An inspiration to all Veteran Scott hangs up cleats in hometown where historic career all started By: Joshua Frey-Sam Posted: 5:37 PM CDT Friday, May. 30, 2025

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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.).

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 that 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.

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.

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.

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.”

joshua.frey-sam@freepress.mb.ca

X: @jfreysam