With her two goals on Wednesday at the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying match for Team Canada against Saint Kitts and Nevis, Portland Pilot alum Christine Sinclair became the all-time international goals leader in the history of soccer both men and women at 185 goals.
"We congratulate Christine on this phenomenal accomplishment that further cements her as one of the top players in the history of international soccer,” Vice President of Athletics Scott Leykam said in a press release. “We are incredibly proud to call her a Pilot for not only her on the field accomplishments, but for all she has done to help grow the game during every stop in her remarkable career."
Sinclair had an accomplished career during her time with the Pilots, leading Portland to two NCAA National Championships in 2002 and 2005. She was a four-time All-American and the winner of the MAC Hermann Trophy for player of the year in 2004 and 2005, as well as the 2006 Honda-Broderick Cup winner, which goes to the best female college athlete regardless of sport. In 2005, she scored 39 goals for an NCAA single-season record, with 110 goals and 32 assists in 94 games.
"Whether wearing a University of Portland jersey on Merlo Field, a Portland Thorns jersey at Providence Park, or a Canadian Women's National Team jersey in stadiums across the world, seeing Sinc on the field will always be synonymous with goal-scoring,” said women’s soccer head coach Michelle French in a press release. “Sinc is an incredible representation of pure class seen through her overall dedication to improvement, which is proven by her ability to excel and dominate on the field. We are so proud to join thousands of people across the world in congratulating Sinc, one of the most selfless and humble teammates to come through the University of Portland, on this incredible achievement."
Sinclair has enjoyed a very successful international career as well, being named Canadian Player of the Year 14 times and for 11 straight years from 2004 to 2014. She was named Canada’s Soccer Player of the Decade by the Canadian Soccer Association. Sinclair has been on the shortlist for FIFA Player of the Year seven times while leading Canada to five World Cup appearances, as well as earning bronze in 2012 and 2016 in the Olympic for Canada.
Sinclair currently plays professionally with the Portland Thorns, who she helped guide to two NWSL Championships in 2013 and 2017.
Kyle Garcia is the Sports editor for The Beacon. He can be reached at garciaky20@up.edu.
