Christine Sinclair scoring her 185thgoal to
\u200bbreak the world’s all-time international goalscoring record has been named the
\u200b2020 Canada Soccer Moment of the Year. The Canadian captain’s historic moment
\u200bcame in the 23rd minute of Canada’s opening match at the 2020 Concacaf Women’s
\u200bOlympic Qualifying Championship on 29 January 2020 at H-E-B Park in Edinburg,
\u200bTexas, USA.
The goal set Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team’s star Sinclair apart from all international footballers in the more than 150 years of the game. Now in her 21st international season, Sinclair surpassed Abby Wambach (184 goals) who held the record since 2013 after she surpassed former record holder Mia Hamm (159 goals). Including matches played through March 2020, Sinclair has scored 186 goals in 296 international matches.
“When we think back to some of the great moments in sport, we can cherish the moment that our Canadian captain Christine Sinclair became the world’s all-time international goalscoring record holder,” said Dr. Nick Bontis, Canada Soccer President. “To score 185 goals at the international level is an incredible feat and we may never get to see such a thing again in our lifetime. Watching Christine Sinclair lead Canada on the world stage has offered all of us some of the best memories as sports fans and as proud Canadians.”
After giving Canada the 1-0 lead on a penalty, Sinclair
\u200bscored the record-breaking goal in the 23rd minute to give Canada a 4-0 first
\u200bhalf lead. On the play, Jessie Fleming won the turnover from Calvonis Prentice,
\u200bmoved towards goal and played it to Adriana Leon, then Leon played it to
\u200bSinclair who finished with a right-footed shot from inside the box.
“Christine Sinclair, an absolute treasure to Canada and
\u200bCanadian sport, is truly deserving of her remarkable achievement in setting the
\u200bworld’s all-time international goalscoring record,” said Peter Montopoli,
\u200bCanada Soccer General Secretary. “She has been making history throughout her
\u200bcareer, leading Canada with skill, determination, pride and honour on the
\u200binternational stage. There is only one Christine Sinclair and she is simply
\u200bgreatest of all time.”
CANADA SOCCER MOMENTS of the YEAR
\u200b2020 – Christine Sinclair sets the world’s all-time international goalscoring record with her 185thgoal for Canada
\u200b2019 – Canada MNT defeated USA at the international “A” level for the first time in 34 years
\u200b2018 – Canada, Mexico and USA won the rights to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup™
\u200b2017 – Toronto FC won a treble of trophies: Canadian Championship, MLS Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup
\u200b2016 – Canada WNT won their second consecutive Olympic bronze medal after a 2:1 win over hosts Brazil