Top 5 Goals: NCAA Soccer & International Break

October 11, 2022
By Rohtas Wadera

The International break was the only thing that slowed down domestic leagues worldwide, with everything on pause as the pros suited up for their countries. Between the international matches and the college soccer season heating up, we’ve got plenty of great goals from women’s soccer to get you caught up. Here are the best women’s soccer goals from NCAA Soccer and the International Break as teams prepare for the World Cup.

5. Caitlin Foord – Australia

This goal was just… *chef’s kiss* 👩‍🍳

⚡ @CaitlinFoord's goal is your @CUPRA Electric Moment of the Match ⚡

🎥: @10FootballAU #WeAreMatildas #AUSvRSA pic.twitter.com/pvbIvx3yLJ

— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) October 9, 2022

The World Cup hosts have recently flown a bit under the radar, largely due to controversies surrounding their federation. Now, they have something to get excited about for next summer, and the group is looking good under new leadership.

Caitlin Foord is one of those players who looks great with a fresh start. The 1v1 play from her is tremendous. The way she baited this defender before going around her is slight but takes a lot to master. Still, the finish was just as tricky, but Foord remained composed and slotted the ball home.

One of the Matildas’ best, Foord, makes this team really dangerous when she’s in good form.

4. Sam Meza – North Carolina Tar Heels

🚀🚀🚀#NCAASoccer x 🎥 @uncwomenssoccer pic.twitter.com/CWQYVA4IJp

— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) October 6, 2022

Pitt was locked in a close matchup with North Carolina but paid the ultimate price for being unable to clear the ball away properly. Once the ball bounced outside the box, Sam Meza was waiting. The Junior took one touch before going for the curler around a defender running right at her.

Meza got just enough power on the shot to go with the bend, and the keeper was beaten. Great move from Sam Meza to give the Tar Heels a spark when they needed it.

3. Riley Parker – Alabama Crimson Tide

Parker brought the B💥💥M ‼️#NCAASoccer x 🎥 @AlabamaSoccer pic.twitter.com/anKgp51Er4

— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) October 9, 2022

No one was talking about Alabama in the offseason, and look at them now; ranked in the Top 5 in the country and dominating the SEC. LSU learned that the hard way, and in a game where they were already down 4-0, this is sure to rub some salt in the wound.

Riley Parker and Alabama showed us what their mindset is, which is never to take your foot off the gas, no matter the score. Parker used her pressure and physicality to take the ball away and still had much to do from that angle.

Her contact on the ball was inch-perfect. The keeper literally watched the ball curl and loop into her net because there was no way she was going to get to the ball. Remember the name, Riley Parker. She’s one of Alabama’s most important players.

2. Olivia Wingate – Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Pure Perfection 🤩 @olivia_wingate #NCAASoccer x 🎥 @NDSoccer pic.twitter.com/9QMhMnQIFp

— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) October 9, 2022

Notre Dame had a great week, including a dominating upset win over Florida State. Olivia Wingate helped take the game over with this gorgeous solo run. Wingate picks up the ball at midfield and immediately takes off, knowing how much space she’ll have in front of her. The defender is on her back, but she doesn’t do enough to put Wingate off and lose the ball or pass it.

Wingate even had an opportunity to play her teammate but elected not to. So instead, she goes all on her own, and the strike is as clean as can be. It flew into the top corner when it left her foot. Notre Dame is legit this year, and the ACC is even stronger than expected.

1. Jessica Fishlock – Wales

What a moment for Wales!

Jess Fishlock sends her country to the World Cup play-off final with a screamer against Bosnia in extra time 🙌#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/UfRLcQX8Cq

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) October 7, 2022

Jess Fishlock is an icon, and we all need to cherish the fact that she’s playing at such a high level with no signs of slowing down. Whether it’s for club or country, Jess Fishlock always finds a way to create something when her team needs it.

It might’ve been a bit of a mishit, but given the gravity of the moment and what it meant for Wales, they won’t care one bit. From her foot/shin to the top corner, followed by the celebrations, this is an amazing moment to witness over and over again and very deserving of taking the No. 1 spot on this week’s list.