Top 5 Goals: NWSL Matchday 12 and NWSL Challenge Cup Round 3

The NWSL’s decision to move the Challenge Cup during the regular season is proving to be a great one. More NWSL action means it’s in the news more and will only bring more people to it to watch some of the incredible matches we’ve seen so far. Both competitions have some amazing goals from a mix of young players on the rise and reliable veterans who scored some bangers. Let’s get into the best women’s soccer goals of the week from the NWSL Matchday 12 and NWSL Challenge Cup Round 3. 

5. M.A. Vignola – Angel City

Did @MAVignola just win this for @weareangelcity?! 😱 pic.twitter.com/isL5vVN5pu

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 17, 2023

Angel City might have turned their season around after picking up a huge win in the derby over San Diego. A new manager means a fresh start, and Angel City took full advantage.

M.A. Vignola makes the list for the second week in a row. She’s proving to be a threat for defenses to worry about going forward from her spot at left back. Vignola kept her composure on a tough angle and managed to power the ball past Kailen Sheridan on the near post—the game-winner in the 88th minute in a game that Angel City needed to win badly. 

4. Vanessa DiBernardo – Kansas City Current

.@vdibernardo10.
with her left.
from just outside the box. pic.twitter.com/uJtk0HjIn1

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 15, 2023

Vanessa DiBernardo is a member of the 150+ appearances club in the NWSL and is 15th in league history in minutes played. Almost all of them were with the Chicago Red Stars, where she was a stalwart in midfield for a long time.

Now, Kansas City benefits from her skills, where she’s one of the best with using both feet. This was a finish with her left foot in a tight space with a defender nearby. A quick touch to set herself up was all she needed before calmly stroking the ball into the far corner. This was part of an incredible 16-minute stretch for Kansas City, where they scored four times. When the Current gets into a nice flow, they’re tough to stop. 

3. Debinha – Kansas City Current

brb watching this @Debinha7 🚀 on repeat pic.twitter.com/a3kjVkVUhD

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 15, 2023

Debinha may have moved to Kansas City,y but she’s still one of the best players in the league. The Brazilian is someone who can’t be given an inch of daylight, or she’ll make you pay. That’s exactly what happened here.

There are two defenders within five yards of her, and still, she bends it in between them perfectly. The way it curls into the far corner is gorgeous. The quick feet, accuracy, and technique are just sublime from Debhina. She’s a tough ask for anyone to try and guard. 

2. Kristen McNabb – San Diego Wave

.@KristenMcNabb14 with a derby goal to remember! 🎯@sandiegowavefc takes the lead at Snapdragon! pic.twitter.com/keLum4htH1

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 17, 2023

San Diego got a great start in the derby against Angel City, thanks to Kristen McNabb. McNabb is approaching 100 appearances in the league and will likely hit that milestone next season. Her ability to score and create from the backline as a defender is one of the reasons that make the Wave a dangerous team.

Alex Morgan’s pass to set her up was perfect because it allowed McNabb to run onto it and line up the shot. If Morgan hits it too hard, McNabb would’ve likely needed a touch first to control it. Instead, McNabb hit the one-timer past DiDi Haracic in front of a packed stadium of fans.

The Wave might have lost, but they have maintained their status as one of the best teams in the league. 

1. Savannah DeMelo – Racing Louisville

SAVANNAH 👏 DEMELO 👏 pic.twitter.com/KO2s2F0iHK

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 15, 2023

Savannah DeMelo is a burgeoning star whose rise has gotten her a call to the USWNT camp with a chance to make the World Cup roster. If Racing Louisville were higher in the standings, she’d have to be in the discussion for winning MVP this season. That’s how good she has been. Add this goal to her jam-packed highlight reel from this season, and it’s one I can’t wrap my head around.

Unless there’s a deflection off the defender, the fact that she’s running near full speed and is able to stop and chip the keeper right as the defender makes contact with her is insanity. The finesse and body control to pull this off, especially after tearing an ACL a few years ago, is nothing short of miraculous.

If Savannah DeMelo somehow makes the USWNT roster for the World Cup, you won’t see any complaints here. 

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