The final game in the storied international career of Abbotsford’s Sophie Schmidt ended in disappointment on Monday (July 31), with Canada falling 4-0 to Australia and suffering early elimination at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Australia’s Hayley Raso opened the scoring at the nine-minute mark and she scored again 39 minutes in.
The Matildas added goals from Mary Fowler (58th minute) and Steph Catley (94th minute) to reach the 4-0 margin.
Schmidt entered the game in the 46th minute and played the entirety of the second half. She had previously stated that this tournament would be her final time competing for Canada at the international level. She leaves the program as second all-time for appearances in the red and white with 224.
After the loss, an emotional Schmidt said it was a devastating end to her run.
"I don't think there's any words for how we're feeling right now, we're shook, we're disappointed."
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 31, 2023
Sophie Schmidt comments on Canada's #FIFAWWC journey coming to a premature end. pic.twitter.com/lKMHyZtZ1E
“I don’t think there’s any words for how we’re feeling right now,” she said. “We’re shook, we’re disappointed. I think there’s a bitter feeling that we let Canada down.”
She also gave full credit to Australia for the win and stated that she believes the young talent on Canada will help carry the program forward now that she is retiring. She also reflected on the end to her memorable and historic career with Canada.
“It’s just an honour,” she said. “I’ve been so privileged in the fact that I’ve had such a long career. I think one of my favourite things is how long I’ve played with Sincy [Christine Sinclair]. This is our last game together, which is crazy to think about. Hopefully we have left the football landscape better in Canada than when we found it.”
Canada opened with a scoreless draw against Nigeria on July 20 and then defeated the Republic of Ireland 2-1 on July 26. Schmidt entered the game in the 71st minute against Nigeria and entered in the 46th minute against Ireland. She set up the game-winning goal by Adriana Leon in the win over Ireland.
ADRIANA LEON GIVES CANADA THE LEAD! 🇨🇦#FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/wIKCILHbT1
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 26, 2023
The 35-year-old W.J. Mouat grad won an Olympic gold medal for Canada in 2020 and bronze medals in 2016 and 2012. She’s played professionally in Europe and North America and has played with the National Women’s Soccer League’s Houston Dash since 2019. Schmidt is the current captain of the Dash.
She made her debut at the World Cup in 2007 and scored a goal against Ghana at that event. She also suited up at the 2011, 2015 and 2019 editions of the event. The best that Canada has finished at those events was reaching the quarter-finals in 2015.
A true Canadian icon 🍁
— DAZN Canada (@DAZN_CA) July 31, 2023
Sophie Schmidt reflected fondly on her time with the #CanWNT following the veteran's final game representing her country. pic.twitter.com/HffanN1r2t