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Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Canada triumphs in Desiree Scott's final international match
The Canadian Women's National Team won in a convincing 4-1 decision over Haiti in international friendly play before 9,211 at Princess Auto Stadium. Winnipeg-born midfielder Desiree Scott, playing in the final match of her international career, started the contest and was subbed off in the 55th minute to a standing ovation. She ends her career with 188 caps, which ranks fourth among Canadian women. Janine Sonis assisted on all four of Canada's goals. Adriana Leon scored twice in the opening 10 minutes, Shelina Zadorsky added another in the 50th minute, and Olivia Smith put a bow on the contest in the 90th minute for the No. 7-ranked Canadians, who dominated the match for long stretches. Batcheba Louis registered the lone reply for the No. 51-ranked Haitians in the 52nd minute. Canada and Haiti will play another friendly on June 3 at Montreal's Stade Saputo.
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
‘All about Desi'
The final whistle blew on Desiree Scott's international career in the 55th minute on Saturday. The Winnipeg-born midfielder, who was representing her country for 188th time in Team Canada's friendly against Haiti on home turf, hugged every player and staff member as she exited the pitch, then blew a kiss to the crowd inside Princess Auto Stadium and held her hands over her heart as the 9,211 strong sent her off with a standing ovation. It was the last time that the 37-year-old would don the Red and White in her illustrious career. DANIEL CRUMP / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Desiree Scott (11) takes a selfie with fans following her final international match with the Canadian women's national soccer team. Canada beat Haiti 4-1 on Saturday. 'For me, it's just you kind of take a minute to soak it in. In my hometown, Canadian jerseys, Scott Jerseys — just a feeling of true gratefulness and pride for having just repped this jersey for so long, and just so thankful for everyone who supported me,' said Scott, who had 200 family and friends in attendance. 'It was a wonderful moment.' Affectionately known as 'The Destroyer' during her 14-year career, Scott leaves the international stage as one of the most decorated Canadian women's soccer players. She helped Canada win bronze at the London 2012 and Rio 2016, respectively, then reached the top of the mountain at Tokyo 2020. She is one of three players to win three consecutive Olympic medals. 'End of an era, as they say,' said Scott, who was the last player remaining from the 2012 squad. 'Again, not too many players get to write their own script. So, for me to be able to be here, allow myself a game with the team, allowing me to enjoy this moment with the squad one more time, it's things you will never forget. This team's in great hands. You saw some wonderful play out there today — build-up play, combo play, confidence on the ball — and they're going to be doing great in the build-up to the next World Cup.' 'Not too many players get to write their own script. So, for me to be able to be here, allow myself a game with the team, allowing me to enjoy this moment with the squad one more time, it's things you will never forget.'–Desiree Scott The No. 7-ranked Canadians put together a convincing 4-1 victory over the No. 51-ranked Haitians. It brings Team Canada's record to 4-0 all-time against Haiti. Janine Sonis assisted on all four of Canada's goals. Sonis fed Adriana Leon twice in the opening 10 minutes, then found Shelina Zadorsky on a corner kick in the 50th minute. Olivia Smith put a bow on the match in the 90th minute, finishing a Sonis pass with a sweet header. Batcheba Louis registered the lone reply for the Haitians in the 52nd minute. While a victory was important, teammates and coaches made it clear that the day belonged to Scott. 'It was perfect,' said assistant coach Natalie Henderson, who filled in as head coach for Casey Stoney. DANIEL CRUMP / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Desiree Scott (11) signs jerseys for fans following her final international match with the Canadian women's national soccer team. Canada beat Haiti 4-1 on Saturday. 'We were super clear as a team that today was all about Desi and what she's done for the game and what she's done for this team. We wanted to give her the best send-off possible, so it was a very good way to start the game and get that send-off going.' Henderson, who only recently joined the national program, had never coached Scott prior to this week. Still, it didn't surprise her when the veteran embraced her upon being subbed off. 'That epitomizes her as a human being, to be honest. We haven't known each other very long, just a few days, but the fact that we have that connection already and to be able to celebrate her is super important,' Henderson said. 'The way she is with people, whether you've known her a long time or whether you've known her a short time, she has a presence when she enters a room, and she's very well loved, and you can sense that right away. I'm really grateful I got an opportunity to spend a few days with her and got to know her as a person, and she deserved everything that she got today.' Scott's international career, which began in 2010, ends with the fourth-most caps by a Canadian and tied with Hege Riise (Denmark) and Laura Georges (France) for the 40th most all time. 