Christine Sinclair scores in her final regular-season match as Portland Thorns clinch playoff spot
Canada’s Christine Sinclair scored a goal in her retirement match as the Portland Thorns secured a spot in the playoffs with a convincing 3-0 win over Angel City on Friday night. The match, which took place at Providence Park in front of a crowd of 23,212 fans, was a fitting end to Sinclair’s illustrious career.
Sinclair, who announced that this would be her final season, found the back of the net in the 16th minute to give Portland an early lead. Sophia Smith and Morgan Weaver also contributed goals for the Thorns in what was their final regular-season game.
Despite the victory, Portland will have to wait until the final weekend games are completed to find out their opening round opponent. Sinclair, who retired from the Canadian national team last year as the most prolific scorer in international soccer, has been a key figure in the Thorns’ success over the years.
The Canadian forward helped the Thorns win the NWSL championship in 2013 and added additional titles in 2017 and 2022. Sinclair’s club career has been nothing short of remarkable, with the veteran player setting a club record of 66 regular-season goals, placing her third in league history. Friday night’s match marked her 200th appearance for Portland.
After Sinclair’s goal, Smith added her 12th goal of the season in the 26th minute, followed by Weaver’s strike in first-half stoppage time. The goals sealed the victory for Portland and secured their spot in the playoffs.
Sinclair was substituted in the 83rd minute to a standing ovation from the fans and was honored in a post-game ceremony. Addressing the crowd, Sinclair expressed her gratitude, saying, “Some of the best moments of my life have been on this pitch. So just a massive thank you.”
The Canadian forward finished her international career as the all-time leading goal scorer among both men and women, with 190 goals. She also has an impressive collection of medals, including a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics and bronze medals at the 2012 and 2016 Games. Sinclair is one of only five players to have appeared in six Women’s World Cups and one of three players to score in five.
Hailing from Burnaby, B.C., Sinclair also tasted success at the collegiate level, winning NCAA championships with the University of Portland in 2002 and 2005. Her impact on the game of soccer, both nationally and internationally, is truly remarkable and she will be remembered as one of the greatest players of her generation.
