Gayle's late goal lifts Canada over Italy at Cyprus Cup

Christine Sinclair scored the 131st international goal of her career and Robyn Gayle added an injury-time goal Thursday to give Canada's women's soccer team a 2-1 victory over Italy at the Cyprus Cup.

The victory vaulted Canada to the top of Group B with two wins and six points.

Sinclair latched onto a long ball from Shannon Woeller in the 43rd minute, chipping it past Italy's goalkeeper Sara Penzo. The Canadian captain is now alone in third on the all-time international scoring list, moving past American Kristine Lilly with her 11th goal of the season.

Gayle pounced on a loose ball and slammed it into the left corner in the dying seconds to secure seventh-ranked Canada the victory.

Sandy Iannella scored the lone goal for No. 11 Italy, capitalizing on a sloppy giveaway by Canada just after halftime.

The Canadians opened defence of their Cyprus Cup title on Tuesday with a convincing 5-1 win over Scotland.

Canada faces No. 14 Netherlands on Sunday to wrap up Group B round-robin action. The Netherlands defeated Italy 2-1 in its opener and then lost by the same score to Scotland.

Scotland and the Netherlands are second in Group B with three points apiece, while Italy has zero.

The Canadians have done well in Cyprus in recent years, making the final every year, and winning in 2008, 2010 and last year. Their all-time record is now 14-1-1.