Sinclair scores in retirement match, Thorns down Angel City 3-0 to clinch playoff spot before 23,000 WSOC TV [Video]

PORTLAND, Ore. — (AP) — 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.

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

The 41-year-old Sinclair, who retired from the Canadian national team last year as international soccer’s most prolific scorer (190 goals), helped the Thorns win the inaugural NWSL championship in 2013 and 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 …