Top 5 Goals: England, France, and Italy

A lot is going on with the NWSL off the pitch at the moment, so much so that for players’ mental health, last weekend’s matches were postponed. So while the NWSL players got some much-needed rest, soccer action in Europe was everywhere. Between England, France, and Italy, we had so many goals to choose from. So without further ado, here are the best women’s soccer goals of the week.

5. Mana Iwabuchi – Arsenal

It's 2-0 for Arsenal, with USWNT star Tobin Heath setting up Mana Iwabuchi!#watchwithata #FAWSL pic.twitter.com/nsL3dMaNf9

— ata football (@atafball) October 2, 2021

Two of Arsenal’s more recent signings combined for a cheeky goal that the Gunners fans will appreciate. Whenever Tobin Heath gets herself one-on-one on the wing, she has the opportunity to embarrass defenders. This was another example of that because the defender could not stay in front of her. Once Heath was past the defender, she fired in a low cross into the box. That’s where Mana Iwabuchi made a great, darting run towards the near post. Iwabuchi’s touch to finish is sublime; she takes some of the sting off the ball with her flick-on, gently guiding the ball into the far corner, a lovely goal to witness. 

4. Lea Le Garrec – FC Fleury

That skill ✨ Le Garrec opens the score for @FCF91_feminines! #watchwithata #D1Arkema pic.twitter.com/5qOXviJpeo

— ata football (@atafball) October 1, 2021

Lea Le Garrec is a French international who has earned a couple of appearances with the French national team. If she scores more goals like these, she could find a way to work her way back one day. This goal is the definition of a solo spectacular. Garrec took on the entire team all by herself. First, she showed great anticipation skills to intercept the pass before taking off. Then, two defenders were forced to eat dust before Le Garrec made her way to the last defender. Le Garrec’s strength, speed, and dribbling are top-notch; she showed that all on this goal. 

3. Katie McCabe – Arsenal

And it's Katie McCabe from downtown!#watchwithata #FAWSL pic.twitter.com/o5K4qxGYpw

— ata football (@atafball) October 2, 2021

The Irish international Katie McCabe is one of Arsenal’s longest-tenured players. McCabe has been a model of consistency which allows for her to contribute regardless of the situation. In this case, the keeper got it all wrong with her pass from the back. Instead of finding her teammate, she passed it right to McCabe. McCabe still had a lot to do even though the keeper was out of her net; a chip from there is never easy. Except, she made it look easy by not taking as much time as most would lining up the shot. Her first touch while intercepting the keeper was perfect, allowing her to chip the keeper in style. That’s a thing of beauty. 

2. Yui Hasegawa – West Ham United

What a finish! ?@maybe10_ @westhamwomen #BarclaysFAWSL pic.twitter.com/EHNylucyO1

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

Yui Hasegawa might be Japan’s next big star, and many teams around Europe were interested in signing her. She was first with AC Milan in Italy before moving to London to play for West Ham. Moments like these are a perfect way to introduce yourself to the English fans. Hasegawa didn’t need an extra touch once the ball was out in the open and the keeper backpedaled. If Hasegawa gets her shot wrong, then the keeper might’ve been able to get a hand on it. However, it was just right, and the ball flew into the net, giving Hasegawa a great way to start her West Ham career. 

1. Martina Rosucci – Juventus

CHE GOL DI MARTINA ROSUCCI! @10_Smarti pic.twitter.com/rgLQspT04I

— #SZCZESNYOUT (@RizqAdamP) October 2, 2021

Juventus were trailing Roma in a huge game between the Italian giants in Serie A. Martina Rosucci, Juventus’ #10, managed to drag her side back into the game with this beautiful strike. Rosucci had the ball at the top of the box, and none of the Roma defenders stepped toward her to close down the space she had to shoot. Instead, Rosucci had all day to pick out this curled gem of a strike to tie the game up at 1-1. A moment of magic from the Italian and the definitive choice for No. 1 on this week’s list. 

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