Soccer fans in Halifax got to see the women’s national team defeat Brazil 2-0 in their first-ever match played in the city, along with an appearance from arguably one of the greatest ever players to grace the women’s game.
In what was game two of Christine Sinclair’s four-game farewell tour fans had to wait until the 78th minute for her to take the pitch at which point Canada was already leading through a 70th-minute goal from Jordyn Huitema but nevertheless, she was met with a standing ovation.
Prior to the match, Sinclair exchanged kits with Brazil Captain and former World Women Player of the Year Marta. Photo: Soccer Canada/Audrey Magney.
Sinclair would go on to have a hand in the buildup to Canada’s second goal which came in the penultimate minute of regulation courtesy of a strike from Deanne Rose.
At the conclusion of full-time, the entire team did multiple laps of the stadium signing autographs, posing for pictures and interacting with fans including Sinclair, who has gone on record saying a farewell tour is her “worst nightmare,” having always been one to shy away from the spotlight.
The overall atmosphere throughout the night was boisterous with a sell-out 6,400 crowd not deterred what turned out to be a chilly Halloween night.
Speaking with reporters after the match Bev Priestmen spoke highly of the teams experience on the East Coast.
“The atmosphere is really amazing and it shows the love for the game here,” said Priestmen. “I told the players before we got here how special this was for people and young girls in this region who for many have never had the chance to see their heroes play before and we really felt it tonight,”.
Priestmen even went so far as to say with the support shown at Tuesday’s match she thinks it’s time for the city to think about looking for a professional team of their own, in an effort to help further grow the game here.
Sinclair did not speak with the media following the match and the Canada players will now return to their club teams.
The women’s teams’ next matches will be played on December 1 and 5 when they host Australia in Sinclair’s hometown of Langford and Vancouver respectivly.
