Late Surge Secures Victory for Canadian Women’s National Team
In an exciting international women’s soccer friendly held on Friday, the Canadian women’s national soccer team showcased grit and resilience as they overturned a one-goal deficit to clinch a convincing 4-1 win against Costa Rica. The dramatic victory was powered by four late goals from Shelina Zadorsky, Holly Ward, Zara Chavoshi, and Emma Regan.
The match, which seemed to be slipping away from the hosts in the first half, turned into a dominant second-half performance, reaffirming Canada’s depth and strength in women’s football.
First Half: Costa Rica Takes the Lead
The opening half saw a strong and organized performance from Costa Rica. Their defensive structure held up well against Canada’s early attempts to press forward. Midway through the first half, Costa Rica stunned the home crowd by breaking the deadlock with a well-executed goal, putting the visitors ahead 1-0.
Despite dominating possession, Canada struggled to convert chances and penetrate Costa Rica’s defense. The first half closed with Canada trailing and visibly frustrated by their inability to finish.
Tactical Changes Spark a Comeback
Head coach Bev Priestman made crucial adjustments at halftime, introducing fresh legs and slightly tweaking the attacking formation. The result was a much more fluid and aggressive Canadian side that began to stretch the Costa Rican defense.
The team’s increased intensity paid off in the final 20 minutes of the match. It was clear that the Canadians had found their rhythm and were now executing their game plan with precision.
Zadorsky Ignites the Canadian Charge
The comeback began with Shelina Zadorsky stepping up in the 72nd minute to net the equalizer. Her powerful header from a corner kick gave Canadian fans something to cheer about and shifted the momentum decisively in Canada’s favor.
Zadorsky’s goal was more than just an equalizer—it was the spark that ignited a late-game onslaught. With energy levels surging, the Canadian side turned up the pressure.
Ward and Chavoshi Deliver Stunning Goals
Just a few minutes after Zadorsky’s goal, Holly Ward put Canada ahead with a beautiful finish from just outside the box. Her strike in the 76th minute found the top corner, leaving the Costa Rican goalkeeper with no chance. It was Ward’s first goal for the senior national team, making it a memorable moment for the young midfielder.
The Canadian dominance continued, and in the 83rd minute, Zara Chavoshi, another rising star, added her name to the scoresheet. Chavoshi capitalized on a defensive lapse by Costa Rica, calmly slotting the ball into the net to extend Canada’s lead to 3-1.
Regan Caps Off the Victory
With Costa Rica reeling and the clock winding down, Emma Regan sealed the win with a brilliant individual effort in the 89th minute. Beating two defenders with a clever turn and burst of speed, she finished clinically to make it 4-1. The final goal was a testament to Canada’s attacking flair and depth of talent.
A Statement Performance
Though it was a friendly match, the performance carried significant weight for Team Canada. The resilience displayed in overcoming a deficit, along with the emergence of young talent, highlighted the bright future of the national program.
Head coach Bev Priestman praised her team after the match, saying, “We showed character, depth, and a hunger to win. These are exactly the kind of performances we need heading into future international competitions.”
Emerging Stars Make Their Mark
The game was particularly noteworthy for the contributions of younger players. Holly Ward, Zara Chavoshi, and Emma Regan are not yet household names but played with maturity and confidence. Their goals and performances are sure to earn them more attention as Canada prepares for major tournaments.
The friendly also served as a chance to test squad depth. Several substitutions and tactical changes allowed new players to gain valuable international experience while giving coaches more options to consider for future matches.
Looking Ahead: Building Toward Bigger Goals
Canada’s women’s soccer team is using these friendlies as part of their preparation for upcoming competitions, including the 2025 CONCACAF W Championship and the next FIFA Women’s World Cup cycle. Friday’s match offered a glimpse of how the team is evolving.
With senior players like Christine Sinclair having recently retired, the onus is on the next generation to step up. The late-game heroics in this friendly show that the transition is already well underway—and it’s looking promising.
Fans Applaud the Comeback
Despite being a non-competitive fixture, fans turned out in good numbers and were rewarded with a thrilling comeback. The atmosphere in the stadium shifted dramatically after the equalizer, with Canadian supporters cheering every pass, tackle, and goal with passion.
The friendly ended with a standing ovation for the home team, celebrating not just the win but the exciting brand of football on display.