Top 5 Goals: NWSL Regular Season Week 8 + USWNT Send-Off Series

July 13, 2021
By Rohtas Wadera

As the USWNT prepares for the Olympics, the NWSL is still doing a great job of providing some exciting soccer with our stars away. Whether it’s team goals, spectacular individual efforts, or overall skill on display, this week’s list does not disappoint. Here are the best women’s soccer goals of the week from the USWNT Send-Off Series and the NWSL.

5. Ebony Salmon – Racing Louisville

.@ebony_salmon scores goals for fun ?#ORLvLOU | https://t.co/iecT7II54a | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/MM82oxKrIp

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 9, 2021

Louisville continues to make strides as a team in its first year as an NWSL franchise. All it took was four passes from back to front to complete this goal. While possession in soccer is important, sometimes being direct with the ball is the best way to go. Salmon had an easy finish for her standards in the end, but it was a nice bit of build-up play from Racing Louisville overall.

4. Bethany Balcer – OL Reign

Can't spell Balcer without brace ✅#RGNvKC | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/ShuzMTLfQX

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 11, 2021

Bethany Balcer bagged a brace against a Kansas City team that is still searching for their first win. This goal was her second and the better of the two because of everyone involved. Tziarra King did well to slip the ball into Sofia Huerta’s path on the overlap. Huerta then whipped in a great ball and Balcer took a great position to set herself up for the header. The keeper had no chance of stopping it, just like Kansas City had no hope of stopping Bethany Balcer.

3. Tobin Heath – USWNT

Death, taxes, and Tobin Heath goals. #USWNT #USAvMEX @USWNT pic.twitter.com/bK3uX3XmuN

— The Sports Shot (@TheSportsShot) July 5, 2021

Tobin Heath looked great with two goals in two games against Mexico during the Send-Off Series. This goal included a smooth finish from Heath who did really well to open her body up and fire the shot past the keeper. Sam Mewis did a great job of setting her up with a perfectly weighted pass. When Tobin Heath sees a chance she’s most likely going to take it, which makes her a must-watch player at the Olympics.

2. Lindsey Horan – USWNT

What a goal from Lindsey Horan ?

The @USWNT defeat Mexico 4-0 in their final game before the Olympics. @brfootball

(?: @USWNT)pic.twitter.com/T47vQz4NVX

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 5, 2021

The USWNT looked to strike early against Mexico in their last game before the Olympics. They treated the first five minutes as if they were down a goal. In the end, they achieved their goal with some great defensive pressure as well as good combination play on offense. Carli Lloyd is credited with the assist; she did a great job getting the ball over to The Great Horan who showed off her technique. Horan kept her knee over the ball, struck with her laces and followed through beautifully. Again, the keeper had no chance and Horan was able to celebrate a great goal with the rest of the USWNT.

1. Sydney Leroux – Orlando Pride

OH MY WORD ???#ORLvLOU | https://t.co/iecT7II54a | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/k3kmURO3dP

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 10, 2021

It’s been a while since we’ve had a moment this dramatic, this late in a game in an NWSL match. For Ashlyn Harris to be getting an assist in the 94th minute of a game is absurd. Her initial free kick was sent right back to her but Harris took the opportunity to send in another long ball. The ball bounced into the box and no one from Louisville got there, but Sydney Leroux was waiting at the far post. The ball fell to her perfectly and she slotted it home. Madness ensued. These are the types of moments that will help grow the league.