U.S. Women’s National Team players were all over the scoresheet in Week 5 of the NWSL season while others earned results abroad, including defender Emily Fox and Arsenal in the first leg of the UEFA Women's Champions League Semifinals.
Here’s a look at the biggest USWNT moments from April 24-26:
Double Espresso Is Back
Forwards Trinity Rodman and Sophia Wilson, both returning to league play after appearing in all three USWNT matches against Japan during the international break, finally broke through with their first NWSL goals of the year.
In her 100th NWSL appearance, Rodman scored the game’s second goal in first-half stoppage time during the Washington Spirit’s dominant 4-0 win over Kansas City Current to earn its first home victory of the season. Kansas City goalkeeper Lorena couldn't corral the ball off a corner kick, and Rodman pounced on the rebound with a calm finish inside the box. She also assisted on the opening goal from midfielder Leicy Santos.
Two nights later, Rodman’s fellow “Triple Espresso” member found the back of the net for the first time since becoming a mom. In the 95th minute of the Portland Thorn’s match against Angel City, Wilson received the ball with space on the left side. She dribbled inside the box and smashed a left-footed shot into the right side netting for what was the eventual game-winner in the 2-1 victory.
Kennedy Wesley Scores Again in Denver
There’s something about Kennedy Wesley and corner kicks at the north goal of Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. A week after recording her first international goal and assist – both off corner kicks – in the USWNT’s 3-0 win in Commerce City, the defender scored in the same manner and in the same net on Saturday for San Diego Wave FC.
In the 57th minute, midfielder Lia Godfrey sent in service from the right corner flag. Wesley made a short run in from the penalty spot and connected with the cross at the edge of the six-yard box, redirecting the ball with a powerful header that snuck into the bottom corner past Denver Summit goalkeeper Abby Smith at the near post. Wesley’s goal was also her first of the season and the equalizer for the Wave before the team scored a final goal in the epic 3-2 comeback win.
Lavelle Shines in 3-0 Gotham Victory
USWNT midfielder Rose Lavelle recorded three goal contributions in the three-game series against Japan, including a goal and assist in the 2-1 win in San Jose. She found the back of the net again on Saturday when the Bay Area-based club came to the East Coast as Gotham FC downed Bay FC, 3-0, behind three first half-goals.
A few minutes before halftime, rookie forward Jordynn Dudley dribbled inside the box on the left side and cut the ball back to lose her defender before playing a central pass to Lavelle at the six-yard line. With her left foot, Lavelle sent the ball first time into the bottom right corner for Gotham’s second goal of the match.
Later in the half, Lavelle made a run inside the box to receive a ball from Esther González but was taken down by a Bay FC defender to earn a penalty kick which González converted.
Fox, Arsenal Win 2-1 Against OL Lyonnes in Leg 1
USWNT defender Emily Fox played 90 minutes in Arsenal’s comeback win over OL Lyonnes in the first leg of the UEFA Women's Champions League Semifinal. Midfielders Lindsey Heaps and Lily Yohannes were also in the starting lineup for the French side with Yohannes exiting in the 65th minute.
Midfielder Jule Brand put Lyon ahead 18 minutes into the match, but Arsenal tied things up soon after halftime off a free kick before forward Olivia Smith scored the game-winner in the 83rd minute. The second leg is scheduled for Saturday, May 2 at 9 a.m. ET.
Also abroad, goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce made five saves for Manchester United in a scoreless draw against Tottenham while Alyssa Thompson helped Chelsea to a 4-1 victory over Everton.
