Thorns make history with Christine Sinclair first Hall of Fame induction

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Portland Thorns celebrated their former star forward Christine Sinclair at Providence Park on Saturday night at their Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

The University of Portland alum is now the first Thorns player to ever have their jersey retired and be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Sinclair led Portland from the Club’s first season back in 2013 to three NWSL Championships (2013, 2017, 2022).

The 42-year-old is the team’s all-time leading goal scorer and played in the most matches (237). She leads the Thorns in number of games started (215), minutes played (18,579) and penalty goals. Her 79 goals scored over her career is the second highest by an NWSL player.

Another Thorns star forward Sophia Wilson (formerly Smith) who is currently on maternity leave shared via a prerecorded message: “I got to play with Sincy for a small part of her career, but it was the best of mine. I learned so much from her. The best part was getting to know her off the field. I’m so excited to celebrate her, she deserves all the roses.”

Sinclair has also played on the international level for the Canadian Women’s National Team which under her leadership saw them qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, four consecutive Summer Olympics, and a gold medal at the Tokyo games in 2021. Following this celebration, Sinclair will also be inducted into the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame and Canada Sports Hall of Fame.

Her journey in Portland began back in 2001 when she committed to the Pilots and led their program to two National Championships (2002, 2005) and won the MAC Hermann Trophy twice.