Canadian Women’s Team Aims to Rebound Against Netherlands After Swiss Setback

Canadian Women’s Soccer Team Aims for Redemption Against Netherlands After Swiss Setback

Nijmegen, Netherlands – The ninth-ranked Canadian women’s national soccer team is gearing up for a crucial match against the 11th-ranked Netherlands on Tuesday, determined to bounce back from a disappointing loss to the 24th-ranked Swiss. The team is looking to regain momentum as they close out 2025 with two additional matches against No. 8 Japan during the November FIFA window.

The recent match against Switzerland was marred by injury, particularly for star player Smith, who suffered a setback in her first start for Canada since her record-breaking transfer to Arsenal from Liverpool in July for a staggering one million pounds ($1.87 million). Smith was injured in the 32nd minute after a heavy fall, colliding with Swiss defender Viola Calligaris while challenging for the ball. The incident left Smith on the turf for several minutes, receiving medical attention before being carted off the field, unable to put weight on her right leg.

“It was definitely a foul from where I stood,” said Canada coach Casey Stoney, expressing frustration over the officiating during the match. “We didn’t feel like we got an awful lot of decisions.”

Smith’s injury adds to a troubling trend; she had previously exited a friendly against Haiti on a stretcher after just 13 minutes due to a head injury. “It’s disappointing,” Stoney lamented. “She’s one of our most talented players, and we’ve hardly been able to play her this year.”

Despite the challenges, the Canadian squad is bolstered by the inclusion of Hunter, who received her first call-up to the senior national team after her club, AFC Toronto, refused to release her for the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. Hunter has been a standout performer, netting 14 goals and providing three assists this season in the Northern Super League.

As the Canadian team prepares for their match against the Netherlands, the focus remains on resilience and teamwork. With the stakes high and the pressure mounting, fans are hopeful that the team can turn the tide and secure a much-needed victory.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on October 26, 2025.