This week, Canada opens up play at the Algarve Cup, one of the most prestigious tournaments in women’s soccer.
Canada, the reigning Algarve Cup champion, is the highest ranked side heading into the 12-nation competition, at fourth in the world, followed by Australia (sixth) and Japan (seventh). The 2016 Olympic silver medalists from Sweden are also taking part in the tournament, which runs from March 1-8.
In group stage play, Canada will face Denmark, Russia and hosts Portugal.
Here’s an inside look at the numbers and memorable moments for Canada over the years at the Algarve Cup:
1 — Number of times Canada has won the Algarve Cup. After an absence for over a decade, the Reds returned in 2016 to claim their first title with a 2-1 victory over Brazil. Janine Beckie’s goal in the 67th minute proved to be the winner, while Kadeisha Buchanan was named the tournament’s best player.
3 — Players who made their senior debuts at last year’s tournament. Striker Summer Clarke scored in her first match, a 1-0 victory versus Belgium. Goalkeepers Sabrina D’Angelo and Kailen Sheridan both earned clean sheets in their debuts.
5 — Different Canadian goalkeepers who have recorded clean sheets at the Algarve Cup. Along with Sabrina D’Angelo and Kailen Sheridan in 2016, Erin McLeod posted a shutout in her Canadian debut in 2002 versus Wales. Karina LeBlanc and Nicole Wright also had clean sheets.
6 — Canada’s largest margin of victory at the tournament, which was achieved twice. The Reds beat their Portuguese hosts 7-1 in 2002 with goals from Christine Sinclair (2), Randee Hermus, Heather Smith, Kara Lang (2) and Amber Allen. A year later, they defeated Greece by the same score, with Andrea Neil, Christine Sinclair (3), Carmelina Moscato, Kara Lang and Silvana Burtini finding the back of the net.
7 — Number of teenagers on coach John Herdman’s 2017 roster. The youngest of the bunch is 15-year-old Jordyn Huitema of Chilliwack, B.C. Joining her are Gabrielle Carle, Jessie Fleming, Marie Levasseur, Deanne Rose, Sarah Stratigakis and Hannah Taylor, three of whom are already Olympic medal winners.
12 — It’s not only her jersey number, but it’s also the number of times Christine Sinclair has scored at the Algarve Cup. Coincidentally, the first goal she ever scored representing Canada was at the 2000 edition of the tournament, when she netted her side’s only tally in a 2-1 loss to Norway. She was 16 and it marked her second appearance for her country.
15 — Age of striker Kara Lang when she debuted for Canada at the 2002 Algarve Cup. She scored twice in her second match.
20 — Number of games Canada played at the Algarve Cup dating back to 2000. The team has a record of 11 wins, seven losses and two draws.
30 — Number of goals Canada has conceded at the tournament.
33 — Age of the oldest player on the 2017 squad, captain Christine Sinclair. She’s followed by Stephanie Labbé (30), Desiree Scott (29), Sophie Schmidt (28) and Allysha Chapman (28).
41 — Number of goals Canada has scored at the Algarve Cup.
1994 — Year the Algarve Cup was founded. The United States have won the most tournaments with 10, followed by Norway (four).
