Top 5 Goals: NWSL Action and Trinity Rodman’s Shining Moment for the USWNT

The last week of NWSL action did not disappoint, with some riveting results across the board. Plus, the USWNT took on Wales in a friendly, and Megan Rapinoe announced her retirement following this season. Overall, this was quite an eventful weekend with some amazing goals to boot. Let’s look at the Top 5 Goals from the NWSL Matchday 15 and the USWNT vs. Wales.

5. Hannah Betfort – Portland Thorns

Hannah Betfort subs in and makes an instant impact 💥 #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/QkyiOf2XXo

— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) July 9, 2023

Gotham’s defense will want a do-over when watching this back on film but take nothing away from Portland for capitalizing on it. Betford showed tremendous composure despite having just subbed in minutes prior. Betford stroked the ball home past Abby Smith, showing that the Thorns have plenty of depth to work with and keep them in the playoff picture. 

4. Messiah Bright – Orlando Pride

Okay @messiah_bright, that finish was incredible! pic.twitter.com/GHfy4UWYzO

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 7, 2023

Orlando’s winning ways continued thanks to the combination play between Julie Doyle and Messiah Bright. Julie Doyle is creating plenty of chances down the left wing, and this cross to Bright was inch-perfect. The rookie didn’t even have to break her stride before firing the header home, and it ended up being the goal that would secure three points.

Orlando has found some confidence that is sure to help them going into the World Cup break.

3. Taylor Kornieck – San Diego Wave

Impeccable timing and finish from @taylorkornieck to equalize in the 90th minute 👌 pic.twitter.com/5Z1TmmkGcD

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 9, 2023

Taylor Kornieck’s heading ability is well documented, and she came through for the San Diego Wave once again when they needed her the most. Trailing 2-1, Kornieck managed to use the pace of the ball to her advantage. All she needed to do was guide the ball with her head, and did that without even needing to jump.

For her to score with a header like that from the edge of the box is impressive, but it’s something that Taylor Kornieck does effortlessly. 

2. Paige Monaghan – Racing Louisville

The skills. The strike. 😮‍💨

Still not over this goal from @paigeqmonaghan 😍 pic.twitter.com/yIDABDlcL3

— Racing Louisville FC (@RacingLouFC) July 8, 2023

Racing Louisville continues to do good business by adding new and underappreciated players. Cece Kizer lifted them offensively immediately after trading for her last year, and the same has happened with Paige Monaghan.

The quick counterattack and passing from Louisville were immaculate and gave Monaghan enough time to put the moves on her defender and score. A quick dip of the shoulder and curled effort into the far corner is a gorgeous goal to enjoy and one that helped them earn the win. 

1. Trinity Rodman – USWNT

TRINITY RODMAN WITH AN ABSOLUTE BANGER FOR THE BRACE 🔥

(via @USWNT)pic.twitter.com/ptyRAFZ6xc

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 9, 2023

Trinity Rodman would be the difference in a tough game against Wales before the World Cup. Rodman’s second goal was the better of the two. She showed some physicality to win the ball back. Before anyone on Wales could react, Rodman saw her opening.

The young superstar took two quick touches to line up the shot and then whipped it into the top corner. The keeper had no chance. For her to come off the bench and do that late in the game bodes well for the USWNT. That’s a situation this team could face in the World Cup, and they passed the test against Wales with flying colors, thanks to Rodman. 

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