Charles Jackson
The NWSL has always been a place that has allowed scorers to flourish, but 10 games into the 2024 season, it’s clear this is a top-heavy league in which most teams’ attacking units have enough firepower to dominate even the most talented defenses.
This weekend was no exception, with 26 goals scored in seven games and only two teams – the Houston Dash and Utah Royals – failing to score. The wide variety of teams that have found the back of the net in large numbers is matched by the different types of players who have been on the scoresheet in recent days, demonstrating the multitude of ways in which teams are producing goals in the process.
Here’s a closer look at some of the top scorers after an NWSL weekend that once again saw them in the spotlight.
The Band’s star shines
The NWSL signed a considerable number of talented forwards this offseason, and while several had their moment in the spotlight, few seized the opportunity like Orlando Pride’s Barbra Banda. She scored two goals in the Pride’s 3-2 win over the Seattle Reign and now has six goals in her first six league games, just two behind Golden Boot leader Sophia Smith in four fewer games.
His sheer efficiency is his strongest selling point so far in the NWSL – Smith has played 880 minutes to Banda’s 470 and has had 460 touches to Banda’s 210, but only has more goals than the Pride star. Smith also has 47 shots to Banda’s 28 and, most notably, only two more shots on goal than Banda’s 19. The Zambia international’s shot percentage is a remarkable feat, second only to Angel City’s Claire Emslie (80%) among those with over five goals this season.
Banda’s fast start, coupled with strong early season returns from other forwards such as Kansas City Current duo Temwa Chawinga and Bia Zaneratto, highlights the staggering amount of untapped potential that still exists in the women’s game. This trio spent much of their careers in leagues with limited visibility, but were able to translate their skills to the NWSL with relative ease. It’s both a vote of confidence in the league’s new rules regarding transfer fees and the scouting efforts of several clubs, making the NWSL an increasingly exciting league in the process.
Super sub alert in Gotham
Although Lynn Williams turned heads after breaking the NWSL’s all-time goalscoring record with her 79th goal in Gotham’s 2-1 victory over the Chicago Red Stars, it was far from the only attack-oriented storyline in the Red Bull Arena on Sunday. The defending champions enjoyed their first multi-goal game of the season thanks largely to Ella Stevens’ 90th-minute winner, scoring her second goal in as many games for her new club.
Like Banda, Stevens is also making his opportunities count. She has scored two goals on just nine shots so far in 2024, but clearly has an eye for goal with four shots on goal and an assist on Rose Lavelle’s first goal for Gotham last month. It’s no small contribution for a player with just 254 minutes under her belt this season, but especially considering Gotham’s offensive struggles all season – she’s had a hand in three of their eight goals in 2024, something only Williams and Esther Gonzalez can do. claim. distant.
Stevens’ success highlights themes that come from Juan Carlos Amoros’ first season in charge of Gotham. They were tied for the second-fewest goals scored last year and aren’t much better in 2024, but their run to the championship has been fueled by depth as they’ve dealt with a series of injuries. She now becomes the latest to demonstrate the strong construction of Gotham’s squad and could be a surprise – not to be confused with undignified – solution to the team’s ongoing goalscoring problems.
Spirit goal range
The Washington Spirit’s attacking operation continues at full steam, as Saturday’s 4-2 victory over Angel City demonstrated. While star Trinity Rodman led the way with two home goals, the Spirit appeared to do a good job of alternating their scoring threats as Ouleymata Sarr and Casey Krueger also found the back of the net.
Sarr is one of the stars of this season so far, with five goals and two assists in 10 games, leading the NWSL in expected goals at 5.48, just ahead of Smith. The forward’s strong production only adds to the excitement surrounding the Spirit’s offense, which reads like a long list of the league’s top offensive talents. Croix Bethune now leads the league with seven assists and also has three goals to start his debut season, while Rodman has three goals and four assists so far and Ashley Hatch has also made her mark in 2024 with two goals and an assist.
The team is already projected to have offensive success with the players on the line, but Krueger’s goal highlights the full-throttle attacking objectives in the nation’s capital. Krueger has already matched her assist tally from last season with two and has more goals than she did in 2023, which marks a strong showing for a player in a new role. The 33-year-old outside back has been praised for his defensive strength but has added offensive flair to his game, demonstrating impressive range as the Olympics approach. Outside of her prospects with the U.S. women’s national team, though, Kruger’s early success reflects well on the Spirit’s recruiting efforts as they begin a new chapter with the imminent arrival of Barcelona coach Jonathan Girladez. Without a doubt, this makes them the NWSL’s most exciting project in a season full of them.
