Top 5 Goals: NWSL Matchday 2

Week 2 in the NWSL signals what’s to come in the future. Usually, it can take young players a long time to acclimate to pro soccer. With all the young teenagers we’re seeing at Angel City and now top draft picks scoring in the second week, it’s clear that the next generation has arrived and is here to stay. While the young stars are here, the old guard refuses to leave either, with some all-time greats scoring incredible strikes. Here are the best NWSL goals from Matchday 2.

5. Croix Bethune – Washington Spirit

A dramatic last-second goal from Croix Bethune gives Washington the win! pic.twitter.com/p5AKbGChrk

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 24, 2024

If you’ve been following us at GSN for a while, you know we’ve been talking about Croix Bethune for years. We didn’t get as many opportunities to see her play in college because of injuries, but now we get to see her shine on the biggest stage. With the game on the line, the rookie was cool, calm, and collected. The quick touch in a tight space with a little bit of luck set up Bethune to slot the ball home at the last minute of stoppage time. It’s hard not to get excited about Croix Bethune when she’s already scoring game-winners. 

4. Hal Hershfelt – Washington Spirit

What a way to score your first pro goal – take a bow, Hal Hershfelt! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/aUV6o7U2oI

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 23, 2024

The Spirit bounced back from a tough opening week loss to the Seattle Reign. Washington was trailing once again after Bay FC took control and scored. Trinity Rodman picked up a nice assist and showed great control in the process. Rodman’s two touches inside opened up space for Hal Hershfelt to run into, but Hershfelt still had much to do. The rookie turned and somehow picked out the top far corner with a beautiful strike. Both rookies score for the Washington Spirit in a win?! The future looks very bright. 

3. Ally Sentnor – Utah Royals

Ally Sentnor sure made a statement with her first pro goal 😏 pic.twitter.com/qQ9DI5AKWO

— Utah Royals FC (@UtahRoyalsFC) March 23, 2024

If you watched Ally Sentnor at North Carolina, this is a goal she’s scored time and time again. You’d think the North Carolina Courage would’ve had scouts at most of her games to be able to see what she likes to do. One of those things is dribbling into space and taking the long-range shot even if she doesn’t have a teammate around. Sentnor has confidence in spades. Most players wouldn’t attempt this shot; they’d wait to hold up play and let their teammates enter the attack. Instead, Sentnor wants to attack opposing defenses, by not giving them any break she was able to capitalize and score this long-range screamer in the process. 

2. Marta – Orlando Pride

This angle of @martavieiras10's goal goes crazy pic.twitter.com/Fnhv4zFuch

— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) March 23, 2024

Marta might not be the same player from her prime, but she’s still making the game look effortless because she’s the greatest of all time. First, I understand Marta isn’t much of an aerial threat from the corner kick, but that doesn’t mean she should be left unmarked near the far post. This appeared to be straight off the training ground because Angelina’s pass was perfect. The ball curled away from everyone, expecting the ball to come into the middle of the box. Marta had the time and space to take the one-time shot and hit it on the volley perfectly as if we’d expect anything different. Marta is still Marta, and we must continue to appreciate watching her play for as long as we possibly can. 

1. Ji So-Yun – Seattle Reign

Ji’s first NWSL goal on 🔂 #HerefortheCrown pic.twitter.com/hR9zhwRICE

— Seattle Reign FC (@reignfc) March 23, 2024

Ji So-Yun has been a long-range goal specialist her entire career. A legend for both Chelsea and South Korea, the midfield maestro has a highlight reel full of screamers from a distance. Now, she can add another for the Seattle Reign as well. VAR took a closer look to see if there was a possible handball as So-Yun brought the ball down. However, they decided to let the goal stand. So-Yun’s technique is sublime, her knee over the ball as she elegantly swung her leg and put her foot through the ball. Show this tape to all the young players out there who want to volley; this is how you do it. 

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