In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, the Canada women’s national soccer team secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Argentina in an international friendly match held at B.C. Place on April 4, 2025. The match, attended by a lively crowd of 12,219, showcased the Canadians' dominance as they aim to reclaim their status as a powerhouse in women’s soccer.
Despite the win, head coach Casey Stoney emphasized that there is still much work to be done. “We always have to be obviously happy when we’ve won and celebrate the wins. (But) I think there’s still lots of work for us to do,” she remarked after the game. Stoney noted that with only five training sessions under their belts, the team is still in the process of developing their play style.
From the outset, Canada, ranked seventh in the world, showcased their superiority over the 33rd-ranked Argentines. They outshot Argentina 18-5, with 9 of those shots on target compared to just 2 for the visitors. The Canadians also controlled 65 percent of the possession, though Stoney expressed a desire for more ball control in the second half.
Canada's first goal came in the 24th minute when Jade Rose scored her debut international goal. Following a free kick taken by Adriana Leon, Vanessa Gilles delivered a header that Argentine goalkeeper Solana Pereyra managed to deflect onto the bar. Rose was quick to react, tapping in the rebound from close range. "It’s an incredible feeling. It's great to have my first goal back on home soil, to have my mom in the stands, it's my sister's birthday -- it’s just a lot of things that made it a really great day,” Rose said, reflecting on her emotional moment.
Just fifteen minutes later, Canada struck again. After a dazzling display of footwork from Leon, who evaded several defenders, she crossed the ball to Nichelle Prince. Prince’s initial shot was saved by Pereyra, but she was quick to follow up and scored Canada’s second goal. Stoney praised Leon's performance, stating, “(Leon) was excellent tonight. One of the best performances I’ve seen from her.”
As the match progressed, Canada continued to press their advantage. They had a goal disallowed for offside shortly after halftime, when Leon found the back of the net again, but the referee's flag was raised. However, the Canadians weren't finished yet. In the 87th minute, Julia Grosso added a third goal, capitalizing on a rebound after Janine Sonis’ shot hit the post. Stoney expressed her delight with Grosso's performance, saying, “I think she’s got fantastic feet, fantastic ability.”
The match marked Stoney’s first game on Canadian soil since taking over as head coach earlier this year. The victory improved Canada’s record to 3-0-1 under her guidance, with an impressive goal differential of 12-1. Looking ahead, Canada will face the top-ranked United States in three months, a match that will serve as a significant benchmark for the team.
“What I’ve been able to do is have a look at different players in different positions,” Stoney explained. “I would like to analyze the opponent. Who do we need in this game that can hurt them? Who can utilize the spaces that are going to give us?” Stoney is keen on experimenting with her squad as they prepare for World Cup qualifying next year.
Before kickoff, Canadian midfielder Quinn was honored for reaching 100 appearances for the national team last year. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with fans showing their support for the team. Stoney noted, “I thought the crowd was good. I’d love to see more people here supporting the team. I think we can drive attendance more. This team deserves it.”
Looking ahead, the two teams are set to meet again for a rematch on April 8, 2025, at Starlight Stadium in Langford, B.C., at 7 p.m. The Canadians will aim to build on this strong performance and continue their positive momentum as they prepare for more challenging fixtures ahead.
