Canada ties record with 10-match unbeaten streak

Canada has tied its national record of 10 straight women’s international soccer matches without a loss. The 2010 record ties a previous 10-match streak set in 2003. Canada’s newest streak is intact following a 2:2 draw with Brazil on 19 December at the Torneio Internacional Cidade de São Paulo. Canada finished ahead of Brazil in the tournament standings thanks to the greater goal difference, clinched by captain Christine Sinclair’s tying goal in the 83rd minute of the championship match.



“We won this tournament with all of our players doing their part,” said national coach Carolina Morace. “All of our players can grow from this experience.”



Canada has posted eight wins and two draws during the 10-match streak which started 30 September at BMO Field in Toronto, ON. Canada’s eight-straight wins from 30 September through 12 December set a new national record.



Over the course of the 2010 streak, coach Morace has featured 25 players. No player has played in all 10 matches, although six players have featured in nine matches. Canada also posted eight clean sheets over the streak, outscoring opponents 28-3. Sinclair has been the top scorer with 11 goals in nine matches.



In 2003, Canada posted nine wins and one draw in a 10-match streak from 19 May to 14 September, directly preceding the FIFA Women’s World Cup USA 2003. During that streak, 27 different players were featured as Canada outscored its opponents 35-4. Four players featured in all 10 matches, including the streak’s top scorer Kara Lang (eight goals).



Canada’s next match is expected to be 21 January 2011 at the Four Nations Tournament in China PR, with the official schedule yet to be announced.



Canada, whose title sponsor is Winners and presenting sponsor is Teck, is currently preparing for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011. Its 2010 record of 13 wins, three draws and two losses is an all-time best, although the 13-3-5 record in 2003 included a fourth-place finish at USA 2003. Canada’s 18 matches in 2010 is an all-time high in the year preceding a FIFA Women’s World Cup, surpassing the 2006 record of 10 wins, four draws and three losses (17 matches) in 2006.