Sinclair, Zadorsky score as Canadian women’s soccer team salvages draw in friendly against Nigeria | CBC Sports

In another high point for Canada, captain Christine Sinclair added to her legend, increasing her record tally with her 189th international goal.

But the Olympic champions fell behind early when Ifeoma Onumonu played a cheeky backheel past starting goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan in the fifth minute. It came off a free kick that bounced around in front of Sheridan, who had little chance.

WATCH l Sinclair scores 189th international goal:

Canada’s Christine Sinclair scores 189th goal in a draw against Nigeria

Canadian captain Christine Sinclair extends her international goal-scoring record to 189 during the second half against Nigeria. 0:59

Canada immediately pressed and carried much of the play throughout the game. Its best early opportunity came off a free kick by Adriana Leon, which was deflected just over the bar by diving Nigerian keeper Cynthia Nnadozie in the 19th minute.

Beckie then rattled a left-footed offering off the goalpost midway through the half and Kadeisha Buchanan’s follow-up was thwarted by a host of Nigerian defenders off the ensuing scramble.

“There were a lot of positives from this game, but it was frustrating” said Canadian coach Bev Priestman. “We had something like 20 shots, but couldn’t find the back of the net. These two games in B.C. were valuable exercises. We saw the real Nigeria tonight.”

Sinclair was substituted into the game at halftime and wasted little time in evening the score at 1-1 in the 49th minute. Sinclair chipped a left-footer by Nnadozie, who was caught well off her line when her pass was gobbled up by Sinclair after some miscommunication among her defenders.

The tie lasted just four minutes though as Busayo Ajibade’s cross sailed over her intended mark, but substitute Canadian ‘keeper Sabrina D’Angelo played for the deflection and watched helplessly as it sailed behind her.

The crowd was unfazed, however, coaxing the home side with constant applause, cheers, whistles and some old-fashioned drumming.

WATCH l Zadorsky scores game-tying goal:

Canada’s Shelina Zadorsky scores late equalizer in Celebration Tour finale

Canada’s women’s soccer team plays to a 2-2 draw against Nigeria to wrap the west coast series of the Women’s National Team Celebration Tour. 0:57

The Canadian women ventured to B.C. as part of a celebration tour, recognizing the gold medal they claimed at the Tokyo Olympics last summer.

Numerous fans wore the red of Canada to the Monday game and were treated to a fine night of footy, Island style.

“The Island has embraced us and the game, and Pacific FC (of the Canadian Premier League) has done an awesome job,” Priestman said entering the game.

The two B.C. fixtures were more than just a friendly for Priestman as Canada begins preparations for the eight-nation 2022 CONCACAF Championship from July 4-18 in Monterrey, Mexico. That tournament serves as the qualification route for both the 2023 FIFA World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Priestman brought 21 of Canada’s Olympic-champion players from Tokyo to B.C. and added seven additional recruits to the mix. The 21 were recognized pre-game with Sinclair receiving the largest cheers.

Surprise visit from Trudeau

On Monday afternoon Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paid a surprise visit to the members of Canada’s team ahead of the match.

“I thought I’d let Justin deliver tonight’s pre-match speech,” said Priestman as the prime minister walked onto the pitch where the team members were doing some afternoon stretching exercises.

“Congratulations,” said Trudeau, adding the team has captured the hearts of Canadians and especially young girls. He said the accomplishments of the team are doing wonders for keeping girls playing sports in their teen years.

“It’s good to see the men’s team finally starting to catch up, because you guys are leaders,” said Trudeau, referring to Canada’s men’s team, which recently qualified for the World Cup.

“Thank you so much for everything you guys are doing,” added Trudeau, who was presented a red Canada T-shirt with Trudeau on back and the number 22.

The prime minister congratulated Sinclair — who also hit the crossbar in the 66th minute — for being “the top international scorer in soccer.” He joked that star goaltender Stephanie Labbe, who has now officially retired, could have auditioned for the minister of defence in his cabinet.

WATCH l Janine Beckie on Canadian women’s soccer celebration tour:

Newest Portland Thorn Janine Beckie on Canada Women’s Soccer Celebration Tour

CBC Sports’ Signa Butler is joined by the newest member of Portland Thorns FC in the NWSL, forward Janine Beckie, to discuss her latest move along with the upcoming CanWNT celebration tour in BC. 5:12