Top 5 Goals: World Cup Call-Ups Wreak Havoc in the NWSL

The USWNT roster was released earlier this week, and while the US Soccer Federation would’ve hoped that some star players would sit, they got the proper sendoff they deserved. Four of the five players on this list are going to the World Cup and putting together some virtuoso performances before leaving to play for their countries. Without further ado, let’s review the best women’s soccer goals from another enthralling week of the NWSL.

5. Ashley Sanchez – Washington Spirit

Watching this Ashley Sanchez goal on repeat 🎯 pic.twitter.com/h3sj9u1xj2

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 24, 2023

Ashley Sanchez is going to Australia/New Zealand and could be a key member of the USWNT off the bench. It’s quite the luxury to have a player scoring goals like this to bring into the game in a pinch.

Her ability to work in tight spaces with close coverage is one of the things that makes her special. Notice the crowd of defenders doesn’t rattle her one bit. Sanchez took a quick touch and caressed the ball into the top corner from inside the box. That’s a tough finish, but she makes it look easy. 

4. Debinha – Kansas City Current

Are you SERIOUS, @Debinha7?! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/RYDAZLdICF

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 24, 2023

Brazil has not named its official roster for the World Cup yet, but there’s no possible way that Pia Sundhage will leave Debinha out of their roster. She’s coming into great form at the best possible time.

Debinha has made a living out of embarrassing NWSL defenses and goalkeepers, and she did both in this play. Vanessa DiBernardo provided the setup by winning the ball back, and before anyone could react, Debinha had chipped the keeper, and the ball was in the net.

Defensive mistakes happen, but Debinha is the last player you want the ball to fall to when they do. 

3. Allie Long – Gotham FC

How bout it, @ALLIE_LONG 💫 pic.twitter.com/SOa4xQNwpq

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 26, 2023

It is great for the NWSL and Gotham to have Allie Long making the highlight reel. When the ball is this far out, most players need a bit more of a run-up to it. All Long needed was three quick steps before clearing the wall and finding the crossbar.

Alyssa Naeher might have been fooled by Long’s run-up and body position because you can see her take two to three quick steps to her left, and by the time she could react, the ball went in right where she was standing at the start of the set piece.

Whatever the case, Allie Long is dangerous from long range, and she proved it once again to seal the win for Gotham FC. 

2. Lynn Williams – Gotham FC

💥@lynnraenie starts the 2nd half with a BANG for @GothamFC pic.twitter.com/72Lw7M7caq

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 25, 2023

Lynn Williams is also in the form of her life and is the main reason why she got the call for the USWNT. As of a couple of months ago, you would have argued she was on the outside looking in. But this goal shows me that she’s ready.

There are only a select few players that can pull this off. Her offensive awareness is off the charts, her back is goal, yet she knows exactly where she is in the box. Notice how she doesn’t even wait a full second before turning and scoring. It was almost a no-look goal, it was one quick touch, and that was it. Alyssa Naeher didn’t even move.

Williams will be a huge factor for the USWNT in attack, especially when her finishing is on point like this. 

1. Sophia Smith – Portland Thorns

.@sophsssmith is a joy to watch.

What an effort, what a goal! pic.twitter.com/NxV3Lmw7ph

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 24, 2023

Sophia Smith might be the best in the world at maintaining her speed while dribbling with the ball. I can’t think of a single player that can run at four defenders simultaneously and get past them. Smith should’ve been taken off the ball ages before getting anywhere near the box, but her dribbling, speed, and balance all at the same time are immaculate.

On top of that, she’s got the deadly finishing to go with it. Right foot, left foot, doesn’t matter. She can finish with either and with regularity. It should come as a surprise to no one that she’s the third player in league history with two hat-tricks in the same season and the youngest player ever to score 30 goals this fast.

Yeah, she’s more than ready to shred defenses at the World Cup. They’ve all been put on notice. 

Sophia Smith image via Getty Images

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