Sinclair scores twice as Canadian women beat Brazil

PHOTO: CANADA SOCCER

Karina LeBlanc became the first goalkeeper in Canadian national-team history to reach 100 caps, and Christine Sinclair scored career goals 132 and 133 as the Canadian women’s team beat Brazil 2-1 Saturday in Foxboro, Mass.

The two women’s national teams — both preparing for the London Olympics — played ahead of an MLS match which saw the New England Revolution defeat the Portland Timbers.

And, the way in which Canada won will have women’s team managers around the world taking notes on how they might be able to beat Brazil at the Games. Throughout the match, Canada was able to take advantage of a sluggish, disorganized back line that played a high line and couldn’t get the offside trap right.

Soon after the opening kickoff, Sinclair was sent past the Brazilian defensive line by a wonderful through ball from Sophie Schmidt. But, as Sinclair moved into the penalty area and descended on Andreia, the Brazilian keeper, she got the ball caught in her feet, which allowed the goalie to come out and smother the chance.

But, in the 12th minute, Andreia — who would later leave the game after colliding with Emily Zurrer — had no chance to stop Sinclair. This time, it was defender Candace Chapman catching the back line sleeping, sending a lofted ball for Sinclair to run onto and score.

Canada’s second goal came when both Schmidt and Sinclair were able to beat the offside trap. Marie-Eve Nault lofted a ball over that (sounds like a broken record, now) flat, slow back line. Schmidt got it at the top of the box, slotted it to Sinclair, who slammed the ball home.

Late in the game, Brazil spoiled LeBlanc’s bid to mark her century of games with a clean sheet. Gabriella Demoiser beat LeBlanc from the penalty spot, even though the Canadian keeper guessed correctly. The shot went past LeBlanc’s fingertips as she dove to her right.

Canada will head to Sweden for a friendly next Saturday.