Portland Thorns captain Christine Sinclair calmly stepped up to the penalty spot with the game on the line in the 87th minute of Saturday’s match against the Chicago Red Stars. She then expertly placed her shot into the right side of the net, sending Chicago goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher the other way.

It was Sinclair’s third goal of the game and the second career hat trick of her NWSL career. Her spectacular performance helped the Thorns (1-0-1, 4 points) stay undefeated as they drew Chicago 4-4.

While it was easy to focus on Sinclair after the hat trick, Thorns coach Mark Parsons said that he was just as impressed with his captain’s performance a week prior. Despite failing to get on the scoresheet, Sinclair helped set up both of Portland’s goals and created other big chances to help lead the Thorns to a season-opening 2-0 win over the Orlando Pride on April 14.

“Sinc has had an exceptional start to the season," Parsons said. "If she didn’t score the three goals, we probably wouldn’t be talking about her. But all I was thinking and talking about after Orlando was Sinc and the way she was setting us up to be so good and effective in the offensive third. She was doing these little things, it’s hard to see sometimes, but she was doing such intelligent, smart things.”

At an age where most players would be thinking about retirement, Sinclair, who will turn 36 in June, is still at the top of her game and is continuing to evolve as a player.

Sinclair made a name for herself as an out-and-out striker early in her career with her uncanny ability to finish chance after chance around the 18-yard box. Far and away the best player in Canadian Women’s National Team history, Sinclair ranks second all-time in international goals scored with 180. This year, she is poised to break the all-time goal scoring record held by Abby Wambach (184).

But she has been asked to play a different role in Portland over the last few years.

Parsons started employing Sinclair as a No. 10 playmaker in the midfield in 2017 as he was looking to get the most out of his talented attacking unit. The longtime Thorns captain, who has often said that she would be willing to play anywhere on the field, was happy to accept her new role.

While Sinclair had played in the midfield at times for the Thorns in the past, she has excelled as a No. 10 in Parsons’ system. By dropping deeper on the field, Sinclair has been able to create more chances and set up goals for her teammates. At the same time, the move hasn’t adversely impacted her ability to score goals. She netted nine goals in 2017 to help the Thorns win the NWSL Championship title and tallied nine goals and seven assists last season as Portland made another run to the championship game.

“In the last two or three years, she has really evolved her game,” Parsons said. “She’s maintained all those qualities that she has had all her career, in and around the 18, scoring or creating. Now, she’s also becoming this playmaker. In her position, she crosses between three positions. She looks like a No. 8 sometimes, breaking from the midfield, arriving late. She’s this No. 10, who creates and sets people up. Then, she’s this No. 9, who is finishing chances inside the 18.”

While Sinclair’s performance during games has been critical to Portland’s success, her work ethic and leadership in training and in the locker room has been equally as important to the club.

Even though she has long been viewed as a superstar within the women’s game, Sinclair has never relied on her talent alone. During the offseason, she spent hours and hours working out in the gym and focusing on her conditioning. She said she is now the fittest that she has ever been in her career.

“I think I’ve just learned how to take care of myself," Sinclair said. "I’m probably the fittest I’ve ever been and I’m healthy. That’s key. As long as I’m fit and healthy, I know I can contribute.”

Parsons often uses Sinclair as an example when he talks to younger players about what it means to be a true professional and what it takes to reach the top. Sinclair’s teammates see her work ethic on a daily basis and they can learn from that, Parsons said.

Sinclair will leave the Thorns to join Canada ahead of her fifth World Cup following Sunday’s road game between the Thorns and Sky Blue FC. Sinclair and the rest of Portland’s national team players will miss a significant portion of the NWSL season to participate in this summer’s World Cup.

But on Sunday, Sinclair will lead the Thorns onto the field and once again be called upon to play a crucial role in the attack as Portland tries to grind out an important win on the road. As always, she will be ready.

“Every year, I see her continuing to climb, continuing to grow,” Parsons said. “She sets the standard for what it takes to be a pro. We want to keep her around as long as possible.”

-- Jamie Goldberg | jgoldberg@oregonian.com

503-853-3761 | @jamiebgoldberg

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