Wisconsin Soccer Central

Defender Lauren Sesselmann (Green Bay Notre Dame) made her return from a torn ACL, starting for the Canadian women's national team in its 1-0 loss to host France in an international friendly Thursday night in Bondoufle.

Sesselmann, playing her first match since Jan. 31, 2014, started at center back in her 41st cap and logged 45 minutes before being replaced by Emily Zurrer at halftime.

"Lauren did very well ... she gave us what we hoped she would – that left-sided balance," said Canadian coach John Herdman, who is scheduled to announce his team's 23-player roster for this summer's FIFA Women's World Cup on April 27.

Sesselmann, 31, tore the ACL in her left knee in February 2014 while training with Canada before the Cyprus Cup. She missed the Houston Dash's National Women's Soccer League season opener Friday, a 2-0 home victory over the Washington Spirit.

On Twitter: @lsesselmann