Top 5 Goals: NWSL Challenge Cup Final, FA WSL

Between the NWSL Challenge Cup Final and the end of the FA WSL season, there was more than enough excitement and drama to go around. Chelsea managed to capture their third WSL title in four years, whereas the Portland Thorns outlasted Gotham FC in a great final. Here are some of the best moments from those matches in another edition of Top 5 Goals: NWSL Challenge Cup Final and FA WSL. 

5. Fran Kirby – Chelsea 

Loves a goal against her former club!@frankirby with the stunner!#BarclaysFAWSL pic.twitter.com/ior77LoajF

— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) May 9, 2021

The Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby connection, affectionately known as “Kerrby” has dominated the FA WSL this year. Kerr used some great hold-up play to keep possession of the ball instead of going for a goal. Kerr’s patience allowed Kirby to catch up, and once she did, the midfielder was ready to strike for goal. The result was beautiful. Nothing could stop the Blues from winning the title this year. 

4. Fran Kirby – Chelsea

That Kerrby link up!@frankirby ? @samkerr1 #BarclaysFAWSL pic.twitter.com/kYY9cy0eUp

— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) May 9, 2021

The aforementioned “Kerrby” connection struck twice in their final game of the season, and this was a far more intricate move than the first. This time it was Kirby who received the ball from Ji So-Yun and immediately played it into space. Kerr ran onto the ball, picked her head up near the end line, and put it back across the box. Kirby was running onto it with great speed and provided an even better finish than the first one. Notice how this ball curls and nestles into that top corner; it’s inch-perfect. 

3. Carli Lloyd – Gotham FC

Championship Carli ™️#PORvNJNY | https://t.co/vmDqcK3jfH | #CC21 pic.twitter.com/5laCg4hDNn

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) May 8, 2021

Gotham was trailing for most of the game, and there were moments where it seemed like Portland would pull away. However, this team continues to show how resilient they are when behind. Imani Dorsey put in a great cross and gave Carli Lloyd the service she needed to tie the game. Lloyd timed her jump to perfection; notice how she elevated over Becky Sauerbrunn of all people to score the powerful header. Never count out Carli Lloyd and Gotham. They’ll find a way to prove you wrong. 

2. Ella Toone – Manchester United

? A first-time finish from @ellatoone99 gives the Reds an early lead!#BarclaysFAWSL @ManUtdWomen pic.twitter.com/iRt7yqYk2u

— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) May 9, 2021

Manchester United just missed out on the top four of the FA WSL but picked up a nice three points in their final game. Christen Press capped off a great season with this beautiful assist. Her pass curled gently into the path of Ella Toone, who had the time and audacity to take this shot on the first touch. What Toone does from that position is not easy at all, but she makes it look so. The ball rolled just inside the far post, giving the keeper no chance. 

1. Christine Sinclair – Portland Thorns FC

? doing ? things#PORvNJNY | https://t.co/vmDqcK3jfH | #CC21 pic.twitter.com/MakYHFYFm5

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) May 8, 2021

If Christine Sinclair keeps scoring goals like this and she’s enjoying her soccer at the moment, then why would she retire? When the team needed her in a big game, she created a moment of brilliance out of nothing. First, she wins the matchup of superstars by taking the ball away from Carli Lloyd and then takes off for goal. Gotham’s defense doesn’t have enough time to react to the quick turnover and no one steps to pressure the ball. Sinclair made them pay with a beautiful, bending shot that passed the outstretched arm of DiDi Haracic into the bottom corner. A wonderful sight to behold. 

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