Patience. It is something that strikers hear all the time from their coaches but it is a skill that is practiced only by the best. Those that rush their shot often come up empty-handed. But those that pick their spots and their moments end up with all of the glory even if at times they don’t want it. 

If there is something that the footballing world has learned about Canadian international Christine Sinclair through the years it is that she personifies patience. For 20 years Sinclair has built a goal-scoring resume based off of perfect timing and precision on the attack. In February her patience paid off, scoring her 185th international goal to break Abby Wambach’s record for most goals in both women’s and men’s  international soccer.

Usually when a record of this magnitude is broken it is under bright lights and with big stakes. While the timing was certainly important for the Canadian Women’s National Team (it was their opening game in Olympic Qualifying against St. Kitts and Nevis) the bright lights were certainly not lit up in Edinburg, Texas. 

But those who have followed Sinclair’s career know that perhaps the timing was indeed perfect. Coming off a disappointing Women’s World Cup Canada needed to start Olympic qualification off on the right foot. Although Canada is teeming with young talent the side needed a boost from a veteran like Sinclair to start their tournament off on the right foot. They certainly received that with the 36 year old striker scoring twice in the first half hour to give her side the early 2-0 advantage. 

What was interesting was that the two goals that equalled and broke Wambach’s record were probably done in the opposite order. For a quiet, reserved person like Sinclair she probably would have liked the first goal to have been the sleek cut back and strike and have had the penalty kick been the record-breaker. Have the highlight-reel goal go first to set the tone for the match and the more formal direct kick serve as the subdued celebration moment. 

Instead what the world saw was one of the best in the world breaking a record in fine fashion. After connecting with Adrianna Leon on the attack, Sinclair broke past the St. Kitts defense and hit a low shot towards the far corner. Watching her celebrate with her teammates after the goal provided great insight into her character. Normally when a goal scorer breaks a record the player will celebrate by themselves. Sinclair opted for the opposite, emulating a bowler by rolling the ball at her teammates who served as pins. 

Even after the match Sinclair’s thoughts were on the match and her team and not the record itself. “I definitely feel a relief, especially with the tournament we’re in right now, because there’s some big things to focus on,” she said. “It’s just nice to get it out of the way in the opening game so we can focus on getting better and improving and qualifying for the Olympics.”

She also used the opportunity to speak about what the moment means in the broader picture. “For me it has nothing to do with the record, it’s to have young girls be able to dream of playing professionally or represent their country, win Olympic medals,” she said. “To inspire young girls to pursue their crazy, wild dreams … it’s pretty cool.”

Although she is 36 years old Sinclair has shown little sign of slowing down. In April she will kick off her eighth season with the Portland Thorns of the National Women’s Soccer League and will also be a key figure in Canada’s Summer Olympics run. Sinclair has won bronze twice with Canada but is still searching for that elusive gold medal. For a player that has time and time again come through in the clutch this summer may be her biggest moment yet.

*Cover Photo by Dante’y Buitureida.