Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Ashley Sanchez netted her second brace of the season on Saturday, leading the North Carolina Courage to a commanding 3-1 victory over the Seattle Reign at home. The standout performance by Sanchez underscores her pivotal role in the team as they continue to push for a playoff spot in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
The 27-year-old midfielder’s impressive tally of nine goals this season marks a career high for Sanchez. This performance elevates her to second place in the NWSL Golden Boot race, a position she has fought hard to secure throughout the campaign.
In the ongoing battle for the top scorer, Sanchez has now surpassed Temwa Chawinga of the Kansas City Current, who recently scored her eighth goal in a match against the Denver Summit. The front-runner in the race for the Golden Boot remains Barbra Banda of the Orlando Pride, although she has been sidelined since late May due to a thigh injury.
The match kicked off with an early goal from Seattle’s Sally Menti in the 19th minute, but Sanchez quickly leveled the score just four minutes later with a powerful shot from outside the box, showcasing her clinical finishing ability.
Displaying resilience, the Courage responded with two unanswered goals, including a penalty conversion by Riley Jackson in the 64th minute. Sanchez sealed the victory with her second goal of the match in the 71st minute, further solidifying her status as a key player in the Courage lineup.
<pThis season, Sanchez has made an immediate impact; her first brace came during the Courage's season opener against Racing Louisville, where they won 2-1. The team has now recorded four consecutive wins, propelling them to sixth place in the league standings and boosting their chances for a spot in the playoffs.
