Angel City FC gets shut out in season finale in Portland – Whittier Daily News

By ANNE M. PETERSON AP Soccer Writer

PORTLAND, Ore. — Angel City FC’s season came to an end on a night that was all about a Canadian soccer legend.

Christine Sinclair scored in her celebratory retirement match and the Portland Thorns clinched a playoff spot with a 3-0 victory over Angel City on Friday night.

Sinclair, who is playing in her final season, scored in the 16th minute in front of 23,212 fans at Providence Park. Sophia Smith and Morgan Weaver also scored for Portland in its last regular-season match.

Angel City, which was already eliminated from postseason contention finished 7-13-6 (24 points).

Sinclair’s club career was extended with the victory, but Portland (10-12-4, 34 points) won’t know its opening round opponent until this weekend’s final games are wrapped up.

Sinclair, who retired from the Canadian national team last year as international soccer’s most prolific scorer, helped the Thorns win the inaugural NWSL championship in 2013 and additional titles in 2017 and 2022.

She is among just three active players in the NWSL who have played for the same team since the league launched in 2013. The others are Jess Fishlock and Lu Barnes of the Seattle Reign.

Sinclair has scored a club-record 66 regular-season goals, ranking third in league history. Friday’s game was her 200th appearance for Portland.

After Sinclair’s goal, Smith added her 12th of the season in the 26th minute and Weaver scored in first-half stoppage time.