January 22, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Portland Thorns FC News Release
PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC have re-signed club-legend Christine Sinclair to a one-year contract, keeping the three-time NWSL Championship winner with the team through the 2024 season.
“I’m thrilled to be back at Portland for another year and be a part of this next era of women’s soccer in the Rose City,” Sinclair said.
Sinclair has been Thorns FC’s statistical leader since the club’s inception, accumulating 62 goals in 176 appearances in 11 seasons, including the team’s first-ever goal in Portland’s debut match against the former FC Kansas City on April 13, 2013. Sinclair’s 62 goals are the third-most in the National Women’s Soccer League, while her 176 appearances are the seventh most. Sinclair’s 14,426 regular season minutes are the third most in the league among players who have spent their entire NWSL career at a single club.
“Sinc has been with this club from the beginning, she is the foundation with which Portland Thorns is built on, and as much as she is a part of the DNA of the Thorns, the Thorns are part of her DNA,” General Manager Karina LeBlanc said. “She has been committed to building this league and this club, and we are thrilled to be able to have her back for another year as we begin this next era in Thorns history.”
Sinclair is the only player to be a part of every title Portland has ever won, lifting the NWSL Championship in 2013, 2017 and 2022, the NWSL Shield in 2016 and 2021, as well as the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup, 2021 Women’s International Champions Cup and 2020 NWSL Community Shield. As a member of Thorns FC, Sinclair has also been selected to the NWSL Second XI in 2018 and 2013.
“To get the GOAT back in a Thorns jersey for 2024 is fantastic news. To have Sinc’s experience, qualities and presence is vital for our roster, in both her impact on the field as well as the example she sets for others on a daily basis,” Head Coach Mike Norris said. “She is a key piece of the identity of the Thorns and what it means to represent for Portland, Soccer City, USA.”
Last year, after a 23-year career, Sinclair retired from international football after a 1-0 victory over Australia, ending her career with Canada after a record-breaking 331 matches. Sinclair retired as the reigning international goal-scoring leader, male or female, having found the back of the net 190 times for her home country, and finished as the leader in assists, helping her…