Five Thorns FC players called up for FIFA international window

Christine Sinclair set for her final games with Canada as she announced her retirement from international soccer on Oct. 20

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC announced today that Christine Sinclair, Reyna Reyes, Rocky Rodríguez, Natalia Kuikka and Hina Sugita have been called up by their respective national teams for the upcoming FIFA window from Nov. 27-Dec. 5.

The matches for Sinclair will be her final games with Canada as she announced her retirement from international soccer on Oct. 20. The all-time international goal scoring leader in both men’s and women’s soccer (190), Sinclair will play her first farewell match on Dec. 1 at 7:30pm PT in Victoria before concluding her international career in Vancouver, B.C., which neighbors her hometown of Burnaby, B.C. on Dec. 5 at 7pm PT. Canada will face Australia for both matches, taking place at Starlight Stadium and BC Place Stadium. Janine Beckie will also join the team during their stay in British Columbia to continue her return to play.

Rodríguez (102 caps) and Costa Rica will continue group play in the qualifying rounds for the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup. Costa Rica sits in second place in Group C, playing matches against Haiti (Nov. 30) and St. Kitts & Nevis (Dec. 4).

Reyes (5 caps) joins Mexico for the same competition as they square off in Group A against Puerto Rico (Dec. 1) and Trinidad & Tobago (Dec. 5).

Sugita (45 caps) and Japan will play host to Brazil during the upcoming window for a pair of friendlies, squaring off on Nov. 30 and Dec. 3.

For Finland, Kuikka (82 caps) joins the Helmarit as they continue play in the 2023-24 UEFA Nations League tournament. Finland squares off against Romania on Nov. 30 and then takes on Slovakia on Dec. 5.