2024 was anything but favorable for the Canada Women’s National Soccer Team. Heading into their Paris Olympics campaign with high hopes, the plan completely backfired after head coach Bev Priestman and assistants Joseph Lombardi and Jasmine Mander were found guilty of using drones to spy on Group A rival New Zealand. The scandal led to year-long suspensions for the coaching staff and a six-point deduction for the team. But as 2025 rolled in, the Canadians aimed for a fresh start by appointing Casey Stoney as their new head coach. While it may seem that even this bold move isn’t enough to erase the bitter memories, listening to Jordyn Huitema might just change your perspective.

The Seattle Reign star has rather positive feedback for her new national team head coach, even though it has been just a matter of months since she joined the Canadian ranks. This heartfelt confession was made publicly in front of hundreds of listeners during a live episode of the Good Vibes FC segment from The Women’s Game podcast — co-hosted by Seattle Reign star Lynn Biyendolo and former USWNT stars Sam Mewis and Becky Sauerbrunn.

Interestingly, during the conversation, Mewis asked Huitema about how things have been under Stoney so far. Without any split second, the former Paris Saint-Germain forward responded, “Oh my god, I love it. I love her. She’s amazing; She’s so fresh for us,” making it clear it was indeed a much-needed change they required to bounce back from their previous setbacks.

Honestly, it wasn’t just the team seeking a change in their coaching dynamics—Stoney herself was coming from a difficult place, having been sacked by San Diego Wave out of the blue. Although the English tactician guided the NWSL side to two trophies as their inaugural head coach and even secured a contract extension in January 2024—which was set to keep her in charge until 2027 with an option for 2028—a seven-game winless run proved costly.

The streak not only cost Stoney her position but also left her suddenly without a place to call home. But thankfully, another door opened for Stoney as she ended up getting the CanWNT job within six months. Having joined in January 2025, she has managed to guide her side to three wins, a draw, and a loss in five games. Their next game is scheduled for July, where they’ll be facing the US Women’s National Team—a match that both sides are looking forward to!

Emma Hayes and Casey Stoney on impending USWNT vs Canada showdown

Both sides will be facing each other for their 67th meeting in the form of an Allstate Continental Clásico on July 2, 7:30 p.m. ET at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. As the anticipation builds for the game, Emma Hayes also has some words to share. “Canada is a top team and this match is worthy of the Allstate Continental Clásico,” said the USWNT head coach.

“As this game will end a three-match window, we’ll get a good chance to see our whole roster in training and hopefully game action before selecting a team to start in Washington, D.C.” added the 48-year-old, referring to the games against the Republic of Ireland on June 26 and 29. 

It was back in WSL when both Emma and Casey faced each other. Interestingly, both the Concacaf W Gold Cup semifinal and SheBelieves Cup Final last year saw Bev Priestman’s side fall to the USA on penalties after 2-2 draws. But this would be the first time Hayes faces Stoney. It is something that the former NWSL manager is also really looking forward to!

“Facing the Olympic champions will be a great test for us. They were the best in the world in 2024 and will challenge us in areas we haven’t been tested in yet this year,” Casey Stoney began, as compiled by The Mirror US. “This will be a great opportunity to test ourselves and give us a barometer of where we are and what work we need to do to progress and prepare for the future.”

Looks like both teams are looking forward to the game. And honestly, so are we!