(Langford) Nichelle Prince scored twice as Canada topped Australia 5-0 in what was Christine Sinclair’s penultimate international match.
Cloé Lacasse, Simi Awujo and Adriana Leon also scored a goal for Canada, which led 2-0 at halftime.
Sinclair, the all-time leader in goals with 190, entered the game at 63e minute. It was his 330e international presence for the Canadian as captain. His team led 5-0 when he entered the match.
Sinclair will play one last match on the international stage against these same Australians on Tuesday in her native province of British Columbia. The match will be played at B. C. Place Stadium, in front of more than 41,000 people. For the occasion, the location will be renamed Christine Sinclair Place for the event.
Prince gave the Canadians the lead in the 10e minute of play with a low shot in the corner, which beat goalkeeper Teagan Micah.
Prince, Leon and Vanessa Gilles had good scoring chances in the first half. Prince found the back of the net again, making it 2-0 in the 42nde minute. It was his 16e goal for Canada.
Lacasse made it 3-0 in the 49the minute using a low shot. Awujo added to Canada’s lead six minutes later with a left-footed shot. It was the 20-year-old’s first goal, in his eighth game for Canada.
Leon completed the scoring at 62e minute of play, marking his 31ste net for his country.