But the window was about more than call-ups. Several players made their presence felt once they stepped onto the pitch. Ottawa Rapid’s Delaney Baie Pridham scored her first senior international goal for Canada, AFC Toronto’s Kaylee Hunter contributed to two key moments against Denmark, Montréal Roses forward Tanya Boychuk scored for Ukraine in a World Cup qualifying play-off, and Evelyn Badu helped Ghana progress in its Olympic qualifying campaign.

Those performances offered a glimpse of the different ways NSL players are contributing to their countries. Some are established internationals, while others are making the transition from youth football or earning opportunities to prove themselves in senior squads. Here’s a closer look at the 16 verified player selections, their international assignments and the performances that stood out during October’s window.

Vancouver Rise FC: Five players, five countries

Chantelle Swaby – Jamaica

Swaby arrived at the international window with experience few defenders can match. The Jamaican international has represented the Reggae Girlz at the 2019 and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cups, playing every match at both tournaments. Her experience was valuable as Jamaica prepared for November’s Concacaf W Championship, with the team looking to strengthen its position ahead of the next World Cup qualification cycle.

Jamaica opened its October series against Mexico with an entertaining 4–3 victory on October 9. The Reggae Girlz scored four times against their North American opponents, with goals from Jodi Brown, Khadija Shaw, Deneisha Blackwood and Solai Washington. The result demonstrated Jamaica’s attacking threat, although Swaby was not among the reported goalscorers. Swaby started the return fixture on October 13, when Mexico responded with a 3–1 win. Jamaica struggled to contain the hosts in the first half, conceding twice before Mexico added a third after the break. Kalyssa van Zanten pulled one back, but the Reggae Girlz could not find an equaliser.

The two results offered contrasting lessons for Jamaica. The first showed what the team can produce going forward; the second highlighted the defensive consistency it will need as the stakes rise. For Vancouver, Swaby’s continued involvement with a World Cup-experienced national team is another example of the international pedigree within its squad.

Tori Tumeth – Australia

Tumeth’s first senior call-up for Australia was one of Vancouver’s standout individual stories. The 25-year-old defender had already progressed through the Matildas’ U17, U20 and U23 pathways before receiving her senior invitation. She also captained Australia’s U23 side to victory at the 2025 ASEAN Women’s Championship, adding leadership experience to a career that has steadily moved towards the senior international stage.

Australia’s October window began with a 4–2 defeat to Germany before the Matildas bounced back with a commanding 7–1 victory over Haiti on October 13. Tumeth came off the bench in the Haiti match in the 80th minute, making her senior international debut. Her introduction came during the closing stages of a game Australia had taken control of, with the Matildas scoring five second-half goals.

The result gave Tumeth a first taste of senior international football in a winning environment. While her minutes were limited, making a debut is a meaningful step for any player, particularly a defender entering a squad with established international options. For Rise, her progression from youth international football to the senior Matildas is a tangible example of how club performances can open doors at the highest level.

Jessika Cowart – Philippines

Cowart joined the Philippines for a training camp in Peru, where the Filipinas played two friendlies against the hosts on October 10 and 13. The team used the matches to prepare for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Facing South American opposition was a deliberate opportunity to experience a different style of football and conditions that could prove useful at the tournament.

The Philippines lost the first meeting 2–1 before responding with a 2–0 victory in the second friendly. Cowart came close to scoring in the second match. In the 56th minute, the defender struck from the left side of the penalty area, forcing Peru goalkeeper Maryory Sánchez into a save that sent the ball onto the crossbar.

It was an encouraging attacking contribution from a player whose primary responsibilities lie in defence. The chance also showed how Cowart can offer a threat from deeper positions rather than simply focusing on stopping the opposition. The Philippines finished the window with a win, giving the squad a positive result to take into its World Cup preparations. Cowart’s involvement against Peru added another international challenge to her season with Vancouver.

Anaïs Oularbi – Algeria

Oularbi received her first senior call-up for Algeria after previously representing the country at U20 and U21 level. The Montréal-born midfielder had been part of the Algerian age-group pathway that won the inaugural UNAF U21 Women’s Tournament in 2019.

Her senior selection came during Algeria’s campaign to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Algeria began its two-legged tie against the Central African Republic with an emphatic 8–0 victory on October 9. The result put the team in a commanding position before the return fixture on October 13.

