
NWSL Plays of the Week: Ali Riley, Ebony Salmon score showstoppers
All 12 clubs were in action over the weekend.
Mal Pugh had a hand in all three of the Red Stars’ scoring opportunities against OL Reign, causing two own goals before notching a banger of her own to end the own goal streak.
Chicago now holds a new league record for own goals in a season, forcing five in a row in the team’s last three games (all of which were wins).
OL Reign struck first in the 12th minute Sunday, with Bethany Balcer volleying a bouncing ball into the upper 90. Balcer’s goal was her third in the team’s last two games.
Beth be ballin' 😌#CHIvRGN | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/V6BXkAPDJn
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 18, 2021
Chicago equalized in the opening minutes of the second half with a dangerous cross from Pugh, forcing an own goal to put the game at 1-1.
Another. Own. Goal. 😱#CHIvRGN | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/gP5B6Iceo9
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 18, 2021
Another own goal came in the 54th minute off a Pugh corner kick. OL Reign’s failed clearance gave the Red Stars a 2-1 lead.
5 straight goals for the Golden Boot co-leader Own Goal of @chicagoredstars 😅 #CHIvRGN | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/bLKs2ztcBQ
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 18, 2021
Ten minutes later, Pugh broke the own goal streak with a close-range rifle to put Chicago up 3-1 late in the second half.
"That'll be enough from you, Own Goal" -@MalPugh #CHIvRGN | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/Rz6P1GHuco
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 18, 2021
The Red Stars earned three points in their victory over OL Reign, shooting the club to second in the NWSL standings.
Up Next: The Reign will stay on the road to take on the Pride in Orlando on Saturday. Chicago will face off against Gotham FC on Sunday.
All 12 clubs were in action over the weekend.
Little ended her short stint with OL Reign in time for Arsenal's preseason.
The USWNT and England are set to face off in an October friendly.
Madril also announced the end of her collegiate career.
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