REPORT CARDS: How did CanWNT stars perform in Europe this season?
In North America, the NWSL season is in full swing. Players such as Christine Sinclair (Portland Thorns) and Jordyn Huitema (OL Reign) are locked in and ready to help their teams achieve new heights.
But across the world in Europe, many CanWNT stars have finished their campaigns and are taking a well-deserved rest before the women’s World Cup this summer.
While fans might have followed the action on social media or via live streams, it’s not always easy to watch the European leagues from Canada. Fear not – we’re here to tell you everything you need to know about our homegrown talent across the pond.
Read on to learn how each player fared this season, as well as a key moment from their campaign and a “form ranking” (out of five) ahead of this summer’s tournament.
Sabrina D’Angelo – GK – Arsenal (WSL)
Since recovering from a severe knee injury in 2021, Sabrina D’Angelo has hit her stride.
At the beginning of the 2022/23 season, the 30-year-old was a mainstay for Swedish side Vittsjo, recording 19 clean sheets in 47 appearances. These stats, alongside her GKOTY title, gathered interest from WSL powerhouse Arsenal.
Since moving to the Gunners in January 2023 on a permanent transfer, she has started four matches and helped her side win the FA Women’s Continental League Cup – two stunning accolades considering how recently she joined the club.
While Kailen Sheridan seems to be Priestman’s first pick when it comes to keepers, D’Angelo might just give Sheridan a run for her money this World Cup if she can continue to demonstrate her talent and growth in London.
Moment of the campaign: D’Angelo used her aggression (and her face) to deny Leicester a goal on May 5.
CWNT: Sabrina D'Angelo putting her face on the line to make this save for Arsenal against Leicester this afternoon.
— Ben Steiner (@BenSteiner00) May 5, 2023
Match tied at 0-0 in the 60'.
A lot better than my bloody face-save effort in Sunday league a few weeks back, letting in the rebound. pic.twitter.com/qzm8Y4XpYk
World Cup Form Ranking: 4
Lysianne Proulx – GK – Torreense (Liga BPI)
Fresh out of the NCAA, Proulx signed her first pro contract for Portuguese side Torreense and made an instant impact.
While she’s smaller than most goalies in the league, her ability to stop shots and make quick decisions made her shine. This season, she played 18 games and recorded four clean sheets, a solid accomplishment considering she’s only 24.
Now that she’s gotten her debut season out of the way, she’ll look to become the first-choice goalie next season in Europe, and demonstrate to Priestman why she deserves the third keeper position with Canada.
Moment of the campaign: Proulx demonstrated her speed and awareness by making a triple penalty kick save.
Check out this triple PK save by @LysianneProulx in ๐ต๐น today. Love to see this from the young @canwnt keeper.
— wsoccer.ca ๐ (@WsoccerCa) December 11, 2022
Here’s the link to the full video: https://t.co/W6Y5oOPk8j pic.twitter.com/OfqNegntsU
World Cup Form Ranking: 3
Vanessa Gilles – DF – Lyon (D1 Arkema)
Since joining Lyon on loan from Angel City, Gilles has shown the French giants that her technical ability, aggression and athleticism is unmatched.
This past season, the 27-year-old has played 19 matches and scored four goals – an impressive feat considering that she’s a defender. The club was clearly impressed with her leadership and ability to deliver in high pressure situations, which earned her a contract extension through June 2024.
As Gilles is now used to consistently playing high-level football in France, she’ll already be prepared to deliver ahead of the World Cup.
Moment of the campaign: Gilles perfectly timed her first goal for Lyon, which also made her the 100th goal-scorer for the club.
Vanessa Gilles gets her first goal for Lyon and becomes the 100th goal scorer for the club!#CanWNT/#CanXNT pic.twitter.com/5gYtOsIMsE
— Rise Higher (@RiseHigherCa) January 14, 2023
World Cup Form Ranking: 5
Ashley Lawrence – DF – PSG (D1 Arkema)
Lawrence has been a mainstay for PSG over the years, but this past season the 27-year-old proved why she’s a world-class full back.
After a career-high 28 matches – some while wearing the captain’s armband – Lawrence perfected her ability to transition from the backline to a darting attack, using her speed to chase down and stop opponents. Her consistency has earned her respect both from Priestman and the football world as a whole.
However, this week PSG also officially announced Lawrence’s departure, as she’s set to join Chelsea next season.
Moment of the campaign: Lawrence’s picture-perfect assist helped PSG take the lead with just five minutes remaining in a Champions League group stage match against Häcken.
ICYMI: Ashley Lawrence had a beautiful assist in PSG’s win yesterday.
— CANwatchwomenssports (@CANwatchwomens1) September 22, 2022
The perfectly placed pass helped PSG pull ahead with just under 5 minutes left to go in the game.#CANWNT | #CANXNT | @AshleyLawrence | @WsoccerCa | @Canucks_Abroad pic.twitter.com/7jvLlui5nt
World Cup Form Ranking: 5
Jayde Riviere – DF – Manchester United (WSL)
Jayde Riviere is one of the brightest young talents of our generation.
