‘All about Desi’

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This article was published 31/05/2025 (296 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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.

“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.

“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.”

“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.

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.

“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.

joshua.frey-sam@freepress.mb.ca

X: @jfreysam