Sinclair scores pair in victory over Korea

LAGOS, PORTUGAL • Christine Sinclair scored twice and helped set up another to help Canada defeat 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 takendowninthebox.

Jessie Fleming, a 19-yearold 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 backto-back 90-minute games and she’s in incredible physical condition,” said Canada coach Kenneth HeinerMoller. “It’s always a pleasure working with someone like her, a world-class 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.

TheCanadianwomenimproved to 7-1-0 against Korea.