Canada women’s soccer player Sydney Collins to miss Olympics with fractured leg

Defender Sydney Collins will not compete for the Canadian women’s soccer team at the Paris Olympics after fracturing her left leg during a closed-door match against Nigeria in Marbella, Spain on Wednesday.

The Canadian Olympic Committee announced Saturday that defender Gabrielle Carle of Levis, Que., will replace Collins on the roster after previously being selected as an alternate.

Veteran midfielder Desiree Scott of Winnipeg will take the alternate spot vacated by Carle.

Collins was playing her first game since recovering from a right leg fracture sustained in February 2024.

Jordyn Huitema of Chilliwack, B.C., scored the lone goal as No. 8 Canada defeated 36th-ranked Nigeria 1-0 in the Olympic tune-up.

The reigning Olympic champions begin defence of their title July 25 against New Zealand in Saint-Etienne, France.

“Our hearts go out to Sydney during this difficult time,” head coach Bev Priestman said in a statement. “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.

“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.”

WATCH: Olympians help reveal women’s soccer roster:

Goalkeepers:

Sabrina D’Angelo (Welland, Ont.)

Kailen Sheridan (Whitby, Ont.)

Defenders:

Kadeisha Buchanan (Brampton, Ont.) 

Gabrielle Carle (Levis, Que.)

Vanessa Gilles (Ottawa, Ont.) 

Ashley Lawrence (Caledon East, Ont.)

Jayde Riviere (Markham, Ont.)

Jade Rose (Markham, Ont.)

Midfielders:

Simi Awujo (Atlanta, Georgia, USA)

Jessie Fleming (London, Ont.)

Julia Grosso (Vancouver, B.C.) 

Quinn (Toronto, Ont. )

Forwards:

Janine Beckie (Highlands Ranch, Colorado, USA)

Jordyn Huitema (Chilliwack, B.C.) 

Cloé Lacasse (Sudbury, Ont.)

Adriana Leon (King City, Ont.) 

Nichelle Prince (Ajax, Ont.) 

Evelyne Viens (L’Ancienne-Lorette, Que.)

Alternates:

Gabrielle Carle (Lévis, Que.) 

Lysianne Proulx (Boucherville, Que.) 

Shelina Zadorsky (London, Ont.)

Deanne Rose (Alliston, Ont.)