99 Goals and Counting: Christine Sinclair Says She Has Much More to Do
Christine Sinclair, Canada’s best soccer player, is a modest, forward-looking sports star. Here is what the Burnaby, B.C. striker doesn’t tend to dwell on: 99 career international goals; Canada’s all-time leading scorer; played her 100th senior match at age 24; two-time U.S. women’s college player of the year; multiple times nominated for FIFA world player of the year; four-time Canadian player of the year.
Sometimes it crosses her mind, Sinclair said, that she’s been an Olympian, played in World Cups and scored “a few” goals for Canada. “But you try not to think about it too much because there is still so much in this sport that I want to prove and want to accomplish. Maybe in ten or fifteen years when I’m done I can look back and say, ‘That was pretty cool.'”
The forward, who plays in the Women’s Professional Soccer League for FC Gold Pride, said soccer for her is a “family thing.” Many of her relatives played. At the age of four, Sinclair first laced up – and plays today for the same reason. “I love it. I’m still a little kid out there.”
Among the major tournaments Sinclair has led Canada into are the 2003 FIFA World Cup (three goals), the 2007 Pan American Games (bronze medal, eight goals), the 2007 FIFA World Cup (three goals) and the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games (two goals).
Sinclair said her Olympic experience – Canada’s first-ever soccer team to qualify – was special and separate from everything else. “It was a dream come true. When I’m done playing soccer I can look back and say I was an Olympian. Not too many people can say that.”
There, Canada dropped a playoff heartbreaker to the eventual gold medal winner United States, 2-1 in extra time. Sinclair said it was a “crazy” game that saw the U.S. lead 1-0 when a freak thunderstorm interrupted play for nearly two hours, after which the Canadians came out “a different team” and tied it up. (Sinclair scored.) In the end, they couldn’t hold off the world’s top-ranked team.
There exists a strong rivalry between the neighbouring countries, due to the fact they play each other so often. Many players know one another from college and clubs. Sinclair said the U.S. doesn’t enjoy playing Canada, because matches are always difficult and close. “And it’s weird because we are friends with them,” she added. “But not on the field.”
The women’s national team has a brand new coach following the departure of Even Pellerud. Carolina Morace has taken the helm and is stressing quickness, ball control and skill development among her players. “Carolina is bringing a different style of play to the national team that I think everyone really appreciates and likes,” Sinclair said, adding that it will take some time to synchronize things on the field.
As for Sinclair herself, she doesn’t feel pressure in being the face of women’s soccer in Canada. “I’ve been around for quite a while,” said the nine-year national team member. “(Leadership) comes with the territory. It’s a natural progression, but it’s not a pressure thing.”
Canada’s women’s soccer team has taken major steps forward in recent years, culminating in a strong performance in Beijing. Sinclair – “we still have a ways to go” – remains focused on the future.
As for a potential birth in the 2012 Olympic Games, she said: “I love the Olympics and I’m still young. So I hope to be around.”
If she is around, one thing is for certain: she won’t have to try out for the team.
Christine Sinclair, Canada’s best soccer player, is a modest, forward-looking sports star. Here is what the Burnaby, B.C. striker doesn’t tend to dwell on: 99 career international goals; Canada’s all-time leading scorer; played her 100th senior match at age 24; two-time U.S. women’s college player of the year; multiple times nominated for FIFA world player of the year; four-time Canadian player of the year.
Sometimes it crosses her mind, Sinclair said, that she’s been an Olympian, played in World Cups and scored “a few” goals for Canada. “But you try not to think about it too much because there is still so much in this sport that I want to prove and want to accomplish. Maybe in ten or fifteen years when I’m done I can look back and say, ‘That was pretty cool.'”
The forward, who plays in the Women’s Professional Soccer League for FC Gold Pride, said soccer for her is a “family thing.” Many of her relatives played. At the age of four, Sinclair first laced up – and plays today for the same reason. “I love it. I’m still a little kid out there.”
Among the major tournaments Sinclair has led Canada into are the 2003 FIFA World Cup (three goals), the 2007 Pan American Games (bronze medal, eight goals), the 2007 FIFA World Cup (three goals) and the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games (two goals).
Sinclair said her Olympic experience – Canada’s first-ever soccer team to qualify – was special and separate from everything else. “It was a dream come true. When I’m done playing soccer I can look back and say I was an Olympian. Not too many people can say that.”
There, Canada dropped a playoff heartbreaker to the eventual gold medal winner United States, 2-1 in extra time. Sinclair said it was a “crazy” game that saw the U.S. lead 1-0 when a freak thunderstorm interrupted play for nearly two hours, after which the Canadians came out “a different team” and tied it up. (Sinclair scored.) In the end, they couldn’t hold off the world’s top-ranked team.
There exists a strong rivalry between the neighbouring countries, due to the fact they play each other so often. Many players know one another from college and clubs. Sinclair said the U.S. doesn’t enjoy playing Canada, because matches are always difficult and close. “And it’s weird because we are friends with them,” she added. “But not on the field.”
The women’s national team has a brand new coach following the departure of Even Pellerud. Carolina Morace has taken the helm and is stressing quickness, ball control and skill development among her players. “Carolina is bringing a different style of play to the national team that I think everyone really appreciates and likes,” Sinclair said, adding that it will take some time to synchronize things on the field.
As for Sinclair herself, she doesn’t feel pressure in being the face of women’s soccer in Canada. “I’ve been around for quite a while,” said the nine-year national team member. “(Leadership) comes with the territory. It’s a natural progression, but it’s not a pressure thing.”
Canada’s women’s soccer team has taken major steps forward in recent years, culminating in a strong performance in Beijing. Sinclair – “we still have a ways to go” – remains focused on the future.
As for a potential birth in the 2012 Olympic Games, she said: “I love the Olympics and I’m still young. So I hope to be around.”
If she is around, one thing is for certain: she won’t have to try out for the team.
