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Canada’s women’s soccer team looking to build in return to home soil: coach
Casey Stoney is using the matches to test young talent and build depth before Canada’s qualifying run for the World Cup and Olympics.
In October, the ninth-ranked Canadian women's soccer team will host Denmark for two friendlies in Montreal on Oct. 9 and Toronto on Oct. 12, marking their return to home soil.
Head Coach Casey Stoney scheduled these matches to build depth after intentionally challenging the team against top global opponents abroad over the past 12 to 15 months.
Stoney introduced 18-year-old midfielder Kaylee Hunter and 19-year-old forward Annabelle Chukwu to push veterans and aid succession planning. "It's my job to think about the now. But it's also my job to think about a year, two year, in three years time," Stoney said.
Playing at home helps connect the squad with fans and capitalize on momentum from the men's World Cup run. "There's nothing more important than us playing at home," Stoney said.
These friendlies provide vital preparation for the CONCACAF W Championship starting Nov. 27 in Texas, which qualifies teams for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.