HOUSTON, TEXAS – The Canadian women's soccer team secured a third straight Olympic berth after they picked up a 3-1 win over Costa Rica on Friday night.
Christine Sinclair scored in each half of the CONCACAF qualifying tournament semifinal as she brought her international total to 161 goals in securing Canada's spot at the Rio Olympics. Deanne Rose's third goal of the tournament sealed the result late for Canada at BBVA Compass Stadium.
Friday was Canada's toughest game of the tournament but it was still comfortable for long periods of time. The Canadians can now focus on trying to replicate the magic that led them to the podium four years ago in London where they won the bronze medal.
Costa Rica tried to press Canada early but the Reds were more than up to the task and withstood the pressure.
Sinclair gave Canada the lead in the 17th minute.
Josee Belanger crossed in from the right and, after going over a number of heads, the ball came to Sinclair with all kinds of space in the penalty area.
Costa Rica's marking was very poor and Sinclair did very well to take her time, chest the ball to control it and then smash a half-volley in before heading to the sidelines to celebrate with her teammates on the bench.
Sinclair's first was nice but her second was another level.
In the 52nd minute, Costa Rica scuffed a clearance and the ball found Sinclair waiting near the edge of the penalty area. Her back to goal, the Canadian captain chipped the ball with her right foot, turned to her right and fired a left-footed belter off the crossbar and down into the back of the net.
Costa Rica's Raquel Rodriguez scored from the penalty spot after Canadian midfielder Desiree Scott was called for a foul in the penalty area.
Rose restored the two-goal advantage in the 84th minute when she raced onto a cross from the right. It wasn't the best finish from the youngster but she only had the goalkeeper to beat who wasn't able to close the angle down quickly enough, and the ball spun into the goal.
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