It speaks volumes that the 22-year-old's first pro contract was with none other than Manchester United, who scouted her for her long-term vision and confidence on the pitch. However, this season might not have been everything she envisioned, as most of it was spent recovering from hip surgery.
Now that she’s back to full health, we can expect to see big things from Riviere, who’s signed with the Reds until the end of the 2024/25 season.
Moment of the campaign: Riviere made her debut for United in May after recovering from surgery.
๐จ Jayde Riviere Debut ๐จ
— wsoccer.ca ๐ (@WsoccerCa) May 7, 2023
She makes her debut for Man United after recovering from hip surgery last fall.
Great to see her play her first pro minutes. She slots in at Right Back.#canwnt #canxnt #wsoccerCa pic.twitter.com/Cx7Q5VeLgN
World Cup Form Ranking: 3
Shelina Zadorsky – DF – Tottenham Hotspur (WSL)
Zadorsky has had an up-and-down season for the Spurs. During the first half of the campaign, she showed her usual fire, leadership and reliability as a centre-back.
However, since February the captain has been dealing with an array of health struggles including contracting COVID-19 twice in two months, a stretch that she admitted was also very tough on her mental health.
While the 30-year-old is fortunately back to training, it’s unclear how she will fit in for Canada this summer and for Tottenham next season.
Moment of the campaign: In November, Zadorsky scored this lovely looping header for Canada in a friendly against Brazil, helping them nab a 2-1 win.
GOAL ๐จ๐ฆ
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) November 11, 2022
SHELINA ZADORSKY opens the scoring for the #CanWNT vs Brazil!
A powerful header off a perfect Ashley Lawrence cross gives Canada the 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute
๐ด https://t.co/7JFAUhgRAE pic.twitter.com/CaSw1RFUnm
World Cup Form Ranking: 2
Kadeisha Buchanan – DF – Chelsea (WSL)
Buchanan is one of the first names on the teamsheet for club and country.
After five years at Lyon, the 27-year-old signed for reigning WSL champions Chelsea last summer. During her first season with the Blues, Buchanan settled in as a starting centre-back for Emma Hayes’ squad, which she earned through her pace, tackles and strong aerial game.
A strong World Cup should give her additional confidence and experience that will help her make an impact next season in the WSL.
Moment of the campaign: Buchanan hammered home a penalty kick to help her team stay alive against Lyon in the Champions League quarter-finals.
๐๐๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ญ๐ข๐ฌ:
— แด แด แด ษด ษช แด แด (@Juanito__91) August 18, 2022
• Olympique Lyon ๐-๐ Chelsea FC
• Kadeisha Buchanan ๐จ๐ฆ (@keishaballa)
• | #๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ | #๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐๐๐ฆ | pic.twitter.com/R1Vq8bdALG
World Cup Form Ranking: 5
Marie-Yasmine Alidou – MF – Famalicão (Liga BPI)
Alidou has only played in Portugal for one season, but she made it one to remember.
Right away she became a mainstay for the squad, appearing in 20 matches and scoring eight goals, even helping Famalicão win the Taça de Portugal. She’ll stay in Europe next season, looking for even more minutes and goal opportunities.
Her aggression and ability to create chances did not go unnoticed by fans everywhere, who questioned why she hasn’t been included in Priestman’s roster more often.
Moment of the campaign: Alidou showed her strength and precision with this superb strike against Benfica in March.
Two #CanWNT/#CanXNT stars faced off in the Taça de Portugal Feminina on Wednesday โ๏ธ
— Canadian Soccer Daily (@CANSoccerDaily) March 16, 2023
Cloé Lacasse impressed again for #SLBenficaFem (of course) but her compatriot Marie-Yasmine Alidou scored this sensational lob for Famalicão ๐
What a goal this is!pic.twitter.com/vLgh3wopta
World Cup Form Ranking: 4
Jessie Fleming – MF – Chelsea (WSL)
The 25-year-old is one of Canada’s and Chelsea’s brightest stars. She had yet another superb season in the WSL, racking up yet another title win.
She earned more minutes as a central midfielder this year, and demonstrated her ability to make accurate crosses and forward the attack over 31 total appearances.
While she may have recorded less goals and assists for the Blues than in years before, Fleming is a tried-and-true player and could become a future captain for Chelsea.
Moment of the campaign: Fleming hammered home her first goal for Chelsea this season in December over Leicester.
Jessie Fleming with the finish! It’s Jessie’s first goal with Chelsea this season.#CANXNT | #CANWNT | #CFCW | #Chelsea | #WSL pic.twitter.com/4jtYzJ4NC7
— CANwatchwomenssports (@CANwatchwomens1) December 3, 2022
World Cup Form Ranking: 4
Julia Grosso – MF – Juventus (Serie A Women)
It’s hard to believe that Julia Grosso is only 22. With the ball knowledge and technical ability of a seasoned veteran, Grosso led her team to a Coppa Italia win this campaign and will look to do the same next year.
This season, she played over double the matches she recorded last season, as well as adding her first few goals and assists for the club, and was named the top midfielder in Serie A for her efforts.
If her growth, confidence and trajectory continues, she’ll be unstoppable for club and country in no time.
