For many Canadians, watching Team Canada’s women’s soccer team defeat France to bag the bronze at London 2012 might be the defining moment of the Olympic Games. For others, watching them lose to the U.S. in heartbreaking fashion may take precedence. For John Herdman, both moments will have lasting implications, each for their own reason.

Christine Sinclair scored her 102nd international goal to lead Canada to a 3-1 victory...