The Canadian women’s national soccer team, ranked ninth, will face off against Japan, ranked eighth, in their final match of 2025 during the upcoming November international window. Head coach Casey Stoney will be absent from the game in Nagasaki due to personal family reasons. Assistant coach Natalie Henderson will lead the team, supported by under-17 coach Jen Herst.
Stoney expressed her disappointment at missing the match but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform well against Japan. She highlighted the technical and tactical prowess of the Japanese team and emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards during the game.
Ottawa Rapid forward DB Pridham, who topped the Northern Super League with 20 goals this season, receives her first call-up to the national team. Pridham, a dual citizen born in California to Canadian parents, has excelled in club football in Iceland and Sweden.
The Canadian women’s team has faced recent setbacks, suffering three consecutive losses to Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United States. Stoney criticized the team’s performance, calling for improved technical quality and competitiveness against top opponents.
Canada has a historical record of 4-8-4 against Japan, with only one victory in their last seven encounters. Japan emerged victorious in their previous match, winning 3-0 at the SheBelieves Cup in 2023. The upcoming games on November 29 and December 2 in Nagasaki will test both teams’ abilities.
Japan reached the quarterfinals of the 2023 World Cup, while Canada was eliminated in the group stage. The Canadian roster for the upcoming matches remains largely unchanged, with veteran defender Vanessa Gilles returning from injury.
Injury concerns have affected the team, with players like Olivia Smith and Kaylee Hunter facing setbacks. Smith, who recently joined Arsenal, had to withdraw from selection due to a hip injury, while Hunter, a promising 17-year-old, missed out on playing in the previous matches.
The Canadian team aims to bounce back from recent losses and deliver a strong performance against Japan as they continue their journey towards future tournaments.