Moment of the campaign: Grosso scored the winning goal in a dramatic comeback for Juventus, adding another POTM to her collection.
Julia Grosso with a match-winner๐ฏ
— Alexandre Gangué-Ruzic (@AlexGangueRuzic) April 16, 2023
๐จ๐ฆ’s were scoring all over today, and Grosso was one of them, nabbing the winner in a dramatic 4-3 comeback win for Juventus, who stays alive in the title race
A good hit from Grosso, who was also POTM#CanWNT/#CanXNTpic.twitter.com/WYdZ8T7qN9
World Cup Form Ranking: 5
Cloé Lacasse – FW – Benfica (Liga BPI)
Since joining Benfica in 2019, Lacasse has scored a whopping 90 goals in all competitions, which has earned her respect from both Priestman and Benfica’s fans and coaching staff.
This season, the 29-year-old proved that she can play both centrally or as a winger, and can use her work ethic and speed to score goals and create chances. These stats and attributes earned her the Liga BPI Footballer Of The Year as well as a league championship for Benfica.
It’s safe to say that Lacasse is at the top of her game, and hopes to continue the trend next season, which according to reports out of Portugal could be in an Arsenal shirt.
Moment of the campaign: In September, Lacasse wove her way down the pitch to score this stunning goal all on her own.
Cloé Lacasse with a BEAUTY for Benfica this weekend ๐ฅ#WeCANpic.twitter.com/7EwGPK5AsN
— CAN Soccer’s WNT (@CANWNT) September 12, 2022
World Cup Form Ranking: 4
Clarissa Larisey – FW – BK Häcken FF (Damallsvenskan)
The 23-year-old Larisey is a new face in both international and club soccer, but she’s already made a name for herself as someone to watch for the future.
After transferring from Celtic to Swedish giants Häcken, Larisey used her speed, ball control and tactical awareness to command play and score three goals in 11 games so far this season.
She is ruthless and determined to earn her place both in Sweden and Canada, so her next step will be to gain confidence and build upon her strengths to secure a regular starting spot for club and country.
Moment of the campaign: Moments after recording an assist, Larisey sped down the pitch and grabbed a goal of her own in a recent match for Häcken.
Minutes after nabbing an assist, Clarissa Larisey gets a goal of her own and makes it 3-0! #canwnt #canxnt pic.twitter.com/SbhfHLWyrN
— Rise Higher (@RiseHigherCa) May 19, 2023
World Cup Form Ranking: 2
Adriana Leon – FW – Manchester United (WSL) on loan to Portland Thorns (NWSL)
Leon joined the Thorns on a short-term loan in April, as the 30-year-old was frustrated with lack of minutes in England. She had only scored three goals in nine appearances since she joined the Reds last July, so it was smart for her to seek playing time ahead of the World Cup.
Her solid technique and ability to dribble have not gone unnoticed in the NWSL or back in England, either. As of now, the plan is for Leon to return to Manchester, but nothing is officially confirmed.
Moment of the campaign: In December, Leon received one of her few starts for United and scored a sneaky goal.
The wait is over! Not only did Adriana Leon start for Manchester United in their win today, but she also managed to score a rather clever goal โฝ๏ธ
— CANwatchwomenssports (@CANwatchwomens1) December 18, 2022
What a finish to the year for @LeonAdriana9 ๐#CANXNT | #CANWNT | #MUWomen pic.twitter.com/XBEzZAAmv3
World Cup Form Ranking: 3
Evelyne Viens – FW – Kristianstads DFF (Damallsvenskan)
The 26-year-old is in the midst of her second season in Sweden, where she's become one of the team’s most trusted forwards. Thanks to her incredible technique and accuracy, she sits second in the Damallsvenskan Golden Boot race this season with 10 goals, two behind the leader, after also finishing second by one goal in 2022.
She will look to continue her prolific season in Sweden after the World Cup, if a move elsewhere doesn't arise first, and continue to show fans everywhere why she deserves her spot on the pitch for Canada.
Moment of the campaign: In May, Viens scored a powerful goal from distance, causing Kristianstads fans to get on their feet for the effort.
Evelyne Viens just did that ๐คฏ๐คฏ
— SHE scores bangers (@SHEscoresbanger) May 15, 2023
pic.twitter.com/Hjy52Ao4PB
World Cup Form Ranking: 4
Deanne Rose – FW – Reading (WSL)
Near the beginning of the season, Rose suffered an Achilles injury that would keep her off the pitch for most of the campaign. The 24-year-old returned to training at the end of March, but it’ll take some time for her to get back to full strength.
After being relegated from the WSL this season, Reading will now operate on a part-time model in the 2nd division, so Rose will now likely seek another opportunity in the FAWSL or elsewhere.
Moment of the campaign: Due to her injury and Reading's relegation, positive moments were hard to come by for Rose, so instead here's a look back at one of her best goals from 2021-2022 as a reminder of what she can do for club and country.
Deanne Rose ๐ with the Sunday goal for Reading FC pic.twitter.com/O9uiPyTRpe
— CAN Soccer’s WNT (@CANWNT) November 7, 2021
World Cup Form Ranking: 2