The scale of the first-leg win underlined Algeria’s attacking depth and gave the side considerable breathing room in the tie. For Oularbi, the window offered an opportunity to experience the senior national-team environment during a competitive campaign rather than a purely developmental camp.

Audrey François – Haiti

François earned her first senior call-up for Haiti after previously representing Canada at U15, U17 and U20 level. The 22-year-old had made seven appearances for Vancouver during the 2026 season and scored in Rise’s 4–0 victory over Ottawa Rapid on September 13. Her club form helped set the stage for an opportunity to represent Haiti at senior level.

Haiti faced Japan on October 9 before taking on Australia on October 13. The two fixtures presented demanding tests against technically strong opposition. Japan won the first match 5–1, while Australia finished the window with a 7–1 victory. Haiti did manage to find the net in both matches, with Melchie Dumornay scoring against Japan and Australia.

The results were difficult for Haiti, but the experience of competing against two established international sides can be valuable as the team continues to develop. For François, the call-up provided an opportunity to work within the senior setup and experience the demands of international football firsthand. Her first senior selection is an important step, even if the available match reports do not establish her individual playing time during the window.

Montréal Roses FC: Four players, four different international challenges

Marie-Yasmine “Mimi” Alidou – Canada

Alidou’s call-up brought her back to familiar surroundings. Born and raised in Montréal, the midfielder returned to Stade Saputo on October 9, just weeks after playing there for the Roses in front of a record NSL crowd of 17,077.

At 31, she brings significant experience to Canada’s squad. Alidou has earned 22 senior caps and scored six international goals, while her club career has included spells with Portland Thorns and Benfica. During the 2023–24 season, she scored 26 goals for Benfica and finished as a joint top scorer in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

She had also made an encouraging start to her Montréal career, recording three goals and one assist before the international break.

Canada’s first meeting with Denmark ended 1–1 before the hosts won 4–2 in the penalty shootout. Alidou was introduced in the second half of the return fixture in Toronto, which Canada lost 4–3.

Although she did not register a goal or assist during the two matches, the window offered another opportunity to work with the national team ahead of November’s Concacaf W Championship.

For Montréal, Alidou’s selection was a proud moment. She returned to her hometown as a national-team player, bringing her international experience back to the same community where she has quickly established herself with the Roses.

Evelyn Badu – Ghana

Badu was one of the NSL players who turned her international selection into a direct contribution on the scoresheet.

The Montréal forward joined Ghana for its two-legged Olympic qualifying tie against Mauritius, with a place in the third round of the African qualification process at stake.

Ghana won the first leg 3–0 before completing a dominant 10–0 aggregate victory with a 7–0 win at home on October 13.

Badu scored in the second leg, doubling Ghana’s advantage as the Black Queens established control of the match. Portia Boakye had opened the scoring before Badu found the net, and Ajegipina Zakaria added a third before half-time.

Ghana continued to attack after the break, adding four more goals to complete a comprehensive victory. The result secured progression to the third round, keeping the country’s hopes of reaching its first Women’s Olympic Football Tournament alive.

For Badu, scoring in a decisive qualifying match was an important contribution. Her goal helped Ghana build momentum in a tie that ultimately ended with a 10-goal aggregate margin.

The performance also highlights the value of Montréal’s international contingent. The Roses are providing a competitive environment for players who can contribute to national teams pursuing major objectives beyond the NSL.

Amandine Pierre-Louis – Haiti

Pierre-Louis joined Haiti for its October friendlies against Japan and Australia, two opponents that offered very different tactical challenges. Japan’s technical approach and ability to move the ball quickly presented an early test. Australia then brought its own physical and attacking qualities into the second match, winning 7–1.

The results were difficult for Haiti, which conceded 12 goals across the two fixtures. However, facing opponents of this calibre can expose areas for improvement and give a squad a clearer picture of what it needs to develop. For a defender, these matches demand concentration, communication and the ability to adjust quickly when an opponent changes the tempo or finds space between the lines.

Pierre-Louis was selected alongside Vancouver Rise forward Audrey François, giving the NSL two representatives in Haiti’s squad. Their selections underline the league’s contribution to international football beyond Canada.

Tanya Boychuk – Ukraine

Boychuk produced one of the clearest individual highlights of the window, scoring for Ukraine in its 3–1 victory over Slovakia in the first leg of their 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying play-off on October 9.

