Defensive miscues cost Canada in 4-3 friendly loss to Denmark

TORONTO · Denmark scored three goals in a nine-minute span in the first half to defeat Canada 4-3 in an international women's soccer friendly at BMO Field on Monday. Olivia Holdt scored twice and added an assist for the 12th-ranked Danes, while Pernille Harder and Janni Thomsen also found the net. Delaney Pridham, Evelyne Viens and Olivia Smith replied for the ninth-ranked Canadians in front of an announced crowd of 12,112. "They made us pay for all of our mistakes," said Viens. "It was pretty clear."

The result leaves Canadian head coach Casey Stoney still seeking her first victory against a top-15 opponent since taking over in January 2025. The teams had played to a 1-1 draw in Montreal on Friday, with Canada winning the subsequent unofficial penalty shootout 4-2. Monday's match served as a final tune-up before Canada begins its CONCACAF W Championship campaign, a qualifier for both the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, against Panama on Nov. 28.

Pridham opened the scoring in the 10th minute, swivelling in a crowded penalty area to beat goalkeeper Freja Thisgaard for her first senior international goal. "I was just ready, back to goal, turned and just hit it in," Pridham said. "I think I caught the goalie off guard." Canada nearly doubled its lead moments later when Smith's long-range shot hit the post, but the game turned on a series of defensive errors.

READ MORE: Crew down Toronto FC 4-2, dealing blow to TFC's playoff hopes

READ MORE: Sargent's late winner lifts Toronto FC over D.C. United

Holdt equalized in the 24th minute after intercepting a loose pass in midfield and launching a speculative shot from near the halfway line that sailed over goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan. Harder made it 2-1 just three minutes later, converting after a Sofie Bredgaard shot hit the crossbar. Holdt then completed her brace in the 32nd minute, finishing after a turnover deep in Canadian territory. "I think there were some off-moments tonight that cost us dearly," Stoney said. Canada cut the deficit to 3-2 early in the second half when Smith set up Viens for a deflected shot that looped into the top corner. Thomsen restored Denmark's two-goal cushion in the 61st minute with a calm finish past Sheridan. Smith pulled Canada back within one in the 70th minute with a long-range effort that Thisgaard misplayed, letting it roll through her legs and over the line, but the hosts could not find an equalizer.

Chapman's final cap

The match also served as a send-off for veteran defender Allysha Chapman, who came on in the 89th minute to earn her 100th and final cap for Canada. The 37-year-old left back was honoured in a post-game ceremony. Before the match, Jessie Fleming, Kadeisha Buchanan and Ashley Lawrence were recognized for reaching 150 international appearances, while Melissa Tancredi was acknowledged at halftime for her induction into the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame. Former Canada coach John Herdman, who led the team from 2011 to 2018, praised Chapman's tenacity. "What I loved about Allysha is she had that sort of old-school style of defending," Herdman said. "I can't imagine any winger in world football wanted to play against her because she was just so tenacious." Stoney, who recalled playing against Chapman during her own career, said honouring the veteran was important. "We want this to be a special night and it's exactly what she deserves," Stoney said. With the loss, Canada's all-time record against Denmark falls to three wins, four losses and one draw. The team now turns its focus to the CONCACAF W Championship in Texas, where the top four teams will qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. The tournament's finalists and the third-place team will earn a spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

With files from The Canadian Press, Sportsnet and CBC News