'It's been a lot of emotions,' said Leon, who joined the program in 2012. 'A few of us were in tears before the game, and last night, just hearing the speeches and everyone speak about her. She's left such a great mark on so many people.' DANIEL CRUMP / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Team Canada's Desiree Scott (11) carries the ball up the pitch in her final international match with the Canadian women's national soccer team. Canada beat Haiti 4-1 on Saturday. 'She's been such a force for this team for so long, and it feels like the end of an era almost. We're going to miss her deeply.' The significance of the occasion was felt on the Haitian bench. Head coach Malou Quignette said the crowd made it difficult for his team to settle into the match. 'We knew before the game that today will be a special day for (Canadian fans). We tried to not focus too much on it and analyze your opponent exactly like it was a normal game. We saw the atmosphere just in the warmup… she's a legend. She deserves this type of event,' Quignette said. Scott announced her retirement from the club and national level last October after 10 seasons in the National Women's Soccer League. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. In January, however, she came out of retirement to sign with the Ottawa Rapid FC of the Northern Super League. Scott will continue to play in the NSL for the remainder of its inaugural season. She has business that needs to be handled. DANIEL CRUMP / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Canada's Janine Sonis (16) and Haiti's Kethna Louis (20) fight for the ball. Canada beat Haiti 4-1 on Saturday. 'One thing I don't have on my list is a championship with my club, so we're going to try to work hard and get that box ticked,' she said. X: @jfreysam Joshua Frey-SamReporter Josh Frey-Sam reports on sports and business at the Free Press. Josh got his start at the paper in 2022, just weeks after graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College. He reports primarily on amateur teams and athletes in sports. Read more about Josh. Every piece of reporting Josh produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Lady of Fire and other shapes of landscapes to come
Opinion In the early spring, well before out-of-control wildfires tore through northern Manitoba and Ontario, well before the snow had even melted, I went to see Marcel Dzama's Ghosts of Canoe Lake in its final days at Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art. The works comprising the exhibition were inspired by the iconic Canadian landscape paintings by the Group of Seven, but if the Group of Seven's beloved jack pines were on fire. The destruction wrought by climate change was top of mind for the Winnipeg-born artist when he created these works — 'It was my fear of what we're doing to the environment and how we're just throwing away one of the most important and beautiful things,' he told me in an interview before the exhibition opened — and one cannot paint modern landscapes without grappling with modern anxieties. But no painting from Ghosts of Canoe Lake captures Manitoba's current reality better than Lady of Fire, an arresting, large-scale diptych of a flame-haired woman in a swirling red dress. Her head is thrown back and her eyes are wild as she basks in an inferno that is swallowing up the landscape behind her. Stare at it long enough and you'll notice there are ghostly figures in the flames, and the terrible snarling faces of fanged, demon-lions. The sky in the painting is inky and dark, but we know from the photos of Lynn Lake — or the photos from Jasper, Alta., in 2024, or the photos from any of the record-breaking Canadian wildfires of 2023 that sent landmark-obscuring smoke down into New York City, where Dzama lives, or the photos from Lytton, B.C., in 2021, or, or, or — that a dark sky doesn't necessarily mean it's nighttime. ● ● ● From 1920 to 1933, the artists who made up the Group of Seven — whose ranks eventually swelled to more than seven — were captivated by Canada's wild and vast landscapes. Their art movement was rooted in nationalism following the First World War; they are widely credited with creating a legible Canadian art identity distinct from European styles. But of course, Canada's landscapes weren't just documented — or was it, let's be clear, discovered — by settler artists. Indigenous artists have been making art about the land since time immemorial and continue to do so, with many contemporary Indigenous artists documenting human-made changes to the landscape and environment. There are too many examples to list here, but I think of Inuk artist Tarralik Duffy's works that comprised Gasoline Rainbows, her solo exhibition at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. She creates pop art inspired by China Lily soy sauce bottles and jerry cans — nostalgic, ubiquitous and plastic, jarring on the northern landscape. 