The international break is usually a break that fans don’t want because of their love for the domestic leagues. However, the games over this international break did not disappoint; there were goals galore across the world. So let’s look closer at this week’s best women’s soccer goals.
5. Sam Kerr – Australia
When the clock reads 90+6 and you need a winner.
Just call on a @LibFinancial A-League legend.
Call on @samkerr1 ?
Matildas steals it late: https://t.co/6NbawG7PlP #AUSvNZL
— Liberty A-League (@aleaguewomen) April 8, 2022
This is as late of a game-winner as you will ever see in a game of soccer. The Matildas had just equalized a minute earlier, and it seemed like they might run out of time. That didn’t stop the Aussies from going for it all straight from the kickoff.
They won the ball back, put the ball back into the box, and in the scramble, it’s, of course, Sam Kerr who is the first to react. Utter chaos ensued after seeing that ball go in; what a clutch moment. That’s how to win a soccer match.
4. Jessie Fleming – Canada
? Jessie Fleming gives #CANWNT the lead in the second half! ?pic.twitter.com/GhZokeWy4o
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) April 9, 2022
Jessie Fleming might end up with a longer playing career than Christine Sinclair when it’s all said and done. At age 24, she’s already made close to 100 appearances for Canada, and she’s still getting better. This was a great finish from close range and defenders surrounding her.
Deanne Rose set her up nicely with the cut-back pass, and Fleming was ready to smash it home; the keeper had no chance.
3. Ashley Sanchez – USWNT
Ashley Sanchez opens her #USWNT account ? pic.twitter.com/Bu7NzeAfrn
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) April 9, 2022
Ashley Sanchez is one of the few American players who is always looking to go forward the second she touches the ball. Her willingness to constantly attack makes her a joy to watch; she dares defenses to try and stop her. In this case, the Uzbekistan defense didn’t have a prayer at stopping her.
The second she got the ball in the box, she immediately went after the defender, dipped her shoulder, and cut inside onto her right foot. Then Sanchez calmly curled the ball into the far corner for her first USWNT goal, a moment she’ll never forget.
2. Jaelin Howell – USWNT
A first one to remember for @jaehowell18 ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/HFPEOAmhwk
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) April 9, 2022
Not only did Ashley Sanchez score her first goal for the USWNT, but Jaelin Howell did too. Her goal came from a second ball back into the box, and once the ball came to her, she made a great adjustment in mid-air.
Howell brought her leg up high and hit the ball with her instep, and the touch on it was perfect. Any more power on it, and the ball might go over the bar, a great piece of finesse and improvisation from Jaelin Howell.
1. Anna Green – New Zealand
ANNA GREEN THAT IS OUT OF THIS WORLD ? ? @NZ_Football lead @TheMatildas after this incredible strike from the former @SydneyFC & @AdelaideUnited defender
Follow live: https://t.co/moWabmJ5h7 #AUSvNZL
— Liberty A-League (@aleaguewomen) April 8, 2022
We have debated numerous times on this list whether players are scoring or putting in a cross when it comes to goals like this. Anna Green absolutely let this rip from the left-wing, and while it might be mistaken for a cross, Green’s body positioning indicates she might’ve gone for the shot all along.
Green has her head up; she sees where the keeper is and notices how the ball dropped perfectly for her to hit. It might look like a lucky cross, but it really looks like Green decided to have a go instead.
You can’t win the lottery if you don’t take a ticket, and that’s what Green did, she just went for it, and the result was jaw-dropping. This was an incredible goal for Anna Green and New Zealand.
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