Sinclair scores twice in win over Koreans

Christine Sinclair scored twice and helped set up another as Canada defeated South Korea 3-0 at the Algarve Cup soccer tournament Monday.

The goals raised Sinclair’s career tally to 172, just 12 behind retired American Abby Wambach’s international record of 184 goals.

Sinclair opened the scoring in the 24th minute, banging home a rebound from her own penalty kick after fullback Allysha Chapman was taken down in the box.

Jessie Fleming, a 19-year-old midfielder earning her 50th cap, made it 2-0 in the 73rd minute off a Sinclair setup.

The 34-year-old captain from Burnaby, B.C., making her 265th appearance for Canada, then padded the lead in the 79th minute.

“Sinclair has played back-toback 90-minute games and she’s in incredible physical condition,” said Canada coach Kenneth Heiner-Moller.

“It’s always a pleasure working with someone like her, a worldclass talent, and I’m looking forward to working with her as we move towards the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”

Canada, ranked fifth in the world, improved to 2-1-0 at the tournament after losing 3-1 to No. 10 Sweden and beating No. 25 Russia. The Koreans are ranked 14th.

“Tonight we demonstrated the kind of intensity and level of play we expect of ourselves, so this was a better match, but we were building towards it and I think it shows that this team continues to be a real force,” said Heiner-Moller.

“This tournament is about getting ready for the CONCACAF women’s championships later this year, to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. We’ve had the opportunity to work on some things that are really going to benefit us moving through this year. Now, we will wait to see who we play in our final match ( Wednesday), but I am really pleased.”

The Canadian women improved to 7-1-0 against South Korea.