Christine Sinclair scored her 179th career international goal on Friday as Canada’s women’s soccer team beat Scotland 1-0 at the 2019 Algarve Cup.

Sinclair is now five goals back of tying American Abby Wambach for most all-time.

Playing in their second match in three days, the Canadians, ranked fifth in the world, had difficulties capitalizing on their chances against the 20th-ranked Scots until Sinclair converted a penalty kick in the 81st minute. 

“It is important [to play defensive teams] and we have prepared for it and especially in this match we found the challenges we need,” said head coach Kenneth Heiner-Møller.  “We adapted very well after the 25th minute and got it right."

Canada now sits first in Group A with four points, three more than Iceland, after the two teams played to a 0-0 draw on Wednesday.

“Obviously, the first game we were a little frustrated that we created a ton of chances and didn’t put any away. Similar today, but, we were able to put one away,” said Sinclair.​

The group stage wraps up on Monday, and then the Canadians will play one final game next Wednesday to determine their final ranking in the Algarve Cup. The tournament consists of four groups of three countries, with the top two teams advancing to the final.  

CHASING HISTORY

Sinclair, 35, continues her march towards the history books. After Ashley Lawrence drew a foul in the box from Chloe Arthur in the 80th minute, Sinclair stepped up to the spot. Looking calm and collected, Sinclair slotted it low into the corner to help secure the win for Canada, who is now 7-1-0 all-time against Scotland.

“I saw the keeper move early and had half the net to shoot at, and hopefully I won’t miss that,” Sinclair said. “What gives me confidence is knowing that I’m prepared. I practice penalty shots at the end of every training session, so in the moment you know you’ve done everything you can to be ready.” 

The captain had other several chances to add to her impressive goal tally. In the 35th minute, after a through ball from Lawrence, Sinclair was in behind the Scottish back line, but her shot missed the target. Sinclair almost had goal no. 180 late in the game, but her header went straight to Scottish goalkeeper Lee Alexander.

CLEAN SHEET

Erin McLeod, three days after her 36th birthday, earned her 45th clean sheet in her 113th start for the national team, and her first since last year’s Algarve Cup.

Her flashiest and most adventurous highlight came in the first half when she came well out of her box to challenge Claire Emslie. As McLeod raced back to her net, Erin Cuthbert attempted a shot from distance, but Kadeisha Buchanan headed it away. 

Canada’s back line of Buchanan, Sophie Schmidt, and Shelina Zadorsky did well to shut down Scotland for most of the game. Schmidt, usually a midfielder, especially stood out considering her change in position, making several timely slide tackles. Holding midfielder Desiree Scott continued to show why she’s earned the nickname ‘The Destroyer,’ as her physical presence helped to keep the Scottish attack at bay.

“The entire second half defensively was good,” said Heiner-Møller. “This is the third international match in a row that we have a clean sheet. We will find ourselves dealing with different situations during the FIFA Women’s World Cup and that’s what we’re preparing ourselves for.”

FORMATION EXPERIMENTATION

As he did against Iceland, Heiner-Møller once again used a 3-5-2 formation as he continues to use the tournament to experiment with strategies. The team is still adjusting to the change, with several players shifting into new roles.

“It’s our last tournament before the FIFA Women’s World Cup and we’re just getting our tournament preparedness down, in terms of recovery, being able to play multiple formations to give other teams different looks and challenges. I think it’s going well,” said Sinclair.

Janine Beckie, usually a forward, has dropped back in both games this tournament, playing on the right wing in midfield. While the wingers in this formation do largely press high as they support the two forwards from the flanks, Canada often missed her presence up front. Beckie has 24 career goals for Canada, but hasn’t scored in the last three games that she has started.

Beckie’s opposite on the left wing to start the game was Allysha Chapman, who didn’t play against Iceland. Chapman was subbed out to start the second half, as Heiner-Møller moved Lawrence over to her usual spot on the wing after starting her in a more central position. 

LINEUP NOTES

Jordyn Huitema, 17, made her fourth career start for the senior team. Her best chance on goal came in the 39th minute after Sinclair sprung her on a break, but her attempt was denied, and she was also called for a very late offside.

Adriana Leon and Jenna Hellstrom both made immediate impacts coming off the bench, with Leon creating a couple of scoring chances driving hard to the net.  Moments after entering the game, Hellstrom, in just her third appearance for the national team, made a beautiful run down the right wing that resulted in a corner. Hellstrom, 23, also made an impression coming off the bench against Norway in January, when she set up Sinclair for the lone goal in the game.  ​