THREE BEST GOALS

3. Hayley Taylor-Young’s late winning goal

The ACT NPL Women’s League is wrapping up soon and the Round 17 games had qualification for the finals on the line.

Canberra United Academy was down 1-0 for the majority of the game and it seemed their season would be over. However, an equalizing goal in the 86th minute gave the team hope.

Great team passing eventually found Taylor-Young sneaking in behind the defense. She carried the ball into the box and was able to slip the ball into the lower left side of the goal. It gave her team the win and secured their place in the finals.

 

2. Hayley Raso forcing the own goal

Technically Hayley Raso did not score this goal, but there is no doubt her presence in front of the net and even her touch on the ball ensured the ball crossed over the goal line.

Raso only played 45 minutes in this game, but she caused enough problems in front of the North Carolina Courage’s net to feel like she was there for 90 minutes.

 A ball was sent into the box where Raso was double teamed, but still able to get a quality touch on the ball that was kicked toward goal.

One of her marks blocked Raso’s shot but it bounced onto the other defender who knocked it into the goal. It may have gone down as an own goal on the stat sheet, but Raso and the Thorns celebrated like it was hers.

 

1. Alex Chidiac’s quick goal

Alex Chidiac entered the pitch at the start of the second half for Atletico de Madrid Femenino and she wasted no time in showing why she deserves to be there.

Just ten minutes went by for Chidiac to score and give her team the 5-0 scoreline. The initial shot the goalkeeper saved but Chidiac followed the ball and knocked it in.

THREE BEST MOMENTS

3. Matildas’ competitive battles

Many of the Aussies playing overseas are teammates whether it be for the Australian National Team or on their W-League squad.

But one thing is for certain when they line up against each other they are opponents and treat each other as such.

The first game of the week showcased the rivalry between the Portland Thorns and Reign FC. The matchup is known to have harsh fouls and tough tackles and the Steph Catley vs Hayley Raso battle was no exception.

They went toe-to-toe many times and played physical. Neither one was ever trying to harm one another or got out of control, it was simply two competitors battling it out.

The rough play did catch up to Catley who was issued a yellow card in the 31st minute when Raso had beat her to a ball. Catley tried to get around Raso but used a little too much force for the referee’s liking and booked the defender.

The Aussies may play a little bit tougher when they face each other and Catley’s yellow card, her only one this season, might just prove that.

2. Hayley Raso’s impact off the pitch

Sports are so much more than what goes on in the game. Sports have so much power to bring people together and this week Raso demonstrated how important that is to her.

She has been having an unbelievable NWSL season and she has not allowed that fact to change her focus on helping others.

Earlier this year, Raso visited a hospital in Portland where she met Rohen and they had an instant connection. Not limiting to just the one visit Raso invited him out to a game and spent time with him.

If you’re not a fan of how she plays on the field then her actions off the field might just convince you otherwise.

1.Sam Kerr named NWSL Player of the Week

Another week another award for the Aussie forward. Not only did her goal grant her Goal of the Week, but her overall performance last week had her named Player of the Week for the league.

This is the fifth time this season Kerr has earned this award making her just the second player in NWSL history to earn five in a single season.

THREE BEST PERFORMANCES

3. Claire Polkinghorne

Known for her bruising defense, Polkinghorne, helped secure the shutout for the Houston Dash when they faced the Orlando Pride.

In the match, the Pride was limited to just three shots on frame and much of that was to the 90 minute performance from Polkinghorne.

Not only did she hold her own on defense she even got off one of the Dash’s 12 shots. After looking at the InStat index Polkinghorne was rated as the third best player of the game.

2. Steph Catley

If you watch Catley play you will notice she is wearing a cast on her right hand since she is still healing her broken hand. Despite the injury, Catley is still going in for tackles and even having successful throw-ins.

She is a key player for the Reign who are riddled with injuries, but still fighting for a playoff spot. The Reign’s lone goal of the week was a team buildup goal that had Catley playing the through ball to her teammate who sent the ball into the box for the eventual goal.

Catley is the only Aussie to play in two games this week in the NWSL and play a full 90 minutes in each game.

The Reign need her on the pitch and she has the skill mixed with the stamina to be the player they can rely on.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

GAME DAY v Portland 💪🏼

A post shared by Stephanie Catley (@stephcatley) on

 

1.Hayley Raso

Raso was a player who made herself known in both of the Portland Thorns’ games this week. She was all over the pitch terrorizing defenses and getting behind backlines.

The second game had Raso only play 45 minutes, but she was involved with both of the team’s goals and was close to netting a third goal for the Thorns.

Raso is a force to be known when opponents are scouting Portland, the NWSL’s top team