Christine Sinclair to retire after illustrious NWSL career — The week’s must-click links
The IX: Soccer Monday with Annie Peterson, Sept. 30, 2024
We all knew it was coming, but Christine Sinclair‘s retirement announcement still stung a bit. If you are a subscriber of the newsletter, you know that I’ve had the pleasure of covering Sinclair since she was in college at the University of Portland and won two national titles. I was at the celebratory rally when the Portland Thorns won the first-ever NWSL championship in 2013, then again in 2017 and 2022.
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One of the best moments came in the celebration in 2022 at Portland’s Providence Park. Sinclair, known for being softspoken and humble (so Canadian!), was called to the stage as the crowd gave her a standing ovation. She laughed and told the cheering crowd, “This is my worst nightmare.”
She punctuated her brief remarks by saying she would be back in 2023 then sent the crowd into a frenzy by saying, “Fuck Seattle.” It was one of the rare times the normally-guarded Sinclair let her guard down.
In 2023 following her sixth World Cup, Sinclair announced that she was stepping away from the Canadian national team. She wrapped up her 23-year international career with 190 career goals — more than any other player, man or woman. For comparison, the player with the second-most international goals is Ronaldo with 132. Messi ranks third with 109.
At her final match with Canada last December, Vancouver’s BC Place was renamed Christine Sinclair Place. The game, against Australia, was a sellout. I wrote about it here.
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But Sinclair wasn’t quite done, and in January the Portland Thorns signed her to a one-year deal. At 41, it was clear that this season would be her last.
She’ll wrap up her professional career at the end of the season with the Thorns. The team will honor her at the final regular season home game on Nov. 1 against Angel City. Her season will be extended if the Thorns make the playoffs — and right now that’s a big “if”. The Thorns are in seventh place in the standings, with a six-game winless streak after a loss to the Wave this past weekend.
Here’s where her legacy stands (so far): She’s one of three active players who have remained with the same team since the league’s first year. The two others are Lu Barnes and Jess Fishlock with the Reign.
She holds the club record for most regular-season goals with 64, third-most in NWSL history. She’s played in 195 matches for the Thorns, with 176 starts.
In addition to the three NWSL titles, she’s also helped the the Thorns win the Shield in 2016 and 2021. Portland also won the 2021 Challenge Cup.
And that’s not to mention her accomplishments with Canada. She played in six World Cups and four Olympics. She won the gold medal at the Tokyo Games, and the bronze in Brazil and London.
As for what’s next, Sinclair has teased a role with the Vancouver Rise of the new Northern Super League.
“I still have the same passion as that young four-year-old growing up in Burnaby, BC, but as I hang up my playing boots, I vow to channel it in a new way. To continue growing the game I love, while inspiring the next generation,” she said in her statement.
Other news from around women’s soccer
This happened this week. Ali Krieger, style icon.
LAFC acquired a stake in Angel City.
Rory Dames is no longer in the Safe Sport database. Great scoop from Nancy Armour.
Alex, Sinc and Kelley O’Hara. It’s the end of an era.
Team values are rising across the NWSL. Thanks Bob Iger and Willow Bay!
Alyssa Naeher signs extension with the Red Stars through next season.
The Wave lead the league in attendance.
Jackie Guttierez writes about building team culture in the NWSL.
Sophia Smith has the best selling jersey in the league.
Bay FC’s training facility is going to be on Treasure Island.
Goal.com with a story on the NWSL’s presence in California.
North Korea won the U20 World Cup. Good story from Germany’s DW.
We’re quickly approaching the first million-dollar player in women’s soccer.
An interesting look at how the popularity of soccer is making its more expensive for women.
| Mondays: Soccer |
| By: Annie Peterson, @AnnieMPeterson, AP Women’s Soccer |
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| By: Joey Dillon, @JoeyDillon, Freelance Tennis Writer |
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| Saturdays: Gymnastics |
| By: Lela Moore, @runlelarun, Freelance Writer |
