Soccer fans in Portland, Oregon are gearing up for a bittersweet moment as Canadian soccer star Christine Sinclair is set to play her final hometown game on October 30th. Sinclair, who has been a staple on the Portland Thorns roster for the past nine seasons, has announced that this will be her last season playing professional soccer.
Sinclair, who hails from Burnaby, British Columbia, has had an illustrious career in women’s soccer. She is the all-time leading goal scorer in international women’s soccer history, with an impressive 187 goals in 300 appearances for the Canadian national team. Sinclair has also been a key player for the Portland Thorns, helping lead the team to two NWSL Championships in 2013 and 2017.
Fans in Portland have long admired Sinclair for her skill on the field, as well as her leadership and sportsmanship. Known for her quiet demeanor and fierce competitiveness, Sinclair has been a role model for young players aspiring to reach the highest levels of the sport.
As Sinclair prepares to hang up her cleats, fans in Portland are planning to give her a fitting send-off. The October 30th game against the Washington Spirit will be a chance for fans to show their appreciation for Sinclair’s contributions to the team and the sport of soccer.
In a recent statement, Sinclair expressed her gratitude to the fans in Portland, saying, “Playing for the Thorns and in front of the best fans in the NWSL has been a dream come true. I will always cherish my time here and the memories we’ve created together.”
While Sinclair’s retirement marks the end of an era for the Portland Thorns, fans can take solace in knowing that her legacy will live on in the hearts of soccer fans everywhere. As one of the greatest players in women’s soccer history, Christine Sinclair has left an indelible mark on the sport and will be remembered as a true legend of the game.
So, as fans gather at Providence Park on October 30th to watch Sinclair play her final hometown game, they will undoubtedly be filled with a mix of emotions – sadness at saying goodbye to a beloved player, but also gratitude for the joy and inspiration she has brought to the sport. Christine Sinclair may be leaving the field, but her impact on women’s soccer will be felt for years to come.
Christina