Top 5 Goals: NWSL Semifinals & NCAA Soccer

The NWSL Playoffs have not disappointed, and neither has conference play in the NCAA Soccer season. We are reaching the business end of the American Women’s Soccer calendar as the stakes rise with each game. Spots in the NWSL Final are clinched, and conference championships at the college level. The quality of goals is going up as well, all five on this week’s list are absolute firecrackers. It’s important we give them the appreciation they deserve. Here are the best women’s soccer goals from the NWSL Semifinals and NCAA Soccer. 

5. Kat Rogers – Alabama Crimson Tide

Have no fear, Kat Rogers is here! 🦸‍♀️#NCAASoccer x 🎥 @AlabamaSoccer pic.twitter.com/63iLWfOqIO

— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) October 24, 2022

Alabama clinched their first ever SEC title this year and with how deep the conference is, this is no small feat. The Crimson Tide came out of nowhere to now No. 3 in the country, and it’s been a true team effort.

The initial chance for the goal was created from the throw-in and the deflected ball bounced right into the path of Rogers. Even with the defender close by, Rogers waited and then timed her half-volley to perfection.

The ball flew into the bottom corner without much fuss and helped cap off a tremendous run to the SEC title this season. 

4. Crystal Dunn – Portland Thorns

CRYSTAL DUNN AND THE CROWD GOES WILD!!@Cdunn19 | @ThornsFC pic.twitter.com/COECaQuags

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 23, 2022

What an incredible story this is. Crystal Dunn’s first goal since returning from her pregnancy is a game-winner to send Portland to the NWSL Final. From how the game was going, it seemed destined for extra time but Dunn had other ideas.

The superstar made the Wave pay for a poor clearance and pounced on the ball as soon as it entered her path. It was a screamer, a rocket, that sent Providence Park into pandemonium. Hard not to have goosebumps after seeing something like that, and one of the things that makes this game so great.

This is a moment that we’ll all rewatch year after year, something that only adds to the lore and history of the NWSL. 

3. Leilanni Nesbeth – Florida State Seminoles

Oh my 🤩🤩#NCAASoccer #SCTop10 x 🎥 @FSUSoccer
pic.twitter.com/0ttknJTrap

— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) October 23, 2022

Florida State remains one of the best teams in the country, with Brian Pensky taking over at the helm. In a tough matchup against a ranked opponent in Pittsburgh, Leilanni Neshbeth came through in a big way.

The ball bounces so high in the air, but Nesbeth’s touch off her body sets her up nicely to strike it on the volley. Nesbeth kept her knee over the ball and managed to find the far corner from a tough angle with a little help from the post.

The Seminoles would be too much for the Panthers as that goal would be the game-winner. 

2. Lauren Debeau – Michigan State Spartans

That strike though 🔥🔥 @MSU_wsoccer #NCAASoccer x 🎥 @BigTenNetwork pic.twitter.com/AvWBSMgJUy

— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) October 24, 2022

Michigan State is another team in the Big 10 that has really seized control of what’s been a strong conference this year. Rutgers has been in the top 15 for most of the year but Michigan State managed to beat them, and this goal was a big reason why.

Lauren Debeau went all on her own, just a couple quick touches to get the ball out from under her feet, and then went for the spectacular curled shot. The ball nestled perfectly into the top corner and as per the celebrations, this was a big goal for the Spartans.

Michigan State has for sure been one of the bigger surprises this year, as they sit in the top ten as well. 

1. Rocky Rodriguez – Portland Thorns

ROCKY RIGHT ON CUE 🤩@raque_rocky | @ThornsFC pic.twitter.com/FkWb1K1uXG

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 23, 2022

The San Diego Wave jumped out to an early lead against Portland and there must’ve been an uneasy group of fans in Portland after Taylor Kornieck scored. Well, Rocky Rodriguez scored a golazo to tie things up and bring the Thorns back into the match.

The Wave will rue their inability to clear the ball as the defender’s header went straight to Rodriguez. Her first touch showed finesse, and she took enough pace off the ball to go for the volley. Once her foot went through it, the ball was destined for the back of the net.

The technique from Rocky is sublime, you literally cannot strike a football any better than that. Where would the Thorns be without Rocky Rodriguez? Probably not in the final, that’s for sure. 

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