'There's something that's so permanent about southern packaging. Everything that we had as Inuit in the past would just go back to the earth, and then these things have a permanence that is dangerous — as dangerous as the fuel in the can,' she told me at the time. So many Indigenous teachings tell us that we are meant to be stewards of the land, caretakers for subsequent generations. We inherit it, then we pass it on. People will no doubt continue to deny that the devastating wildfire season Manitoba is in is the result of climate change. Forest fires are a natural part of a landscape's life cycle, they will protest, not accounting for the fact that there are more storms (which means more lightning), drier conditions, hotter temperatures and shorter winters. Bigger fires. Some day, those landscapes will only exist in paintings. The Lady of Fire will have reduced them all to ash. ● ● ● In 2010, American writer Nora Ephron published her last book, I Remember Nothing: And Other Reflections. Two lists close the book: What I'll Miss/What I Won't Miss. It doesn't explicitly say, but it is explicitly clear: they are lists about being alive. Ephron knew she was sick when she made these lists; the rest of the world, including those close to her, did not. Her illness was a viciously guarded secret, an idea that some people had trouble squaring with the woman for whom 'everything is copy.' She died two years later. It's too easy to take things for granted — especially things such as trees, or landscapes or seasons. Our summers moving forward will look less and less like the summers of our past without some dramatic intervention. So this is my version of Ephron's list. What I'll Miss (When Summer Is Just Always This) MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES No painting from artist Marcel Dzama's recent Ghosts of Canoe Lake exhibition better captures Manitoba's current reality than Lady of Fire. Clear blue — true blue — skies Sunshine the colour of butter The perfume of cedar and moss in the bush Stands of shimmering jack pines reflected in a lake Cool mornings The idea of cool mornings Fresh, rain-scented breezes Spiderwebs bejewelled in dew Bees Wednesdays A weekly look towards a post-pandemic future. The idea of bees Birdsong The smell of campfire as comforting instead of foreboding Summer Jen ZorattiColumnist Jen Zoratti is a columnist and feature writer working in the Arts & Life department, as well as the author of the weekly newsletter NEXT. A National Newspaper Award finalist for arts and entertainment writing, Jen is a graduate of the Creative Communications program at RRC Polytech and was a music writer before joining the Free Press in 2013. Read more about Jen. Every piece of reporting Jen produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print – part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Soccer veteran Scott hangs up cleats in Winnipeg where historic career all started
One hundred and eighty-eight. There are a lot of numbers that have helped write the storied career of Desiree Scott, but that one will perhaps mean the most to the Winnipeg-born midfielder when it's all said and done. It's the number of international caps that the 37-year-old will have logged when time is called on the Canadian Women's National Team's friendly against Haiti at Princess Auto Stadium on Saturday (1 p.m.). BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS Desiree Scott practices at Princess Auto Stadium ahead of Saturday's international friendly against Haiti. No. 188 will be at home, and it will be her last. 'There's been a lot of games,' Scott said Friday after Team Canada's training session. 'I look back at my career, and you don't see the things we have gone through… with the team until you can take a step back. For me, it's all about a celebration. It's about another opportunity to wear the Red and White and just enjoy the moment out there with my team.' Scott's international career, which began in 2010, will end with the fourth-most caps by a Canadian and tied with Hege Riise (Denmark) and Laura Georges (France) for the 40th most all time. 'I think it's bittersweet. This team has been my life for the last 14 years. It's obviously changed a lot over the last 14 years, as well, with a lot of the veteran players retiring, but there's still a solid core group that I've devoted the last 10 years with,' she said. 'So I'm really just soaking up those moments in my hotel — the meals, sharing some laughs, and just reminiscing on the past, and looking forward to this game tomorrow.' Affectionately known as 'The Destroyer' due to her defensive prowess, Scott announced in April she would retire from international play, with Saturday's game in her hometown marking her send-off. No. 7-ranked Canada and No. 51 Haiti will play again on June 3 at Montreal's Stade Saputo. Scott will ride off as one of Canada's most decorated women's soccer players ever, having represented the country at four Olympic Games while earning bronze at London 2012 and Rio 2016, respectively, and gold at Tokyo 2020. She is one of three players to win three consecutive Olympic medals. 'I think there's no greater honour than representing your country. I think we don't realize how special that is until you're no longer putting on that jersey and walking around with the Maple Leaf on your chest,' Scott said. 