Top 5 Goals: NWSL Bangers from Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson

After a multi-week hiatus, we’re back with another incredible list of Top 5 Goals. Every single goal in this week’s list is something special. The NWSL stars came out to shine in a big way to score some bangers. Let’s get into the Top 5 Goals from the NWSL Matchweek 14.

5. Trinity Rodman – Washington Spirit

Trinity Rodman, you are HER 👑 pic.twitter.com/9sPFcBJyqy

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 23, 2024

The Washington Spirit went into Red Bull Arena and ended their nine-game unbeaten run. Croix Bethune, Casey Krueger, and Trinity Rodman play a huge role in doing so. Bethune started the move by threading a perfect pass through to Krueger on the wing. Krueger took her space and cut infield with purpose, and it seemed to take Gotham by surprise. Before anyone could even react, the ball was already at Trinity Rodman’s feet. Rodman needed one touch before smashing the ball into the top corner in spectacular fashion. The Spirit were on a small skid coming into this game, and they righted the ship with a massive win over defending Champions Gotham FC. 

4. Ashley Sanchez – North Carolina Courage

ASHLEY SANCHEZ. HOW? pic.twitter.com/3r4ZvLCaCq

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 23, 2024

I think it’s safe to say that the North Carolina Courage’s trade for Ashley Sanchez has worked out for all parties involved. As a creator and goal scorer, Sanchez has been a centerpiece for North Carolina. This goal highlights Sanchez’s technique. Look at how Sanchez puts her foot through the ball in a slicing motion while keeping her knee over it. The ball flew into the far corner like a heat-seeking missile. That’s as sweet of a strike as you’ll see all season. Yet it’s only No. 4 on this week’s list, so strap in for this top three.   

3. Lo’eau LaBonta – Kansas City Current

Had to post this angle of LaBonta’s banger 🔥 pic.twitter.com/dFmNUdDqir

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 23, 2024

Kansas City went to Portland and did the unthinkable, blowing out the Thorns impressively. Lo’eau LaBonta dealt what felt like a knockout punch early in the first half. Yes, the Thorns came back from 5-1 to make it 5-4 against Kansas City to start the season, but this game was different. The Current refused to let up with a 2-0 lead, and Labonta was ready to be ruthless. A deflected ball fell into her path, and she caught it sweetly. The ball kept swerving away from Shelby Hogan, giving her absolutely no chance to save it. As usual, Labonta hit the fans with a celebration as she high stepped into her teammates arms, what a goal and moment for Kansas City. 

2. Mallory Swanson – Chicago Red Stars

Mal Swanson putting on a skills show with this goal 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/7x2IqOe4RJ

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 23, 2024

Mallory Swanson is turning the NWSL into her playground at this point with some of the moves she’s showing off. This play started off as an innocent throw-in near midfield and turned into something completely different. First, Swanson attempted to do a backheel flick over her defender while running. That alone shows more skill than most people. The ball bounced off the defender’s head and into the path of Swanson. At that point, the NC Courage backline is in Mallory Swanson’s world.

Swanson wants to take you on in space, and if you don’t have any defenders who can come close to catching Swanson, it’s over. The entire time she has the ball, Courage defenders are afraid to approach her to avoid getting beat in behind. They all paid the price as Swanson bided her time and picked her spot beautifully. Mallory Swanson’s insane form is ongoing, and it’s just the right time for Chicago and the USWNT. 

1. Sophia Smith – Portland Thorns

We love a good Sophia Smith goal and this one was a BEAUTY! pic.twitter.com/9BnRHKz8Yt

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 23, 2024

The Thorns might have suffered a bad loss at the hands of Kansas City, but Sophia Smith provided a moment of magic to soften the blow a bit. This solo spectacular from Smith takes the top spot on this week’s list.

Smith picked this ball up at midfield and never stopped. Half of the Current team tried to stop her but to no avail. It’s not just Smith’s speed, but it’s her ability to run that fast while keeping the ball at her feet while shielding off multiple defenders. Even with the Current closing in, Smith found the far corner in spectacular fashion. That goal felt like some added emotion was behind it, almost as if Smith did it because of how poorly the game was going leading up to the goal. Regardless, this was an incredible week of goals, and Sophia Smith’s is the the best of the best. 

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