Top 5 Goals: NWSL Challenge Cup Week 2 + FA WSL

It’s a great time to be a fan of women’s soccer. Between the two new teams added to the NWSL and a competitive FA WSL, the best of the best are showing us how the game will only improve in the future. The quality of play combined with the goals scored is something to behold.

This week’s list features five outstanding moments that we had to show you. It’s another compilation of the best women’s soccer goals from the NWSL Challenge Cup and FA WSL. 

5. Marissa Viggiano – Houston Dash

Viggiano dashin' to the equalizer‼️@HoustonDash | #HoldItDown pic.twitter.com/9Nschesefi

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 26, 2022

Houston pulled off one of the best comebacks you’ll ever see. Down 2-0, they stormed back and won 3-2. New signing Maria Sanchez was a catalyst for the Dash’s offense, scoring in the 56th minute before creating this beautiful goal.

Sanchez takes on two defenders, nutmegs one, and finds an open Marissa Viggiano in the middle, who slotted the ball home. A great goal was created by Sanchez and finished by Viggiano–this offense is dangerous when Maria Sanchez is playing well. 

4. Alessia Russo – Manchester United 

The moment @alessiarusso7 scored her first-ever goal at Old Trafford ?

The @OnaBatlle cross was ?#BarclaysFAWSL @ManUtdWomen pic.twitter.com/zcqfWZzpRM

— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) March 28, 2022

Alessia Russo netted her first ever goal at Old Trafford, and what a goal it was. Ona Battle whipped in an amazing cross, but Russo still had a lot to do. The way Russo jumped backward and up to head this ball in with a defender on her is mind-boggling.

You can see from the celebration how much it meant to her and the team. The former North Carolina Tar Heel has blended in nicely at Manchester United; she’s a player to watch in the upcoming years. 

3. Jessica McDonald – Racing Louisville

What a way to open your @RacingLouFC account ?@J_Mac1422 | #RacingLou pic.twitter.com/GzWCog8Fs8

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 26, 2022

Jessica McDonald is a league legend who continues to show she’s still got plenty left in the tank to help her team win. Her first goal for Racing Louisville really shows just how athletic and gifted J-Mac is.

The Dash did well to head the ball clear, or so they thought. After running full speed into the box, J-Mac stops on a dime, picks her leg up, and sidefoots it into the corner while falling to her left.

The degree of difficulty on this goal is off the charts, it’s genius from J-Mac, and it’s still only No. 3 on the list. 

2. Guro Reiten – Chelsea FC 

Guro Reiten's left foot is __________ ?

What. A. Goal. ?#BarclaysFAWSL @ChelseaFCW pic.twitter.com/IhHGyK02vb

— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) March 28, 2022

Guro Reiten makes the Top 5 Goals list for back-to-back weeks. After scoring a nice volley last week, she followed it up with an even better strike.

For a lefty to be taking on a shot from the angle of the freekick from is not the most favorable. Yet Reiten has the technique to make it possible. It’s a quick run-up, a flick of the left foot, and before you know it, the keeper is picking the ball up out of the net.

Reiten makes it look effortless, and she’s someone who will be a key figure for Chelsea if they are to win a Champions League in the near future. 

1. Hailie Mace – Kansas City Current

BANGERS ONLY ?@hailiemace | #TealRising pic.twitter.com/IdAjgCETVR

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 26, 2022

Hailie Mace might be the single most important player for the Kansas City Current. You read that correctly. Not Sam Mewis or Lynn Williams, but Hailie Mace.

The former No. 2 pick in the 2019 NWSL Draft has the potential to be a real star. We know what to expect from players like Mewis and Williams, but if Mace keeps making an impact by scoring goals like this as well as defending, the KC Current will be a tough team to beat.

As soon as Mace hit it, the ball flew off her foot and rocketed into the top corner; the keeper had zero chance of saving it. Her movement, how she set up the shot with her two touches looked flawless. Keep an eye on Hailie Mace this year; she should start getting some more recognition soon. 

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