Olivia Smith netted a late goal to secure a 1-1 draw for Canada against Denmark in the first of two women’s soccer friendlies. The Canadian team, ranked ninth, struggled to find the net until Smith’s 84th-minute strike at Stade Saputo in Montreal, beating Danish goalkeeper Alberte Vingum.
Pernille Harder, the Bayern Munich star and Denmark’s captain, opened the scoring in the 24th minute on a chilly night. Despite Julia Grosso hitting the crossbar in injury time, it was Smith who found the equalizer before Canada won the unofficial penalty shootout 4-2.
This match marked Canada’s first since June and their first home game since June 2025. The team, under coach Casey Stoney, aims for their first win against a top-15 opponent. The two teams will face off again at Toronto’s BMO Field, where Allysha Chapman will make her 100th and final appearance for Canada.
The friendlies serve as a preparation for Canada’s upcoming quarterfinal against Panama at the CONCACAF W Championship, a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Denmark has already secured a spot in this summer’s World Cup.
Canada played without Vanessa Gilles due to injury, while Kadeisha Buchanan also missed the game. Despite dominating possession and having more shot attempts, Canada had to settle for a draw against Denmark. The match ended with a 1-1 scoreline, maintaining Canada’s 3-3-1 record against Denmark.