Top 5 Goals: NWSL Challenge Cup

The NWSL Challenge Cup’s return gave soccer fans a little bit of everything over the first four matches. Twitter has aptly yet unofficially changed the name to the Chaos Cup, with some great goals and moments to kick off the competition. In case you missed some of these goals or just want to enjoy them again, here are the top women’s soccer goals from the first week of the NWSL Challenge Cup.

5. Rocky Rodriguez – Portland Thorns

545 days, but well worth the wait for @raque_rocky ?

We have pandemonium in Portland ?#PORvKC | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #CC21 pic.twitter.com/GjJ52OD58C

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) April 10, 2021

Considering how the first game went between Houston and Chicago, the second match between Portland and Kansas City needed a spark. Well, look no further than Meghan Klingenberg and her ability to provide excellent service from dead balls. Klingenberg curled the cross in beautifully and considering the position Rocky Rodriguez had in relation to the defender, this header is just as nice. Before Abby Smith could react, the ball was already in the net–a perfect first goal to kick off the Challenge Cup. 

4. Trinity Rodman – Washington Spirit

Trinity Rodman scores on her professional debut. Dennis Rodman's daughter said this week “No one asks about my mom because she’s not an NBA star, but I want people to know that my mom’s been my support system in everything in life, she's my rock” ??pic.twitter.com/fuCLqtkfb4

— roger bennett (@rogbennett) April 10, 2021

Trinity Rodman is hellbent on creating her own legacy and is building on that promise day by day. The No. 2 pick of the 2021 NWSL Draft showed no fear and took her chance well. The pass over the top was weighted perfectly, and Rodman’s first touch to bring it down was silky smooth. Because of that touch, it allowed her to pick her head up, set herself, and then calmly slot the ball past Katelyn Rowland. The sky’s the limit for Trinity Rodman; we’re all excited to see where she goes from here. 

3. Taylor Kornieck – Orlando Pride

Air Kornieck ™️#LOUvORL | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #CC21 pic.twitter.com/v2358j41Yi

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) April 10, 2021

The Orlando Pride had a crazy opening game with Racing Louisville and were trailing before this goal. Taylor Kornieck is a player the Pride has developed since 2020, and this is the first time we’ve gotten to really see her perform. The pass from Meggie Dougherty Howard is great, but it’s more about the timing of the jump and the power on the header from Kornieck. The striker showed more desire than the Louisville backline. It was a solid first game from Orlando; as always, they are a resilient bunch. 

2. Abi Kim – Orlando Pride

ABI. KIM. ?? pic.twitter.com/DvQG5Xpvex

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) April 11, 2021

Orlando signed Abi Kim from Fiorentina in Italy. It’s no small feat for Kim to score in her debut for the Pride, and to do it in such fashion left an impression on teammates and fans alike. Kim made a darting run down the right flank and had the ball played into her with a defender approaching quickly. Rather than take another touch like most would, Kim took the strike on the first touch. The ball flew off her foot, nicked the crossbar, and went in to beat a dejected Michelle Betos in goal. 

1. Merritt Mathias – North Carolina Courage

? MATHIAS LIKES HER CHIPS WITH SOME DIP ? pic.twitter.com/Xy0nlyQuix

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) April 10, 2021

Merritt Mathias is back from injury, and the Courage is thrilled. While she’s one of the league’s better defenders, she’s been known to score a screamer on occasion. Typically Mathias smashes them from a long distance. This time, she used a bit of finesse and went with the chip instead. Even though Aubrey Bledsoe was slightly out of position, she got back to her net, shrinking the target for Mathias to shoot at. The defender is also right on her tracks, yet Mathias kept her composure and executed the chip for a sublime finish.

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