Canada’s Disappointing Performance Against the United States
In a disappointing performance against the United States on Wednesday night, Canada’s head coach Casey Stoney expressed her deep frustration, labeling the team’s 3-0 defeat as “inexcusable.” Speaking after the match at Audi Field, Stoney emphasized the need for action rather than empty discussions about future successes.
“Talk is cheap,”
she remarked, stressing that it is essential to move beyond mere words about winning the World Cup and instead focus on tangible improvements.
US Women’s National Team’s Effective Strategy
The US women’s national team utilized set pieces effectively to score all three goals: Sam Coffey netted the opener from a free kick, Claire Hutton added a second with a header from a corner, and Yazmeen Ryan capped the scoring from a throw-in late in the game. Forward Jordyn Huitema echoed her coach’s disappointment, referencing the team’s performance as “disappointing and unlike us.”
Coach Stoney’s Reflection and Responsibility
Stoney reflected critically on her squad’s execution, acknowledging that the team not only struggled with their crosses—often deviating from their pre-game strategy—but also indicated a lack of intensity and effort on the field. She took responsibility for the team’s lackluster showing, vowing to reassess her strategies and spotlighting a stark contrast in fitness levels.
“Every single one of their players is starting every single week for their clubs,”
Stoney pointed out, expressing concern over some players’ lack of playing time.
“Some of them are out of season, which it showed,”
she noted, affirming that future selections will be influenced by players’ commitment to regular play for their clubs. Stoney stated,
“Get playing or you won’t get picked,”
highlighting the urgency for improvement as the team aims towards the 2027 World Cup.
USWNT Coach’s Praise and Assessment
On the other side, USWNT coach Emma Hayes praised her experienced players for maintaining the team’s structure and avoiding a repeat of their previous game performance. Both coaches acknowledged that this match served as a vital assessment of their team’s growth, particularly among new and inexperienced players. Stoney’s closing remarks were sobering; she noted,
“Tonight, we were miles off,”
indicating that the team’s prior preparations were insufficient against a top-tier opponent, and signaling a serious need for adjustments moving forward.
