Support women's sports and SHARE this story with your friends!

Christine Sinclair is a player that warrants no introduction. Her pro and international strike rate can do all the talking. For one, there was this moment:

AWK spoke to the WNY Flash forward hours before the winners of the year end awards were announced, but Christine did shed some light on competing for the Golden Boot this season, the Flash’s date in the WPS championship game, Canada’s World Cup, and the future.

The Flash nabbed the regular season title last weekend. What’s this WPS season been like for you compared to season’s past?

Well obviously this season’s been very different with the World Cup and our players on our team and on every team have been all over the place this season. There’s been lot of traveling and for me it was a very tiring season. But with the team we have here it’s been very exciting and it’s gone very well.

Has it met or even exceeded or own expectations coming into the season?

From a team standpoint, yeah, obviously on our paper we were set to be a very talented team, but the game’s not played on paper. You never know how the team’s going to mesh and I think at the start of the season it takes a couple of games to get going. But at least for myself, I mean, you hope you play this way, but we’re having a very good season.

The Flash assembled an exceptional team this offseason. How soon was it before the team finally clicked and all the pieces really came together?

A lot of our team played for FC Gold Pride last year and unfortunately they folded, so a lot of us were on the same team last year. We knew how each other played and were great friends off the field, and with the addition of a few other players you never know. I thought preseason was very good for us. You saw it starting to come together. I don’t know, it didn’t long for us to mesh and click at all.

As you say, FC Gold Pride won the regular season title last season so you and several of your teammates have some experience with the off time before the championship game. Does the team plan on using it to its advantage?

Aaran [Lines] has asked players what we did in preparation for the final last year, but really it’s only one weekend without a game. It’s not like we’re having a three week break and I think with the way our schedule’s been the last month, I mean we’ve played five games in the last two weeks. We have some players who are carrying some injuries so actually this break is the perfect time for us.

What’s been the biggest difference between Albertin Montoya’s and Aaran Lines’ respective coaching styles?

Very interesting, well, they’re very similar coaches. Albertin focuses on individual skill work, things like that, while with Aaran it’s more team, possession type drills. They’re both very similar, I think.

You and Marta were duking it out for the Golden Boot last weekend against Atlanta. Were you actively trying to get that goal that would put over the edge or were you just content with play making and trying to help out your teammates?

For me, especially in the run of the game, you don’t think about those things at all. The way our team is if Marta and I are scoring, chances are the team is going to be successful and whether I’m setting her up or she’s setting me up, it doesn’t really make a difference.

The Flash has seen a huge rise in attendance after the World Cup and interest seems to be at an all-time high. What’s it been like to live through all of that?

It’s been incredible. I think the World Cup is exactly what this league needed and hopefully we can continue the momentum and keep it going because unfortunately the World Cup only happens once every four years, and we have to keep the interest for women’s soccer high during those off years. Hopefully the fans will continue to come out and support this league and support us and we’ll do our best to put on a show every time we step out on the field.

Going back to the World Cup, Canada obviously had a pretty disappointing tournament. When you reflect back on it now, what are your general feelings on it?

Like you said, it was obviously a very disappointing World Cup. It was very frustrating for me personally, breaking my nose in the first game, and having to play the rest of the World Cup at less than 100 percent is less than ideal. It’s disappointing to think about because the tournament only comes around once every four years, but we learn from it and we move on and get ready for the Olympics next year.

There was the opening match against Germany in the Olympic Stadium, the atmosphere just seemed incredible. Had you ever experienced anything like that in your soccer career before?

Nothing quite like that. I was fortunate enough to play in the final of the U-19 Women’s World Cup in Canada and I think we had something like 60,000 fans at that and that was pretty unique because they were all cheering for Canada and obviously in the World Cup, they were all cheering for Germany. That was pretty special, but no, that game in Germany, walking out in front of all those fans. That’s probably something I’ll never forget.

Is the experience of the World Cup and the disappointment that came with it something you’re still dealing with emotionally and mentally?

Oh no, I’m over it. Obviously when it first happened, it was difficult to accept, but realistically, every team other than Japan left the World Cup disappointed. Only one team can win and you move on, and with the Olympics right around the corner, you don’t have time to dwell on the past.

Canada will play the United States in two friendlies this September. Are you going to go into those games with a sense that the team is beginning a new chapter?

Absolutely, we’re getting a new head coach, we don’t know who that is, but it’s definitely going to be the start of something new.

If there’s a silver lining, it’s that Canada is going to host the 2015 Women’s World Cup. How important is that to you?

It’s huge. It’s a great opportunity for Canada to put on a good show. I think we definitely have the support in Canada from the fans and that the fans will come out in large numbers to watch. But for me, in four years I’ll be towards the end of my career and not many people get the opportunity to play a World Cup in their home country so that’s pretty exciting.

Going into the 2011 World Cup, I think a lot was made of the crowd sizes and atmosphere that Germany would produce as hosts. What kind of unique qualities will Canada offer in the 2015 World Cup?

I just think they’re just eager to support it. Like I said, we hosted the U-19 World Cup and had 60,000 fans in the final to watch a bunch of teenagers so it’s just exciting to think about. And for me I’m just excited to play in front of my friends and family, because you don’t get that opportunity too often. It’s going to be a special event for everyone, but for the players it will be a little bit more special.

Regardless of what happens in the championship game, when you look back at the 2011 WPS season, what’s going to be the thing that really stands out?

Just being a part of an expansion team. That’s one of the reasons why I signed with them. Joe Sahlen and everyone is doing things right here, they’re doing things the right way. It’s a great organization and to be a part of and to help develop this team and promote this team is something I’m very proud of.

Lastly, you’re going to go down as one of the best strikers in women’s soccer history. What are some of the items that you’re still waiting to cross off your list before you call it a day?

I want a couple of medals, that’s what I want. Individually, I’ve scored all the goals and blah blah blah and won individual awards, but it’s a team sport and I want a World Cup and an Olympic medal. That’s what I’m aiming for.

Thanks to Christine and AJ.

Send to Facebook

Tweet This Post

Support women's sports and SHARE this story with your friends!

Filed Under:  

• Soccer
• Sports
• WPS

View Original Post at allwhitekit.wordpress.com

View jennaawk's Full Profile