to go to Russia and live there and just experience their lifestyle. You take the good with the bad, you get that experience while youre there." Julien, an alternate with the Canadian team at the London Olympics, is back in camp with Canada preparing for Sundays soldout friendly with the U.S. at BMO Field in Toronto. Its the first time the two North American rivals have met since the top-ranked Americans defeated No. 7 Canada 4-3 after extra time in last years thrilling Olympic semifinal. Julien is clearly up for anything, as per her Twitter bio: "Olympian, Team Canada Soccer #10, Professional Athlete, World Traveller, & Lover. Who knows?" That sense of adventure landed her in Russia in March, after being at the Cyprus Cup with Canada. Her agent got her a tryout at the club, which was looking to beef up its roster ahead of the quarter-finals of the Womens Champions League. Julien had been sidelined by injury so she was looking to get back in action. She went to Russia and impressed the club, earning a contract. Julien saw action in eight games including both legs of the 4-1 aggregate loss to Germanys Wolfsburg, which went on to win the final 1-0 over Frances Lyon. Rossiyankas roster was global with internationals from Brazil, Nigeria and South Africa among other countries. Deep-pocketed owners were willing to pay for talent. "Its really good football," said Julien. "They were training on a daily basis." The team was based about 45 minutes outside Moscow — "or three hours with traffic," she said with a laugh. Julien lived in the Russian capital and loved it. "I was blown away," she aid. "No expectations going in. Its one of the most gorgeous cities Ive ever seen." Language was an issue. Few people speak English, so Julien learned a few Russian words to get by. Her Russian team has three games left in its season, but two are taking place while shes on duty with Canada so Julien isnt sure if she will be back. Her next goal is to play in France when the season starts later this summer. Previously she had played for Jitex BK in Gotenborg, Sweden, and the Ottawa Fury. Julien was forced to look outside of North America after she was not one of the Canadian internationals allocated to the NWSL. "Its really hard to get in there if youre not allocated," she said. Overseas, clubs tend to take care of room and board, with whatever they pay you basically becoming spending money, according to Julien. The 2012 Olympics were bittersweet for Julien, who as an alternate got to experience everything but play. "I was very lucky to be there," she said. "But on the other hand I wanted to be playing. You have that dream." Julien, a member of Canadas 2011 World Cup squad, lost her spot to Jonelle Filigno, who missed qualifying through injury. "Probably the hardest decision to make was Christina Julien, coach John Herdman said at the time. "Shes been a big part of the team, helped us through the qualifiers, played nearly every game in my tenure. He called it a "football decision, saying Filigno "showed that little bit more. "Ive got no doubt that Christina will come back fighting and this will be a great learning curve for her, he said. Named an Olympic alternate, Julien didnt get a bronze medal, which prompted her family and the local paper back home to raise a ruckus. "Theyve going to have my back no matter what happens," she said proudly of Cornwall. "Cornwalls awesome, a great city." She got an imitation medal when the Canadian team was honoured at a Toronto FC game after the Olympics. "I felt good about that," she said. "It was nice of them."Anthony Sherman Jersey . Vaives lawyer Trevor Whiffen claims the former 50-goal man wasnt provided with a copy of the claim beforehand and that he would not have agreed to the allegations made against the NHL had he been asked to review its contents. Tyreek Hill Womens Jersey . Wilson hit Schenn from behind during Tuesday nights game in Philadelphia, earning a five-minute major for charging and a game misconduct. 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Larry Johnson Chiefs Jersey .Y. -- The Buffalo Sabres have placed centre Cody Hodgson on injured reserve and recalled two players from their AHL affiliate in Rochester.Jono Lance suffered a suspected broken arm while NRL convert Marika Koroibete made an instant impact in his rugby return as a Wallaby XV went down 19-11 to the French Barbarians in a scrappy affair in Bordeaux.In his first senior rugby match - his first since high school - Koroibete set up the Wallabies only try on Thursday night with his first touch of the ball, throwing a third-minute cut-out pass to former Wallabies captain Ben Mowen who crossed in the corner.Koroibete struggled to get involved in the remaining 77 minutes, however, as the contest was dominated by the opposing forward packs at a sodden Stade Chaban-Delmas where the turf was severely chopped up after each scrum.The Australians trailed by a point - courtesy of four penalty goals to the Barbarians - with three minutes remaining before French No.8 Camille Gerondeau scored the match-sealer under the posts after finishing off a brilliant team try.Australias cause was made harder when luckless five-eighth Lance left the field after six minutes clutching his left forearm.The Australian outfit was well served by impressive playmaker Kyle Godwin, who made his Wallabies debut against Francee last weekend, and regularly beat the first defender after taking on additional responsibility following Lances injury.ddddddddddddThe first half was predominantly a forwards battle, with the two packs clashing fiercely in the scrums, giving little chance for either backline to sparkle.With Lance off, halfback Nick Frisby stepped up to kick a penalty and hand the Wallabies an 8-0 advantage after 10 minutes before the home side began to assert their dominance.Hooker Nathan Charles was shown a yellow card for a high tackle on a tearaway French halfback Yann Lesgourgues - but the BaaBaas were only able to claw back a penalty kick during his stint off the field.The Australian outfit spurned penalty goal chances before halftime - and throughout the second half - as they pushed for a second try, much to the delight of the 30,028-strong crowd.But it was the accurate kicking of BaaBaas substitute Julien Dumora which allowed the home side to grab the lead with 11 minutes to go before Gerondeaus late try put the contest to bed. 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