Christine Sinclair Proves She Is World's Top Women's Soccer Talent in Loss

Canada's Christine Sinclair decimated the typically stingy defense of the Team USA in their semifinal women's soccer match at the 2012 Olympics, and while it wasn't enough to help her team avoid a 4-3 loss in extra time, it was more than enough to show everyone that she is an unrivaled talent in her field. 

It was an impressive performance by Canada to push powerhouse Team USA to the brink, and they have their star forward to thank for that. She netted a rare hat-trick with goals in the 22nd, 67th and 73rd minute. 

Sinclair, 29, was aggressive, effective and downright unstoppable, which is saying a lot for any forward against this defense. 

Consider that coming into this match, U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo had not allowed an Olympics goal since the 15th minute of their opening match. By the time that Sinclair netted her first score of the contest, Solo's scoreless streak stood at 368 minutes. 

Performances like this on the big stage are nothing new to Sinclair. Her six goals in these Olympics push her total 143 for the Canadian national team, which is closing in on Mia Hamm's international soccer record of 158 goals. 

She also has been a dominant figure in the WPS, and has been nominated by FIFA for World Player of the Year in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010. 

In 2011, as a member of the Western New York Flash she led the league in goals and assists. She was also MVP of the final as her squad claimed the championship.

Despite all of this, Sinclair has not received nearly as much attention or praise as the USA's Abby Wambach or Brazil's Marta. Sinclair is not as flashy as either of these players, and Canada does not get as much international attention as either the USA or Brazil.

It is time that Sinclair starts getting the recognition she deserves. Her performance against the U.S., in an absolutely huge match for her team, is one for the ages. One that only the greatest in the game could pull off.