Canada’s Women’s National Team: October 2022

This week, it was announced that Canada’s Women’s National Soccer Team would be playing Argentina and Morocco in Spain on October 6th and 10th, respectively. Both have qualified for the World Cup next year, making them potential opponents in the group stage. Argentina and Morocco are also likely to play in low blocks and “respect” Canada, which is the test that Canada needs in preparation for the WC.

Below is a quick synopsis of the team, along with a projected roster for Canada.

Argentina (5–0–0 record)

1. September 24, 2003 (WWC): W 3–0 (Hooper, Latham x2)
2. June 14, 2008 (Peace Queen Cup): W 5–0 (Matheson, Sinclair x2, Tancredi, Timko)
3. August 6, 2008 (Summer Olympics): W 2–1 (Chapman, Lang)
4. October 20, 2011 (Pan American Games): W 1–0 (Julien)
5. February 21, 2021 (SheBelieves Cup): W 1–0 (Stratigakis)

Argentina is currently ranked 31st in the FIFA rankings and has achieved a best ranking of 27th (2008/2009). One player to watch is Estefanía Banini, a forward who currently plays for Atlético Madrid. After a nearly three-year hiatus from the national team, Banini returned to the international game earlier this year. She was on the IFFHS CONMEBOL Women Team of the Decade for 2011–2020. With eight goals to her name and something to prove, Banini will test Canada’s defense.

Canada last played Argentina in the 2020 SheBelieves Cup.

Morocco (1–0–1 record)

1. February 10, 2001 (Friendly): W 4–0 (Burtini, Sinclair, Kiss x2)
2. February 12, 2001 (Friendly): L 0–1

Morocco is currently ranked 76th in the world. Morocco’s best ranking was 52nd in 2003. Ghizlane Chebbak, Morocco’s captain, is one of the team’s top all-time leading goalscorers. She currently plays for ASFAR in Morocco. Recently named player of the tournament at the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations, Chebbak is a forward who will be looking to add to her nine goals for country.

“Wish List” Canada Roster

Known Injuries: Vanessa Gilles, Jayde Riviere, Deanne Rose

Possible Injuries: Gabrielle Carle, Sura Yekka

Kailen Sheridan

Sabrina D’Angelo

Anna Karpenko

Kadeisha Buchanan

Shelina Zadorsky

Jayde Rose

Zoe Burns

Ashley Lawrence

Bianca St-Georges

Allysha Chapman

Quinn

Desirée Scott

Sophie Schmidt

Julia Grosso

Jessie Fleming

Victoria Pickett

Simi Awujo

Janine Beckie

Nichelle Prince

Evelyne Viens

Jordyn Huitema

Christine Sinclair

Adriana Leon

Clarissa Larisey

Potential Milestones

Kadeisha Buchanan: If she plays in one game, she will hit her 125th cap for Canada (which would tie her for 9th all-time).

Jessie Fleming: If she scores one goal, she will tie with Diana Matheson for 10th highest goal-scorer in team history.

Adriana Leon: If she scores one goal, she will move ahead of Melissa Tancredi and be in sole possession of the 6th highest goal-scorer. Additionally, if she appears in both games during this window, she will earn her 90th cap.

Desirée Scott: If she appears in both games, she will hit 185 caps.

Kailen Sheridan: If she appears in both games, she will hit 30 caps.

Written by Laura Bryan (@brylaura11)