Ashley Sanchez is pleading her MVP case, scoring a brace in No. 6 North Carolina’s 2-1 win over No. 15 Boston on Saturday to put her stamp on the NWSL’s Golden Boot race.
Sanchez officially overtook Orlando’s Barbra Banda atop the goals tally with 13 on the season. Her 107th-minute penalty strike against the Legacy marked the latest regular-season goal in league history.
“Scoring two goals was incredible,” said Courage manager Mak Lind. “It was a very special day for her, so I’m proud of her.”
North Carolina is climbing the NWSL standings behind four wins in five games — with just six points dividing No. 2 Washington and No. 7 Kansas City.
No. 1 Gotham strengthened its grip on the 2026 Shield in Sunday’s 0-0 draw with No. 9 Angel City. Gotham sits seven points above a skidding Spirit side.
Though the Bats may have taken a roster blow, as midfielder Rose Lavelle exited yesterday’s match with a first-half head injury.
Ashley Sanchez returns Wednesday, as North Carolina hosts Angel City at 8 PM ET (CBS Sports).
