Canada’s national women’s soccer team welcomes back defender Sydney Collins from injury and introduces goalkeeper Emily Burns, midfielder Florianne Jourde, and forward Kaylee Hunter for their senior team debuts during the upcoming FIFA October international matches. Coach Casey Stoney has selected a 24-player squad to take on Switzerland on Friday and the Netherlands on October 28.
Collins, who last played for Canada in December 2023, has struggled with injuries recently, including a fractured ankle in February 2024 and a broken leg before the 2024 Olympics. She now plays as a center back for Bay FC after being traded from North Carolina.
Burns, a goalkeeper for FC Nantes in France, has been recognized for her performances in the French league. Jourde, a former captain of the Canadian U-20 team, signed with Paris Saint-Germain after playing college soccer at USC. Hunter, a 17-year-old forward from Calgary, has been in fine form for AFC Toronto in the Northern Super League.
Notable absences due to injuries include goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx, defenders Kadeisha Buchanan and Vanessa Gilles, and midfielder Simi Awujo. Additionally, Kayla Briggs and Annabelle Chukwu are unavailable for selection due to agreements with their colleges.
Canada has a positive history against Switzerland and the Netherlands, being undefeated in five games against Switzerland and having lost only once in 14 matches against the Netherlands. The team is looking to bounce back from a 3-0 defeat to the U.S. in July.
Stoney emphasized the need for a quick reset after the loss to the U.S., stating that the team must be in peak physical condition to perform at their best. The Canadian women have shown promise under Stoney’s leadership, with a record of 6-2-1.