The Montréal Roses forward found the net in the 52nd minute, extending Ukraine’s advantage after the teams had gone into half-time level at 1–1. Her goal made it 3–1 and helped put Ukraine in a strong position heading into the second leg.

The match carried considerable importance. A two-legged play-off leaves little room for error, and every goal can shape the tactical approach to the return fixture. Boychuk’s contribution gave Ukraine breathing room and helped it secure a valuable first-leg win.

The second leg on October 13 ended in a 1–0 victory for Ukraine, sending the team through with a 4–1 aggregate score. Boychuk started the return fixture, although she did not add to her goal tally.

Her international performances were another reminder of her attacking threat. At Montréal, Boychuk has established herself as an important part of the Roses’ forward line and a recognisable figure among the club’s supporters.

AFC Toronto: Three players make their mark for Canada

Sabrina D’Angelo – Canada

D’Angelo was one of four goalkeepers selected for Canada’s October series against Denmark, alongside Melissa Dagenais, Lysianne Proulx and Kailen Sheridan.

The 33-year-old brought experience to a squad preparing for November’s Concacaf W Championship. Goalkeepers are often judged on their saves, but distribution, communication and the ability to organise a defence are just as important when a team is preparing for a major tournament.

Canada drew 1–1 with Denmark in Montréal on October 9 before losing 4–3 in Toronto three days later. D’Angelo was selected for the window, but I could not independently verify her match minutes in the two fixtures.

Her inclusion nevertheless underlined AFC Toronto’s growing presence in the national-team setup. The club supplied three players to Canada, offering representation across goalkeeping, defence and attack.

Kaylee Hunter – Canada

Hunter was involved in two of Canada’s most notable moments during the Denmark series.

The 18-year-old forward converted her penalty in the shootout on October 9, helping Canada secure a 4–2 victory after the opening match finished 1–1. Three days later, she helped create Canada’s opening goal in the return fixture, which Denmark eventually won 4–3.

Hunter’s contribution to Delaney Baie Pridham’s goal was particularly important. Her header across the penalty area found Pridham, who turned and finished with her left foot in the 10th minute.

It was Hunter’s second start for Canada, and her performance showed that she was becoming more than a young player gaining experience. She was influencing the team’s attacking play and combining effectively with her teammates.

Her progress has been rapid. Hunter arrived at the senior camp after scoring four goals at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, including a hat-trick in Canada’s 3–1 round-of-16 win over France.

The Denmark series provided another step forward. Hunter’s penalty in Montréal showed composure under pressure, while her assist in Toronto demonstrated the awareness and movement that make her an exciting attacking prospect.

Shelina Zadorsky – Canada

Zadorsky reached another international milestone during the opening match against Denmark, earning her 120th cap for Canada.

The AFC Toronto defender played the full 90 minutes in Montréal, recording a match-high 115 touches according to the club’s report. Her involvement reflected the responsibility she carries in helping Canada build from the back and manage possession.

She also confidently converted her penalty in the shootout as Canada secured the 4–2 victory. In a moment when every kick mattered, Zadorsky delivered under pressure.

The defender returned in the second match, coming on at half-time as Canada attempted to respond to Denmark’s attacking threat. The hosts eventually lost 4–3, but the two fixtures provided useful preparation ahead of the Concacaf W Championship.

For Toronto, Zadorsky’s performances were a reminder of the value of experience. Her composure on the ball and ability to contribute in high-pressure situations remain important qualities for both club and country.

Ottawa Rapid FC: A breakthrough moment for Delaney Baie Pridham

Melissa Dagenais – Canada

Dagenais was named among Canada’s four goalkeepers for the Denmark series, earning another opportunity to train within the senior national-team environment.

The 25-year-old, who grew up in Saint-Hubert, Quebec, has been developing her game in the NSL while competing for a place in Canada’s goalkeeping group.

A national-team camp offers coaches a chance to assess more than match-day performances. Communication, distribution, positioning and the ability to fit into a team’s tactical approach are all important considerations when evaluating a goalkeeper.

Canada’s two matches against Denmark offered contrasting lessons. The opening draw went to a shootout, while the return fixture became a seven-goal contest that exposed both sides’ defensive vulnerabilities.

Dagenais’s selection was an opportunity to work alongside established internationals and demonstrate her readiness for senior football. 

