Canada WNT were looking to get back to winning ways.
In this window, there were two big tests. The first was a trip to Lucerne to take on 24th-ranked Switzerland. Canada was ranked ninth in the world heading into this game.
However, it was going to be tough as the Canada WNT were dealing with some injuries, including those to defenders Kadeisha Buchanan and Vanessa Gilles.
Canada head coach Casey Stoney and the team aimed to return to basics after losing 3-0 to the United States on July 2. This window was a good opportunity for them to show the world they belong in the top 10.
Well, the Canada WNT still has lots to work on. For the first time since 2023, they lost back-to-back games.
Messy defending leads to the only goal of the game
Gilles’ defensive presence and leadership were sorely missed. After Canada controlled possession to start the game, the Swiss struck first.
The defending was very messy from Canada on this goal. Alayah Pilgrim had a ton of time and space to score from this goal. The defenders from Canada WNT were ball watching and not being aggressive to clear the ball.
Another injury
To make things worse, Canada suffered a key injury. Forward Olivia Smith was carted off after a rough tackle resulted in an apparent ankle injury. The incident halted play and concerned both Canadian and Arsenal fans.
Marie Yasmin Alidou came on to replace Smith, but this was a tough blow for the Canadians.
CanWNT were wasteful
The big story from this friendly match was the Canada WNT’s attack, or lack thereof.
Canada had multiple clear chances to equalize. Janine Sonis had five opportunities, including a shot saved by Swiss goalkeeper Livia Peng in the 19th minute after a pass from Jayde Riviere. In the 86th minute, Sonis capitalized on a Swiss error but hit the right post instead of scoring. Notably, Sonis has not scored for Canada since October 2022 against Morocco.
Just before halftime, Adriana Leon created a one-two with Alidou but shot wide. Late in the second half, Jesse Fleming nearly scored with a powerful strike, but it went just over the goal.
Canada WNT’s final third play was not good enough. In the 18-yard box, the touches kept getting away from them; they were taking too long to shoot, or the shots were either saved or wide.
They did well in terms of possession and controlling the game, but Switzerland’s physicality and defending made things difficult for the Canadians.
Wrap-up
While this game was a friendly, it shows there are still some concerns with the Canada WNT, especially in the attack. This was a very frustrating match to watch.
But Stoney and her squad are back at it on Tuesday as they take on 11th 11th-ranked Netherlands. Canada’s top 10 spot is hanging by a thread, and another loss could see them drop out. Kickoff for that game is at 10:45 Pacific.
