Smith Rescues Canada With Late Goal Against Denmark

Canada avoided defeat against Denmark with a late equalizer from Smith in an international women's soccer friendly, earning a 1-1 draw in a match where the hosts dominated possession but struggled to convert their chances. The result extended Canada's search for a victory against a top-15 opponent under head coach Casey Stoney, who took charge in January 2025. According to The Canadian Press, Canada controlled 69 percent of possession and outshot Denmark 21-9, with both teams recording six shots on target.

The Canadians were playing their first match since a 6-0 victory over Costa Rica in June and their first home contest since June 2025. Denmark took the lead in the 24th minute after Pernille Harder finished a counterattack. Amalie Vangsgaard accelerated down the right flank before sending a pass through the legs of Canadian defender Shelina Zadorsky and into the penalty area, where Harder converted.

Canada had threatened early when Marie-Yasmine Alidou broke toward goal in the opening minute, but Danish goalkeeper Maja Bay Østergaard stopped her close-range volley. Denmark nearly scored earlier in the 13th minute after Harder intercepted a risky pass from Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan, who recovered to deny Olivia Holdt.

Canadian captain Jessie Fleming came close to equalizing in the 34th minute. After receiving a low cross from Nichelle Prince, Fleming sent her shot over the crossbar. Stoney made 10 substitutions in the second half as Canada pursued a response.

Fullback Janine Sonis had two opportunities, including a free kick from the edge of the penalty area that Østergaard denied and a low volley that went wide, before Smith scored Canada's equalizer. The goal was Smith's sixth for the national team.

Canada was without veteran defender Vanessa Gilles, who withdrew from both matches after sustaining a muscle injury with Bayern Munich. Centre back Kadeisha Buchanan also missed the game despite joining the national team in camp. The draw came ahead of Canada's next scheduled meeting with Denmark on Monday at BMO Field in Toronto. That match will mark longtime left back Allysha Chapman's 100th and final appearance for Canada.

The two friendlies provide preparation for the Concacaf W Championship, where Canada is scheduled to face Panama in a quarterfinal on Nov. 28. The tournament serves as a qualification route for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Denmark entered the series after finishing first in its UEFA qualifying group ahead of Sweden, Serbia and Italy, securing qualification for the upcoming World Cup.

Canada and Denmark had not met since 2017, when Canada won 1-0 at the Algarve Cup in Portugal. Canada now has an all-time record of 3-3-1 against Denmark. After the friendly, Canada also prevailed 4-2 in unofficial penalty kicks.