Delaney Baie Pridham – Canada

Pridham’s international window delivered a milestone that will stay with her long after October. On October 12, the Ottawa Rapid forward scored her first senior international goal, putting Canada ahead against Denmark in the 10th minute at BMO Field.

The goal began with an NSL connection. Hunter, making her second start for Canada, headed a loose ball across the penalty area. Pridham collected it with her back to goal, turned and finished with her left foot to give Canada an early lead.

It was a composed finish from a player who had already established herself as one of the NSL’s most productive attackers. Pridham won the league’s inaugural-season Golden Boot, and her first Canada goal showed that her club scoring instincts could translate to the international stage.

The moment was particularly significant because it came during a competitive match against European opposition. Canada needed goals, and Pridham delivered early in the contest.

Denmark eventually won 4–3, despite Canada’s second-half response. The defeat did not take away from Pridham’s breakthrough, which gave the forward a tangible reward for her progression into the senior national team.

For Ottawa Rapid and the NSL, it was a proud moment: a league standout scoring her first senior international goal on home soil.

Halifax Tides FC: Two players with different international objectives

Naya Cardoza – Jamaica

Cardoza joined Jamaica for its two-match series against Mexico, as the Reggae Girlz prepared for the next stage of their Concacaf campaign. Jamaica’s opening match on October 9 produced one of the most entertaining results of the window. The Reggae Girlz beat Mexico 4–3, scoring four times against a regional opponent as they tested their attacking options ahead of November’s Concacaf W Championship.

Mexico responded in the return fixture, winning 3–1 on October 13. The result left the teams with one victory apiece and gave Jamaica a reminder of the defensive consistency it will need in future competitive matches.

The two games offered a useful contrast: Jamaica showed its attacking potential in the first match but struggled to contain Mexico in the second.

Cardoza’s selection gave Halifax another player involved in the international game, although I could not independently verify a goal, assist or specific number of minutes for her during the window. Her inclusion nevertheless provided an opportunity to work within Jamaica’s senior setup as the team prepared for a significant qualification campaign.

Anika Tóth – Slovakia

Tóth’s international window came with the pressure of a World Cup qualifying play-off.

The Halifax goalkeeper joined Slovakia for its two-legged tie against Ukraine, with progression in the European qualification pathway at stake.

Slovakia lost the first leg 3–1 on October 9, leaving itself with a two-goal deficit to overcome in the return match. Ukraine then won the second leg 1–0 on October 13, securing a 4–1 aggregate victory and ending Slovakia’s hopes of progressing from the tie.

For Tóth, the assignment was a demanding test against a team capable of creating chances in dangerous areas. Goalkeepers are often central to the outcome of two-legged ties, where one save or one mistake can have a major impact on the aggregate score.

Her selection followed a strong domestic campaign. Tóth was named NSL Goalkeeper of the Year in 2025, and Halifax highlighted her five clean sheets in 12 appearances before the international window.

Those performances helped establish her as an important part of the Tides’ defensive structure. Although Slovakia did not progress, the experience of competing in a high-pressure qualifying tie is valuable for a goalkeeper continuing to develop at both club and international level.

What these performances mean for the NSL

The October window offered more than a long list of national-team selections. It produced milestones, goals and moments of pressure that show how NSL players are contributing once they reach the international stage.

Pridham scored her first senior international goal. Hunter converted a shootout penalty and assisted Pridham against Denmark. Zadorsky reached 120 caps and delivered in the shootout. Boychuk scored in Ukraine’s World Cup qualifying victory, while Badu helped Ghana advance in its Olympic qualifying campaign. Cowart came close to scoring for the Philippines, striking the crossbar against Peru, and Tumeth made her senior debut for Australia.

The results were mixed. Ghana progressed, Ukraine advanced and the Philippines finished its window with a win. Canada split its two matches with Denmark, while Jamaica, Haiti and Slovakia faced setbacks in their respective campaigns.

But international windows are not measured solely by results. They also give players opportunities to test themselves against unfamiliar opponents, develop relationships with teammates and prove they can perform under different tactical demands.

For the NSL, the growing number of players involved in these campaigns is an encouraging sign. The league is providing a platform for established internationals and emerging talents alike, with players representing countries across several confederations.

The next step is turning those opportunities into sustained contributions. As the NSL continues to develop, its international representatives will bring their experiences back to their clubs and their performances abroad will continue to shape the league’s place in the wider women’s football landscape.

Text: Fleur Dias