Back and forth resumed for the remainder of the game and despite three minutes added to the second half, it was not enough for Australia to close the game and the score of the physical game remained 2-0 at the final whistle.
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Janine Beckie’s goal for the team ranked 10th in the world by Fifa after just 20 seconds – the fastest goal scored in Olympic women’s football history – made things hard from the outset for Alen Stajcic’s side.
But despite the player advantage and enjoying periods of domination, the Australians could not find a way through the Canadian defence.
While the Matildas managed 22 shots to Canada’s eight and goalkeeper Lydia Williams saved a penalty, the Australians eventually went down in their first group stage match.
She’s also the all-time leading goal scorer for Texas Tech with 57 goals from 2012-2015. She scored, solidifying Canada’s lead 2-0. The goal provided Tom Hermann’s side with some positive momentum, which they appeared poised to lose just 19 minutes later. In the 79th minute, Williams made a critical mistake and came off her line to cover Sinclair 40 yards out who easily fired a shot past her and into the wide open net.
Trouble came for Canada early in the first half when standout defender Shelina Zadorsky was given a straight red after taking down Michelle Heyman.
When the Matildas kick off against Canada in Sao Paolo, it will continue has been a rapid rise through the ranks for the talented teenager. Sinclair intercepted a pass deep in Australia’s zone.
Just seven minutes later, the Australians were on another attacking sortie when Canada pinched the ball and sent it sailing from their danger zone. The match is scheduled for 2 p.m., ET.
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Canada’s next game is Saturday against Zimbabwe. Sinclair’s goal is the 163rd of her worldwide career, placing her 21 behind Abby Wambach on the all-time list.