'One of my best memories is beating the Americans in Tokyo in that semifinal to then go on to win gold. I mean, that's what dreams are made of, and to see the rise of this team and its success and to be on that journey, playing and having a hand in it, has been my greatest joy.' Scott estimates there will be 200 close family and friends in attendance for the match. She's had a few moments to catch up with loved ones since the team has been in town, but much of her time has been spent preparing for the last hurrah. BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS Desiree Scott's final international game on Saturday will be her 188th cap. That Scott has remained one of the hardest workers on the team comes as no surprise to her teammates. Captain Jessie Fleming credited the 14-year veteran's consistency on and off the pitch, noting she's as reliable as they come. 'Just happy that we get the opportunity to properly celebrate Desi,' said Fleming, who joined the team in 2013. 'I mean, she loves her city, she loves where she comes from, she's constantly talking about Winnipeg, so I think it's special that we're here in her hometown and get to send her off properly. She deserves a proper send-off.' Scott grew up playing for the Maples Cougars and FC Northwest, and was later a star for the University of Manitoba Bisons, where she was named Canada West Rookie of the Year in 2005, twice a conference All-Star and an All-Canadian in 2009. Scott still holds the Bisons' program records for the most career points (56) and assists (31). In 2019, she was inducted into the Canada West Hall of Fame. Since joining the CWNT, Scott's influence has been more than a few timely interceptions. Players have looked to her as a coach, mentor and big sister when they are together. 'I think Des has influenced a lot of players that you see on the team now,' said Fleming. 'Right from the minute that a new player comes on the team, myself included, she's just like an older sister. She makes you feel welcome, makes you feel valued on the pitch, she hypes up the little moments on the pitch. And so I think she's really one of the people who have created that culture on our team, and that culture still exists today, and that's because of people like Desi.' There has been a looming sense of sadness in the days leading up to Saturday's contest, with the finality of a sensational career as real as ever. But there is also a sense of celebration, as Scott and her teammates reminisce on some of their best moments together, such as the dance parties they would have in hotel rooms to pass the time. 'We're super excited. What Desi's done for the game and what she embodies as a Canadian player is something we're really proud of. So, to give her some recognition tomorrow and to send her off in the best way is something we want to make sure we do right,' said assistant coach Natalie Henderson, who will fill in as head coach for Casey Stoney as she tends to a family matter at home. 'I think myself, I haven't coached Desi for a long time, (but) even just the way she's been in the environment over the last few days tells you everything you need to know. She's a great soccer player, which we know she's had an incredible career… but more important, just the type of person she is and how she's been with the young players in camp. She's an inspiration to us all.' Scott announced her retirement from the club and national level last October after 10 seasons in the National Women's Soccer League. It appeared to be the right time for her after missing the entire 2023 season with a knee injury and then being used sparingly with the Kansas City Current upon returning to action. BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS Desiree Scott's international career will end with the fourth-most caps by a Canadian and include three Olympic medals: two bronzes in London 2012 and Rio 2016, and gold at Tokyo 2020. In January, however, she was whisked out of retirement and signed with the Ottawa Rapid FC of the upstart Northern Super League. Scott, who will continue to play in the NSL for the remainder of its inaugural season, has logged 397 minutes and notched one goal and one assist in five contests with the Rapid — including the game-winning goal in the team's regular-season opener in April. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. Most importantly, she's loving every second of it. 'It's been a treat to help bring something from the ground up and have a hand and continue to have an impact. I think that's one of the main reasons why I chose Ottawa is where I can have the most impact and continue to have impact in Canada, in a league that's long been talked about and needed in this country,' Scott said. 'So, the fact that I can still help play in it and inspire that next generation, help my teammates with all the knowledge I've gained over the years, it's a special way to continue on.' X: @jfreysam Joshua Frey-SamReporter Josh Frey-Sam reports on sports and business at the Free Press. Josh got his start at the paper in 2022, just weeks after graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College. He reports primarily on amateur teams and athletes in sports. Read more about Josh. Every piece of reporting Josh produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Winnipeg's Desiree Scott bids farewell to soccer on home turf
It's not often the Canadian women's national soccer team comes to Winnipeg, but they're in town on Saturday to play a special match celebrating the contributions of Desiree Scott. The Winnipeg-born Olympian is retiring from the national team. Eager to pass the torch, she has advice for any aspiring professional athletes.
