AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 12, 2026
Denmark Claims 4-3 Victory Over Canada in Women's Soccer Friendly
Denmark's women's soccer team secured a 4-3 win against Canada in a riveting international friendly held at Toronto's BMO Field on Monday. The match featured standout performances and milestone moments as both teams continued their preparations for upcoming major tournaments.
First-Half Surge Puts Denmark Ahead
Olivia Holdt was instrumental in Denmark's win, scoring twice and providing an assist. Alongside Holdt, goals from Pernille Harder and Janni Thomsen highlighted a first-half blitz that challenged the Canada women's national team, who struggled defensively during a nine-minute stretch. The visitors' offensive pressure proved decisive as they found the net three times in the opening half.
Canada Opens the Scoring But Denmark Responds Strongly
Canada struck early when Delaney Pridham scored her first senior international goal in the 10th minute. Pridham converted after Kaylee Hunter headed the ball into a crowded penalty area, beating Danish goalkeeper Freja Thisgaard. Moments later, Olivia Smith nearly doubled Canada's lead, but her shot from distance hit the post.
Defensive Missteps Fuel Denmark’s Offense
Denmark capitalized on Canadian defensive lapses. In the 24th minute, Holdt intercepted a loose ball after Julia Grosso miscontrolled a pass from defender Kadeisha Buchanan. Holdt moved forward and delivered a long-range shot that soared over Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan and into the net. Just minutes later, a turnover by Buchanan led to a Denmark attack, capped by a Pernille Harder goal in the 27th minute after a rebound from Sofie Bredgaard's crossbar strike.
More defensive troubles struck for Canada when Ashley Lawrence turned over the ball down low in the 32nd minute. Denmark found Holdt unmarked for her second goal, completing her international brace and giving Denmark a commanding early lead.
Canada Mounts a Comeback
Substitutions invigorated Canada in the second half. Evelyne Viens entered the match and scored in the 49th minute after receiving a smart pass from Olivia Smith. Viens' deflected shot found its way past Thisgaard to close the gap. Denmark's Thomsen, however, restored the visitors' two-goal advantage in the 61st minute, sliding the ball past Sheridan after breaking through the Canadian defense.
Olivia Smith narrowed the deficit again, this time with a long-range strike in the 70th minute. Thisgaard was unable to corral the shot, and the ball rolled between her legs into the net. Despite a late offensive push and a last-gasp effort, the Canada soccer defense could not find the equalizer, sealing a 4-3 victory for the visitors.
Milestones and Honours for Canadian Players
The match featured several notable achievements. Allysha Chapman came onto the field in the 89th minute for her 100th and final international appearance for Canada, celebrated in a post-match ceremony. Additionally, Jessie Fleming, Kadeisha Buchanan, and Ashley Lawrence were recognized before kickoff for reaching 150 international appearances each. At halftime, Melissa Tancredi was honored for her induction into the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame.
Looking Ahead: CONCACAF W Championship and World Cup Qualification
These women's soccer friendly matches serve as a tune-up for the upcoming CONCACAF W Championship, where Canada will face Panama on November 28. The tournament doubles as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Denmark, already qualified for the World Cup after topping its UEFA group, provided a challenging test for the Canadians.
Canada head coach Casey Stoney, appointed in January 2025, is still seeking her first win against a top-15 ranked opponent as the team prepares for the next stage of international competition. In all-time meetings between the two sides, Canada now holds a 3-4-1 record against Denmark's women's squad.
Source: cbc.ca.
