Christine Sinclair, shown in action during a game on November 1, has secured three NWSL titles with the Portland Thorns. (Associated Press)
Christine Sinclair, one of the most iconic figures in Canadian soccer, concluded her storied professional career on a bittersweet note. The Portland Thorns, her team for over a decade, were edged out by Gotham FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) quarterfinals on Sunday. Gotham FC claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory at the Red Bull Arena, ending Sinclair’s 12-season run with the Thorns.
The match had an electrifying atmosphere, witnessed by a record-setting crowd of 15,540 supporters. Gotham’s victory means they will proceed to face the Washington Spirit, who secured their place earlier on Sunday by beating Bay FC 2-1 in a tense extra-time quarterfinal.
Sinclair, 41, announced her retirement from the professional soccer scene following this season. Known for her significant contributions to the game, she played an essential role in establishing the Thorns as a powerhouse, with championship wins in 2013, 2017, and most recently, 2022. Over her career, she notched 65 regular-season goals, ranking third in the league’s all-time scoring records.
Gotham took the lead in the 67th minute thanks to Tierna Davidson’s first goal of the season. Davidson capitalized on a well-placed free kick from Rose Lavelle, directing the ball into a congested goal area to break the stalemate. Portland, however, responded just minutes later. Rookie Reilyn Turner headed the ball into the net off a set piece in the 75th minute, drawing the Thorns level and reigniting their playoff hopes.
The match turned tense with missed chances and a close call for Portland in the second half when a potential penalty against Becky Sauerbrunn was denied after a prolonged video review. The Thorns came agonizingly close to taking the lead when Morgan Weaver’s strike hit the post, keeping the score tied.
The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time. Lavelle, demonstrating her skill and poise, found the back of the net, sealing Gotham’s victory and ending the Thorns’ playoff run. “Scoring in stoppage time is always thrilling, especially when it avoids extra time,” Lavelle noted after the game.
Sinclair’s achievements go beyond the club level. Internationally, she retired last year as soccer’s all-time leading goalscorer, with a remarkable 190 goals—a feat unmatched by any man or woman in history. Her legacy in both international and club soccer will be remembered for years to come.
With the Thorns out, the NWSL semifinals will see Gotham FC taking on the Washington Spirit, while the Orlando Pride, the top-seeded team, will face the Kansas City Current. The season’s grand finale, the championship match, is scheduled for November 23 at Kansas City’s CPKC Stadium.
