Top 5 Goals: NWSL Regular Season Week 4

June 8, 2021
By Rohtas Wadera

The NWSL played its last week before the first international break of the season. Each match had some wild moments to enjoy and some nice goals to go with them. Whether it was outstanding crosses or slick through balls leading to great finishes, we’ve got you covered. Here are the top women’s soccer goals of the week.

5. Katie Naughton – Houston Dash

Houston has liftoff courtesy of @k_naughton24 ?#KCvHOU | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/9JwhDQdZ6A

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) June 6, 2021

Kristie Mewis’ strong run of form continues as she showed off her technical ability from set pieces. She perfectly placed her corner kick in the middle of the box for Katie Naughton to pounce on. Once Naughton beat her marker, she had a free header which she fired home. This goal sealed a huge three points and win on the road for the Dash.

4. Taylor Kornieck – Orlando Pride

Hard to find a better finish than this ?#WASvORL | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/lBjYBrVwLN

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) June 6, 2021

Taylor Kornieck may not be a household name at the moment, but she will be soon. The forward has been a key piece in Orlando’s attack in all areas. In this case, it was her finishing skills. First, we must give credit to Marta for her interception of Aubrey Bledsoe’s long throw attempt. Her pass was weighted perfectly to Kornieck, who saw her opening and struck quickly. Before anyone had time to react, she tucked the ball into the far corner with an excellent finish. Orlando stayed top of the table thanks to that goal.

3. Ife Onumonu – Gotham FC

Air Ify, ready for takeoff ✈️#NJNYvRGN | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/kMafEBXbZW

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) June 5, 2021

Ife Onumonu was given the start in this match and rewarded Freya Coombe and her team for doing so. Caprice Dydasco put in a great ball from the set piece towards the far post. Onumonu simply wanted it more than her defender, and she elevated higher than everyone else. Once the striker got her head on the ball, she did well to put it back across the keeper’s body. Onumonu’s header bounced in to give Gotham a nice win at Red Bull Arena.

2. Ashley Hatch – Washington Spirit

It's a @ash_hatch33 header for the lead ⚽️#WASvORL | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/I2AO2pgIH0

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) June 6, 2021

Ashley Hatch’s hot start to the season continued with her third goal. Kelley O’Hara almost willed this team to a win with her effort and commitment in this game. The USWNT star was given space to play in a cross, and Ashley Hatch timed her run well. No one from the Pride picked her up, and Hatch bravely headed it past Ashlyn Harris. When Hatch is scoring goals like this, the Spirit will be a tough team to beat.

1. Rocky Rodriguez – Portland Thorns

A thing of beauty ?#PORvLOU | https://t.co/nsck1gS0i8 | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/VqrIbKSLDB

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) June 6, 2021

Portland’s performance at home against Louisville was almost flawless, and their second goal of the match was their finest. Lindsey Horan worked herself into space on the left wing and made her way towards the endline. Once she got there and picked her head up, she slotted it into the middle of the box. Waiting in the wings was Rocky Rodriguez, who kept her shot low to the ground with pace to beat the keeper. A great team goal and connection between two incredible players.