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News July 18, 2025

Carlsberg Moments of the Month – June 2025

Moments of the Month, June 2025

CANWNT Sweep Series with Haiti 

The Canadian Women’s National Team (CANWNT) capped off a successful summer window with back-to-back wins over Haiti, earning 4:1 and 3:1 victories in Winnipeg and Montréal, respectively. The two matches served multiple purposes: a celebratory send-off for a national team legend, a showcase for emerging stars, and another step forward as the team prepares for 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification. 

On May 31, Canada took to the pitch at Princess Auto Stadium for an emotional match that doubled as Desiree Scott’s final appearance in a Canada shirt. The hometown crowd in Winnipeg turned out to celebrate “The Destroyer’s” remarkable 188-cap career, and the team rose to the occasion. 

Adriana Leon wasted no time, scoring twice within the opening 10 minutes, both assisted by Janine Sonis in her return to the squad. Canada maintained control throughout, with Shelina Zadorsky adding a third from a set piece early in the second half. Desiree Scott left the match in the 55th minute to a standing ovation, before Olivia Smith capped the performance off with a late goal to make it four.  

Three days later in Montréal, it was a different group of Canadian talent making headlines. Evelyne Viens, playing in front of her hometown fans, opened the scoring with a clinical header before assisting Holly Ward’s first international goal just minutes later. Viens added her second of the night before halftime, giving Canada a commanding 3:0 lead. 

Though Haiti converted a penalty before the break, CANWNT saw out the second half with composure. Sabrina D’Angelo made a key late save to preserve the two-goal margin and close out the series sweep. 

CANMNT win Inaugural Canadian Shield 

The Canadian Men’s National Team (CANMNT) lifted the first-ever Canadian Shield trophy, finishing atop a competitive four-team round-robin tournament against Ukraine, Côte d’Ivoire, and New Zealand at BMO Field in Toronto. Across two tightly contested matches, Canada showed both attacking flair and defensive resolve, successfully navigating the stiff competition. 

CANMNT wasted no time asserting themselves in the opening match against Ukraine, playing with confidence and pace. Jonathan David struck twice in the match’s opening 25 minutes, with Tajon Buchanan playing a key role in both goals. Promise David capped off a memorable half with his first international goal. Tajon Buchanan would add a goal of his own in the second half, growing the lead to 4:0 before a pair of late Ukrainian tallies. 

Three days later, Canada returned to the pitch to face African champions Côte d’Ivoire in what proved to be a far grittier affair. Canada defended with resilience and kept the Ivorians at bay to secure a 0:0 draw in regulation time. While Côte d’Ivoire edged the ensuing penalty shootout 5:4, the tournament rules awarded Canada two points for the draw, enough to clinch the top spot in the final standings. 

Beyond the results, the Shield was a showcase of Canada’s growing depth, as younger players were integrated into the setup and performed well against a pair of formidable opponents. The tournament offered a glimpse into the type of opposition CANMNT can expect to face in the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ on home soil. 

⁠Canada Soccer Announces MatchWornShirt Program 

Canada Soccer has announced a new partnership with MatchWornShirt, the premier global destination and online auction marketplace for authentic sports memorabilia. Fans and collectors can now celebrate Canada’s rising soccer programs with authentic game-worn & signed National Team jersey auctions.  

“This exciting partnership with MatchWornShirt allows us to create new experiences for our fans and supporters in Canada and beyond. By providing the unique chance to own worn and signed jerseys from their favourite players, we are bringing fans closer to the game they love and giving them the opportunity to celebrate moments of history in Canadian soccer.”

– Dominic Martin, Director, Marketing at Canada Soccer 

The partnership is also in collaboration with the Canadian Soccer Players’ Association (CSPA) and the Canadian Men’s National Soccer Team Players Association (CMNSTPA). Starting XI jerseys will be made available to fans and collectors this year, with the full squad available from 2026. 

To browse all current and upcoming auctions, and to learn more about MatchWornShirt, please visit www.matchwornshirt.com. 

