Canada’s captain Sinclair marks return from suspension with goal against Finland

NICOSIA, Cyprus – Canadian captain Christine Sinclair scored in a 2-1 victory over Finland at the Cyprus Cup on Friday, in her first appearance after serving a four-game suspension.

Jonelle Filigno scored Canada’s first goal in the 30th minute, connecting with a hard shot to the top corner from 18 yards out. Sinclair gave the Canadians the lead for good seven minutes later with a shot to the bottom left corner.

Emmi Alanen had scored in the fifth minute, capitalizing on a couple of slack Canadian passes, to give Finland an early lead.

Sinclair hadn’t played since Canada’s bronze-medal victory over France at the London Olympics. She was suspended for an incident following Canada’s 4-3 extra-time loss to the United States in the semifinals at the London Olympics.

She sat out the Yongchuan Cup in China — where Canada finished second behind Norway — and needed to sit for one more game in Cyprus to end her exodus.

Sinclair finished her suspension Wednesday as Canada opened with a 2-0 win over Switzerland. Canada will finish group play against the Netherlands on Monday.

The top team from Group A will then square off against the top team in Group B in the Cyprus Cup final next Wednesday.