Defender Sydney Collins has made a comeback from injury, with goalkeeper Emily Burns, midfielder Florianne Jourde, and teenage forward Kaylee Hunter earning their first senior call-ups for Canada in the upcoming FIFA October international matches. Coach Casey Stoney has announced a 24-player roster to take on Switzerland on Friday and the Netherlands on October 28.
Collins, who last played for Canada in December 2023, has faced injury setbacks recently, including a fractured ankle in February 2024 and a subsequent leg break before the 2024 Olympics. She now plays as a centre back for Bay FC after being traded from North Carolina.
Burns, a standout goalkeeper from FC Nantes in France, was a top contender in the French league and has experience with Dijon, Saint-Etienne, and Calgary’s Foothills FC. Jourde, a Canadian youth international, signed with Paris Saint-Germain after her collegiate soccer career at USC. Hunter, a prolific scorer from AFC Toronto, has impressed with 14 goals and three assists this season.
Star striker Olivia Smith, who recently set a transfer record, returns after missing the last international window due to injury. Notably absent this time are Proulx, Buchanan, Gilles, and Awujo due to injuries, while Briggs and Chukwu are unavailable by mutual agreement with their colleges.
Canada has a positive history against Switzerland and the Netherlands, remaining unbeaten in five matches against Switzerland and holding a strong record against the Dutch. Following a recent loss to the U.S., Coach Stoney aims to regroup the team for the upcoming challenges.
