Top 5 Goals of the Week: Washington Spirit, Houston Dash, and Arsenal

We’re back with the Top 5 Goals of the week, with this week’s list dominated by the Washington Spirit. The Spirit went goal crazy, and each was utterly spectacular; Ebony Salmon provided a viral-worthy moment for the Dash against the Thorns, and Stina Blackstenius was in rare form for Arsenal this week. Let’s get into the best of the best; here are the Top 5 Goals of the week from the NWSL, Barclays FA WSL, and NWSL Challenge Cup. 

5. Stina Blackstenius – Arsenal

Slotting it into the far corner!

How good has Blackstenius' recent form been, @ArsenalWFC fans? 🤔#BarclaysWSL pic.twitter.com/przAShn4sF

— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) May 11, 2023

Stina Blackstenius is playing on a very high level right now, where it seems the game slows down for her.

Watch this play how she used a single touch to beat the defender who fell over with her ankles crossed. It’s a simple, deft touch, but that’s all the Swedish star needed, and sometimes less is more.

Once the Swede got into space, she knew the far corner was where she wanted to put the ball and did so elegantly. If Blackstenius can carry this form into the World Cup this summer, Sweden will be even tougher to beat. 

4. Ebony Salmon – Houston Dash

.@ebony_salmon ARE YOU KIDDING!#DTFO pic.twitter.com/ctTxYUR1kj

— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) May 13, 2023

Ebony Salmon had everyone on Twitter talking with this game-winning goal ending a long-standing winning streak for the Thorns at Providence Park.

First, the decisive turn set up the goal; because she went full speed and turned hard, the defender guarding her fell over. Then, with all the green grass to run into, all Salmon had to do was finish, which she calmly obliged by slotting the ball into the far corner.

It took a lot longer than people expected for Salmon to get her first goal of the season, but it couldn’t have come at a better time for the Dash. 

3. Sam Staab – Washington Spirit

Bend it like Staab 😳 pic.twitter.com/hEVB8TfMKt

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 11, 2023

For a defender, Sam Staab has shown on numerous occasions that she can do far more than just defend. It turns out she’s also a set-piece wizard because, as we can see here, she can easily whip a ball into the box.

Some might question whether Staab intended this, but seeing the ball’s flight as it curled into the top corner was still beautiful. Whether she’s defending or scoring goals, Staab is an essential player for the Spirit, and moments like these are precisely why. 

2. Ashley Sanchez – Washington Spirit

Ashley Sanchez stoppage time STUNNER!! pic.twitter.com/q5Cqwdrue4

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 11, 2023

Ashley Sanchez made this look easy and celebrated like she had done this a hundred times before; that’s a boss right there. Kaylie Collins, the Pride keeper, made a big mistake by coming that far out of her goal and not sending the ball far enough downfield. Once Sanchez controlled the ball, she had an open net to shoot at, but Collins was sprinting back to try and recover.

Sanchez must be at least 25 yards away when attempting the chip, and Collins almost got back, but it wasn’t enough; Sanchez’s chip shot was inch perfect. 

1. Marissa Sheva – Washington Spirit

MARISSA SHEVA WHAT A GOAL 🤯🤩

🎥 @NWSL @marissasheva pic.twitter.com/0k4OoMk9Mb

— ata football (@atafball) May 11, 2023

Marissa Sheva has earned her way onto the Washington Spirit roster after making eight NWSL appearances in 2022. When given chances to play, fringe players like Sheva must make plays to solidify their spot with the club.

Well, it’s safe to say that Sheva did that with this incredible strike. What’s impressive about Sheva is the decisiveness here. Once she saw her chance, she didn’t hesitate and let the ball rip, which may have caught the keeper off guard.

A goal to remember for Marissa Sheva and the Washington Spirit is that they’re starting to pick things up as a team. 

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