NWSL Fall Series: The Top 5 Plays From Saturday’s Triple Header

The NWSL Fall Series resumed this past Saturday, with a trio of games delivering more than a few eye-opening plays. Here are the best of the bunch.

 

5. BOW DOWN TO THE KING

.@tziarra has W I N G S ????

2-0 | #UTAvRGN

Tune in now on @CBSAllAccess and @Twitch.#NWSLFallSeries | #VerizonCommunityShield pic.twitter.com/i1WI6vojtw

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) September 26, 2020

The Utah Royals’ Tziarra King shows off her hops, flying far above Reign’s defenders to head home the cross from teammate Brittany Ratcliffe. King catches some serious air as she knocks the ball back post corner with conviction. Though Utah would race out to a 2-0 lead against OL Reign, they’d ultimately have to settle for a 2-2 draw.

 

4. THOMAS PUTS IT IN SPORT MODE

.@CThomas_Score indeed ????

The @WashSpirit forward pounces on a mistake to equalize!

1-1 | #CHIvWAS

Tune in now on @CBS and @Twitch.#NWSLFallSeries | #VerizonCommunityShield pic.twitter.com/yzs5JEdctk

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) September 26, 2020

The Chicago Red Stars make a dangerous mistake, and Crystal Thomas capitalizes. Anticipating the misplay as she sprints ahead of her defender, Thomas touches the ball past the keeper before slicing it into the back of the net. Her goal helped the Washington Spirit earn a 1-1 tie in their match against Chicago.

 

3. THOSE CANADIANS, EH?

What a ball by @sophieschmidt13 and what a finish from @nichelleprince7 ???? ???????? #HoldItDown pic.twitter.com/fXJvIN0l0D

— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) September 27, 2020

The Houston Dash’s Sophie Schmidt pings a through-ball to Nichelle Prince, her fellow Dash and Canadian National team teammate. Prince slips the cracks of Orlando’s defensive line, running onto the flawlessly played ball before calmly chipping the goalkeeper. Prince’s clinical finish gave her team an early lead in a 3-1 victory over Orlando Pride.

 

2. HARRIS’ GOLDEN GLOVE

????????????????. ????. ????????????????. ????

Did @Ashlyn_Harris just earn herself another @Verizon Save of the Week award?

2-1 | #HOUvORL

Tune in now on @Twitch.#NWSLFallSeries | #VerizonCommunityShield pic.twitter.com/OTooX0V5wF

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) September 27, 2020

The Houston Dash’s Kristie Mewis drives to the edge of the 18 before shooting the ball across her body to the back post. Ashlyn Harris makes a diving save, using her fingertips to push the ball just wide of the goal post. Harris’ jaw-dropping save kept Orlando alive in what would ultimately go down as a 3-1 loss to the Challenge Cup champs. We’re not sure what’s better: the actual save or Harris reacting as if it was just another day at the office.

 

1. BEND IT LIKE BALCER

The dummy and then the goal *chef's kiss* ????‍????@bethanybalcer pulls a goal back for @OLReign!

2-1 | #UTAvRGN

Tune in now on @CBSAllAccess and @Twitch. #NWSLFallSeries | #VerizonCommunityShield pic.twitter.com/4eQDONRI9F

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) September 26, 2020

Halloween must have come early this year, because OL Reign is handing out tricks. Steph Cox plays the ball to teammate Sofia Huerta, who cheekily dummies the ball, allowing it to roll behind Utah’s defense and right into Bethany Balcer’s tracks. The 2019 Rookie of the Year runs into the box and places a gorgeous curler into the upper V, bringing OL Reign back into their game against the Utah Royals, which ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw. That’s the kind of goal you dream about as a kid.