The Canadian women’s national soccer team, ranked ninth, will be missing coach Casey Stoney for their upcoming match against eighth-ranked Japan in the November international window. Canada Soccer announced that Stoney will not be traveling to Nagasaki due to personal family reasons. Assistant coach Natalie Henderson will lead the team, supported by under-17 coach Jen Herst.
Stoney expressed her regret at missing the window but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back and perform well against Japan. She highlighted the challenge of facing a technically disciplined opponent on their home turf, emphasizing the need for high standards from the Canadian team.
This match is seen as a crucial step in the team’s development as they work towards the 2026 goals. Henderson previously took charge of the team during a friendly match against Haiti in March when Stoney was absent due to a family-related issue.
In other news, Ottawa Rapid forward DB Pridham has received her first call-up to the national team. Pridham, who led the Northern Super League with 20 goals this season, was born in California to Canadian parents and holds dual citizenship. The 28-year-old, named the NSL Player of the Year, has previously played club football in Iceland and Sweden.
The Canadian women’s team has faced three consecutive defeats, including losses to Switzerland and the Netherlands, following a disappointing match against the U.S. Stoney expressed disappointment with the team’s performance, emphasizing the need to improve technically and tactically against top opponents.
Looking ahead, Canada faces Japan in two matches in Nagasaki on Nov. 29 and Dec. 2. The Canadian team has a historical record of 4-8-4 against Japan, winning only one of the last seven encounters. Japan, undefeated in the last three meetings, emerged victorious in the most recent encounter at the SheBelieves Cup in 2023.
Despite the absence of some players, including Olivia Smith and Kaylee Hunter, the Canadian roster remains largely unchanged from the previous international window. Smith, who recently joined Arsenal, was sidelined due to a hip injury, while Hunter, a teenage striker, missed the matches due to an injury sustained before the camp.