Canada Soccer, MatchWornShirt Unveil Exciting new Partnership to Bring Fans Closer to the Game and Game-Worn Jerseys

Women’s Under-20 National Team Win Concacaf Championship 

Canada Soccer’s Women’s U-20 National Team (CANW20) were crowned champions of the 2025 Concacaf Women’s U-20 Championship following a historic 3:2 victory over Mexico in the Final on Sunday 8 June at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto in Alajuela, Costa Rica. The victory marks Canada’s third title in the competition and their first since the 2008 edition. 

Facing the reigning champions Mexico in the Final, Canada delivered a confident and composed performance to secure their first Concacaf Women’s U-20 title in 17 years. Goals from Sienna Gibson and Adriana Bianchin were twice matched by Mexico, but a dramatic winner from Annabelle Chukwu in the second half of extra time sealed the historic 3:2 victory for Canada.  

“I’m so incredibly proud of this group, they showed tremendous character and unity throughout the tournament. They embraced every challenge, stayed focused on our goals, and earned this championship through grit, talent, and belief in one another.” 

– Cindy Tye, Canada Soccer’s Women’s U-20 National Team Head Coach 

Canada advanced to the championship match with a historic 1-0 semi-final victory over the United States, as Léa Larouche scored the decisive goal in what was the first-ever semi-final meeting between the two programs in tournament history. The Final marked Canada’s fourth appearance in the Concacaf Women’s U-20 Championship Final and their first since the 2015 edition in Honduras. 

Annabelle Chukwu finished the competition as Canada’s leading scorer with five goals, while Noelle Henning was named Best Goalkeeper of the tournament. Throughout the competition, the CANW20 squad showcased one of the most dynamic attacking displays, netting a total of 17 goals.  

By reaching the semi-finals, Canada secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026™, joining fellow Concacaf nations Costa Rica, Mexico, and the United States. The global tournament will take place from 5 to 27 September 2026 and feature 24 nations from six confederations. 

CANMNT announce High-Profile Friendly against Colombia  

Canada Soccer and the Federación Colombiana de Fútbol announced today that Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team (CANMNT) will play Colombia (currently FIFA-ranked #14) in an international friendly in the October 2025 window, hosted by the 2024 Copa América finalists. 

The match will take place on Tuesday 14 October at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey at 20:00 EST. This marks the fourth time CANMNT will have played Colombia in its history, having beaten Los Cafeteros 2:0 in Canada’s historic 2000 Gold Cup triumph and two defeats in international friendlies in 1988 and 2014.  

“We look forward to facing more South American competition following our experience at the 2024 Copa América. Colombia is the type of high-level opponent that we want to be competing against as we continue our preparations for the upcoming World Cup.”  

– Jesse Marsch, MLS Canada Head Coach of the Men’s National Team 

CANWNT Host Successful Pride Match in Toronto 

The Canadian Women’s National Team (CANWNT) delivered a statement performance on 27 June in Toronto, storming back from a goal down to defeat Costa Rica 4:1 in front of an energetic crowd at BMO Field. The match, held in celebration of Pride Month, was both a celebration of inclusion and a showcase of Canada’s evolving depth under new head coach Casey Stoney. 

Decked out in rainbow-accented kits and playing in a stadium lit with Pride-themed visuals, Canada dominated possession from the start but struggled to break through Costa Rica’s low block. Despite controlling over 80% of the ball, Canada entered halftime behind and in need of answers. 

Those answers would come in the form of a flurry of goals. Shelina Zadorsky leveled the score in the 70th minute with a calmly taken penalty. Just four minutes later, young forward Holly Ward capitalized on a rebound to score her second goal in as many appearances. Zara Chavoshi added a third in the 82nd minute with a powerful header off a corner, her first #CANWNT goal, and Emma Regan sealed the victory minutes later with a stunning strike from distance, also her first for Canada. 

In just over 15 minutes, Canada flipped the match on its head, showing both resilience and attacking variety. It was a night of firsts, as Chavoshi, Regan, and 18-year-old Annabelle Chukwu all reached personal milestones with the latter making her senior debut after standout performances with Canada’s Women’s U-20 team. 

More than just a win, the match was a reflection of the values the team stands for. With a third straight annual Pride fixture, Canada Soccer and the Women’s National Team once again used the platform of sport to champion inclusion and belonging.