The 2026 Golden Boot race is heating up, with just three goals separating the NWSL’s leading scorers heading into this weekend’s lineup.
Orlando’s Barbra Banda tops the leaderboard after netting 12 goals across just 15 games, as the Zambia star returns from WAFCON this week.
Courage star Ashley Sanchez is just one goal behind Banda with 11. Washington’s Trinity Rodman, Kansas City’s Temwa Chawinga, North Carolina’s Evelyn Ijeh, and Portland’s Sophia Wilson sit tied at nine apiece.
Fans could witness a Banda-Wilson shootout tomorrow, as the No. 5 Thorns and No. 11 Pride hunt consistency amid recent struggles.
Injury-struck Portland has tallied just one win in its last five games, while Orlando has fallen out of playoff positioning on a similar skid.
“The belief is still there,” Pride manager Seb Hines said. “We have to keep going. We have to keep trying, not get too out of discipline either.”
Portland hosts Orlando tomorrow at 8:45 PM ET (ION).
