Defender Sydney Collins has recovered from injury and is set to join the Canadian national team for their upcoming matches in the FIFA October international window. Goalkeeper Emily Burns, midfielder Florianne Jourde, and forward Kaylee Hunter have received their first senior call-ups for the national team. The team, under the guidance of Coach Casey Stoney, will face 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 and a broken leg. She currently plays as a starting center back for Bay FC. Burns, a goalkeeper for FC Nantes, has excelled in the French league and has experience playing for various clubs. Jourde, a talented 20-year-old player from Montreal, recently signed with Paris Saint-Germain after a successful collegiate soccer career.
Hunter, a 17-year-old forward from Calgary, has been in impressive form for AFC Toronto this season. Despite missing out on previous matches due to injury, star forward Olivia Smith is set to make her return to the team after her transfer to Arsenal. However, some familiar faces, including Proulx, Buchanan, Gilles, and Awujo, will miss out on the upcoming games due to injuries.
The Canadian team has a positive record against both Switzerland and the Netherlands. They are unbeaten in their five meetings with Switzerland and have a strong history against the Netherlands. The team is looking to bounce back from a recent defeat against the U.S. and is focused on regaining their form under Coach Stoney’s leadership.