PREVIEW: The CanWNT are searching for a big response in friendly vs. the Netherlands

The CanWNT are looking to bounce back in a big way this week, as they get set to take on the Netherlands in Nijmegen on Tuesday. 

After falling 1-0 to Switzerland in Lucerne on Friday, Canada are looking to put the frustration of that result behind them, quickly, as they take on a Netherlands side filled with quality players. 

Having entered this game on a run of back-to-back losses, something they haven’t suffered since 2023, Casey Stoney’s side are now looking to avoid losing a third straight match for the first time since 2019, too, which is added motivation for this side ahead of kick-off. 

If they’re to find a win, however, they’re looking for a better performance than the one they put up against Switzerland. 

To be fair, it was far from a poor performance in Lucerne - Canada had several good chances to at least get a draw, as they generated 1.01 xG to Switzerland’s 0.96, and outshot their hosts 14-8, but ultimately, Canada were left to rue a sequence of mistakes in their box, and a lack of cutting edge at the other end of the field. 

Plus, it felt like there were moments where Canada lacked rhythm in their play, too, as they were not as clean on the ball as they should’ve been if they were going to break down a physical and stingy Swiss side. 

Because of that, look for Canada to find their feet again in this match against the Netherlands. 

Given that the Dutch are going through a bit of a transition phase of their own, as they get set for just their second game under new head coach Arjan Veurink, who was hired after their disappointing group stage exit from this team at the Euros this summer, this is a good chance for Canada to get back on track.

It’s easy to forget, but this Canadian side is also going through a bit of a transition of their own, as they continue to grind through their first year under Stoney. Having not played a competitive game since the 2024 Olympics, and with no competitive games on the horizon, this stretch continues to be as much about long-term development as it is short-term results - and Stoney affirmed that this week. 

At the same time, that doesn’t mean Canada can’t prioritize chasing good results, as they’d love nothing more than picking up a victory to wrap up this window - especially if it comes attached with an improved performance at all ends of the field. 

“It’s a very good test for us,” Stoney offered. “We're playing challenging games for a reason. Right now, obviously, we want to win games, but if we don't, it's not the end of the world.”

“It's a process to get to 2027, and if we have to struggle now (to get there), and if we have to get things wrong to get them right, I'm okay with that. I'm absolutely fine with that. We've got new players coming in, and (are adopting) a new style of play.”

What will be interesting to see is Canada’s lineup for this game, as they’ll be without Olivia Smith, who came off early against Switzerland with what was later revealed to be a hip pointer - she’s been sent back to her club, Arsenal, as she looks to quickly recover from that knock. 

Otherwise, Canada could be primed to rotate their lineup as they look to find the spark that they felt was missing against the Swiss. 

In particular, it feels like Holly Ward and Evelyne Viens, who were unused substitutes against Switzerland, could inject some life up front, as they look to ensure Canada isn’t held scoreless in a third straight game. Similarly, Jordyn Huitema and Nichelle Prince, who came in off the bench in that game, could be tipped for starts, with that in mind.

Elsewhere, Florianne Jourde and Marie-Yasmine Alidou will battle for minutes in midfield after good cameos vs. the Swiss, while Ashley Lawrence is a strong candidate to start at one of the full-back spots - Zara Chavoshi could also claw in at centre back, and Sabrina D’Angelo could earn a start in goal, should Stoney want to further shake things up at the back. 

“I have to expose these players to more minutes,” Stoney said. “And put them in situations against top, top teams, where they can feel the level.”

Of course, no matter who starts, look for Canada to be aggressive but disciplined with their press and defensive shape, while showing more bravery on the ball - to that last point, Stoney highlighted that she felt her team could afford to take a few more risks in that area of their game, provided they limit their mistakes when building out of the back. 

“A big message from the other night was about technical execution in the key moments,” Stoney said. “So when playing out from the back, for example, if we're going to find our #6, we can't misplace those passes and cause problems (for ourselves) on transition when we get into key areas, we have to be making good decisions on our first touch.”

Safe to say, there’s a lot to watch out for in this game from a Canadian perspective, which will be broadcast LIVE on OneSoccer at 11:45 p.m. PT/2:45 p.m. ET. 

PROJECTED LINEUPS:

Canada: D’Angelo; Lawrence, J Rose, Zadorsky, Carle; Fleming, Regan; Sonis, Alidou, Ward; Viens

Netherlands: Kop; Casparij, Janssen, Buurman, Levels; Kaptein, Groenen, Roord; Beerensteyn, Miedema, Brugts

ALL-TIME SERIES

Canada wins: 9 | Netherlands wins: 1 | Draws: 4

Last meeting: Mar. 7, 2020 – Canada 0-0 Netherlands