The Canadian Women's National Team capped off Group B play of the 2018 CONCACAF Women's Championship on Thursday night with a 3-1 win over Costa Rica. The win ensured the Canadians took first place in the group.
The Maple Leafs finished the group stage perfect at 3W-0D-0L and nine points as their win allowed Jamaica (2W-0D-1L and six points) to compete in the final four of the competition. Costa Rica was eliminated with the loss to Canada and the Jamaican win.
The Maple Leafs grabbed a 1-0 lead in the 26th minute as Jessie Fleming floated a ball toward the goal that Janine Beckie latched onto and beat goalkeeper Daniela Solera from six yards.
Canada made it 2-0 in the 40th minute as Solera dropped Beckie’s left-wing cross, leaving Nichelle Prince with an easy tap-in from point-blank range for her third goal of the tournament.
Christine Sinclair scored the 175th international goal of her career, slotting home from seven yards in the 57th minute. She trails only retired U.S. striker Abby Wambach (184) for the all-time scoring lead.
Substitute Fabiola Villalobos pulled one back for Costa Rica in the 72nd minute, the first goal Canada surrendered in the tournament.
The win meant the Canadians outscored their opponents 17-1 during group play. Canada will next face Panama in the final four.
