concerts hockey theatre

Christine Sinclair nets hat trick for Canada

Christine Sinclair scored three goals to lead the Canadian women's soccer team to a 3-0 victory over Japan Friday at the exhibition Cyprus Cup tournament.

It was Sinclair's eighth career hat trick.

The veteran striker from Burnaby, B.C., scored on a penalty shot in the 22nd minute, before adding her second goal just before halftime in Larnaca.

Sinclair added a third in the 80th minute after taking a pass from teammate Diana Matheson.

Coach Even Pellerud was impressed with the performance of Sinclair, who now has 85 goals in her international career for the Canadian team.

"I have rarely seen the team come out more focused than in this match," said head coach Even Pellerud. "The game plan was very well executed."

Teenager Alexandra Marton of Aurora, Ont., made her debut for Canada when she entered the game as a substitute in the 81st minute.

Canada, which beat Russia 2-1 on Wednesday, is now 2-0 at the tournament.
 
At the conclusion of the Cyprus Cup, Canada will turn its attention to preparing for the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament, which runs April 2-12 in Mexico.

Canada needs a Top 2 finish in the six-team tournament to earn a berth in the women's soccer tournament at this summer's Beijing Olympics.

Canada failed to qualify for the 2004 Athens Olympics after being upset by Mexico in the qualifying tournament.

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