As 2022 draws to a close, we’re looking back at the top 10 Burnaby news stories of the year.
Yesterday, we brought you a recap of the wild weather during the year. Today, we recap the year’s No. 4 story about Burnaby soccer icon Christine Sinclair capturing her third NWSL title with Portland Thorns FC.
Thorns defeat Kansas City Current in final
Sinclair added another title to her name on Oct. 29 when the Thorns defeated the Kansas City Current 2-0 in the National Women's Soccer League Final.
Portland defeated San Diego Wave FC 2-1 on Oct. 23 to reach the final after securing a first-round bye.
Sinclair played 16 games in the 2022 campaign, including playoffs, scoring five goals on 21 shots, 14 of which were on target.
All of her goals came inside the box. The NWSL says she scored two left-foot goals, two right-foot goals and added her fifth via a header.
Sinclair also won titles with the Thorns in 2013 and 2017.
Sinclair returning to Portland for 11th season
Just days later, the all-time international-leading goal scorer announced she will be back for the 2023 season during a victory celebration on Nov. 1.
"I'm announcing it here, I'll be back next year," Sinclair said at the podium in Providence Park.
In February, the Canadian soccer icon signed a new deal with Portland through 2022, with an option for 2023.
"Everybody knows that Christine Sinclair has been at the center of this club’s success since the beginning of this league," Portland Thorns FC general manager Karina LeBlanc said in a news release.
"The impact she's had not only on our club and this league, but on the global game highlights her importance. She is a leader who inspires all those around her to be better, while constantly striving to be a top-class professional day in and day out.
"Throughout this process it was clear that Christine wanted to remain in Portland, and we are thrilled that she will be returning for the 2023 season."
Since Portland's inaugural NWSL season in 2013, Sinclair leads the club all-time in games played (157), games started (152) and goals scored (59).
She is also just one of two players to score a goal in every year of the league and ranks second all-time in goals, sixth in games started, eighth in minutes played and ninth in games played in league history.
