Top 5 Goals: FA WSL Week 1

The return of the FA Women’s Super League from across the pond has given soccer fans another reason to rejoice. Normally, there’d be a nice mix of goals from the NWSL and FA WSL to include on this list. However, the opening weekend of the FA WSL had some incredible goals, with none of the five goals scored in NWSL league play making the cut. So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the best women’s soccer goals from the first week of the FA WSL. 

5. Vicky Losada – Manchester City

Scoring in the first game of the season for City ?@losada_vicky ?#BarclaysFAWSL @ManCityWomen pic.twitter.com/QSgxSo7H3U

— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) September 6, 2021

One of City’s latest signings from Barcelona, Vicky Losada, is expected to have a big impact on her new club. Well, a goal in her debut is a great start, and her finishing on this goal is top-notch. When she picks up this ball in the box, she does have space, but there are five players, including the goalie in front of the goal. So Losada has to place her shot perfectly; otherwise, there’s a strong chance it’ll get blocked. The Spanish international smashed it towards the top right corner, but it went in off the post for an even nicer finish; world-class from Vicky Losada. 

4. Ona Batlle – Manchester United

Rate this strike ? from @OnaBatlle out of 1️⃣0️⃣#BarclaysFAWSL · @ManUtdWomen pic.twitter.com/QybkLcJcKL

— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) September 4, 2021

Manchester United got their season off to a great start with a 2-0 win in their first match. Ona Batlle stole the show with this outstanding finish from just outside the box. Batlle does really well to dig the first touch out from her feet to fire the strike into the top corner. At least three defenders were closing the distance, which forced her to take the shot quickly. Seeing the ball fly into the net with power and accuracy, the keeper had no chance. 

3. Steph Houghton – Manchester City

A little bit of @stephhoughton2 free-kick magic ?

What a goal to score on the opening weekend! #BarclaysFAWSL @ManCityWomen pic.twitter.com/JB5rnxERfx

— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) September 5, 2021

Steph Houghton is a special player. There isn’t a single centreback in the world that can do what she can do from a free-kick situation. Whenever it’s in the 18-22 yard range, Houghton has a knack for being able to bend the ball up and over the wall. This ball didn’t even need to dip once it cleared the wall, as it nestled into the top corner; the keeper didn’t even move an inch. That’s exactly how it’s done from a world-class player. 

2. Beth Mead – Arsenal

Pace and composure from @bmeado9 ?

*Stay for the @eidevall celebration* #BarclaysFAWSL @ArsenalWFC pic.twitter.com/TEfQSOD526

— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) September 6, 2021

Beth Mead is highly underrated on a team full of stars at Arsenal. The Gunners picked up a huge win over Chelsea to start the year in the London Derby. Both teams will be in the title hunt this season, but Mead and Arsenal struck first. After receiving a perfect through ball, Mead still had two defenders to beat before scoring. However, the little dip of her shoulder, along with the hesitation move to freeze the defender, was enough to create the inch of daylight she needed. Then it came down to the execution, where Mead generated enough power to fire the ball to the far post impressively, a beautiful goal. 

1. Sarah Mayling – Aston Villa

What a free-kick from @sarahmayling97! ☄️

Watch the #BarclaysFAWSL live on the FA Player ? pic.twitter.com/PHwsRhgF0u

— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) September 4, 2021

Aston Villa has a potential star in the making with Sarah Mayling. The midfielder showed off her work from the training ground with a peach of a goal. This free-kick had everything you would want. It’s from long distance, it had power, it had speed, it curled, and it dipped right into the roof of the net. Among all the great goals that were scored this week, this free-kick goal from Sarah Mayling takes the top spot without question.

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