WASHINGTON — Canada’s head coach Casey Stoney did not hold back in her critique of her team’s performance following a 3-0 defeat to the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) at Audi Field on Wednesday. Describing the loss as “inexcusable,” Stoney emphasized the need for action over words. “Talk is cheap,” she stated. “We can keep talking about winning the World Cup, we can talk about the things that we are going to do. We can keep talking about what we’re going to do, or we can actually put things into action.”
The USWNT’s victory was marked by their efficiency in set plays, scoring all three goals from a free kick, a corner kick, and a throw-in. Canadian forward Jordyn Huitema expressed disappointment, noting the uncharacteristic nature of the team’s performance. “I think we looked two yards short on everything,” Stoney admitted. “We gave the ball away too many times. I’ll reflect here first — that’s my job. I believe in this team — on how I set the team up. I think too many individual poor performances, collectively poor.”
Set Plays and Missed Opportunities
Sam Coffey initiated the scoring for the USWNT in the 17th minute, capitalizing on a loose ball from Rose Lavelle’s free kick. The Americans doubled their lead before halftime when Claire Hutton, left unmarked, headed in Lavelle’s corner kick. The final blow came in the closing minutes as Yazmeen Ryan converted a throw-in into a goal.
Stoney highlighted the team’s failure to execute their game plan, specifically pointing out the excessive number of crosses into the box, which contradicted their strategy. She also criticized the team’s lack of commitment and desire, noting their inability to win duels and effectively press the USWNT.
Fitness Concerns and Club Commitments
Stoney raised concerns about her players’ fitness levels, attributing part of the loss to the lack of regular playing time for her squad members at their clubs. “I think you can tell, every single one of their players is starting every single week for their clubs,” she said. “I have a problem: my players aren’t. Some of them are out of season, which it showed, and not playing enough minutes for their clubs, so that needs to change.”
“That’s going to be a strong message moving forward: Get playing or you won’t get picked, because we can’t have that. We want to try to build toward 2027; we need to be a hell of a lot better than we were tonight.” – Casey Stoney
The coach’s comments underscore the importance of club-level play in maintaining national team standards, a sentiment echoed by many in the soccer community. The match was intended to serve as a benchmark for both teams, assessing the integration of newer, less experienced players into their lineups.
Looking Ahead: Lessons and Adjustments
The defeat to the USWNT, a team transitioning into its “next phase” under coach Emma Hayes, serves as a wake-up call for Canada. Hayes praised her veteran players for ensuring the team adhered to their game plan, a contrast to Canada’s struggles.
Stoney acknowledged the need for reassessment, taking responsibility for the loss. “Tonight, we were miles off,” she confessed. “It’s almost [like] the games we had in prep for this haven’t prepared us. This is the first top opponent we played, and it shows where we’re at.”
As Canada looks toward future competitions, including the 2027 World Cup, the emphasis will be on improving player fitness and tactical execution. The loss to the USWNT not only highlights current shortcomings but also sets the stage for necessary changes within the team structure and strategy.
Moving forward, Stoney’s challenge will be to translate her candid post-match reflections into tangible improvements on the field, ensuring that Canada’s aspirations of global success are supported by consistent and competitive performances.