The Canadian women’s national soccer team will have to go into the Olympic Games without Sydney Collins.
The defender sustained a fracture to her left leg during their closed-door training match against Nigeria on July 18. Gabrielle Carle will replace Collins at the Paris Olympic games.
The injury occurred during Collins’ first match back after recovering from a fracture to her right leg sustained in February 2024.
Veteran midfielder Desiree Scott will fill Carle’s spot as alternate, both of whom played a key role in winning the gold medal for Team Canada at Tokyo 2020.
“Our hearts go out to Sydney during this difficult time. She has worked incredibly hard to return in time for Paris 2024, and while this is a setback, we know she will come back stronger. She will be with us in spirit every step of the way,” said Bev Priestman, the national team’s head coach. “With the depth and resilience of our roster, it’s a next-player-up mentality, and both Gabby and Desiree’s experience will be invaluable to our team’s success.”
Prior to joining the Olympic roster, Collins, 24, was selected eighth overall in the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League College Draft by the North Carolina Courage and has made two starts with the club.