Canada’s women’s soccer team faced a tough 1-0 defeat against Switzerland, with star player Olivia Smith exiting the game due to injury. Alayah Pilgrim scored the only goal for the Swiss in a physical match that lacked friendliness. Despite several opportunities, Canada, ranked ninth, failed to capitalize, leading to Switzerland’s first-ever victory over the Canadian team.
Smith sustained an injury in a collision with Swiss defender Viola Calligaris, causing her to be substituted in the first half. The incident, not deemed a foul by the referee, left Canada’s coach Casey Stoney visibly upset on the sidelines. Smith’s departure was a blow to the team, especially after her recent transfer to Arsenal from Liverpool.
The Swiss dominated early in the game, with Pilgrim’s goal in the 12th minute setting the tone. Canadian striker Janine Sonis missed multiple chances to equalize, with Swiss goalkeeper Livia Peng proving to be a formidable obstacle. Despite efforts from other Canadian players like Adriana Leon and Jordyn Huitema, the team couldn’t find the back of the net.
Injuries and absences plagued the Canadian squad, impacting their performance against Switzerland. Stoney’s team now looks ahead to a challenging match against the Netherlands and upcoming fixtures against Japan to close out the year. Switzerland’s victory adds pressure on Canada as they strive to bounce back from recent setbacks and regroup for future competitions.
The Swiss team, led by coach Pia Sundhage, showed determination and skill in defeating Canada, marking a significant win in their soccer journey. Canada, on the other hand, will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming matches to maintain their competitive edge on the international stage.