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The 2023 World Cup is over, meaning the world’s best players are all returning to their club teams. And in the NWSL, the race for the Golden Boot is heating up.
Portland Thorns forward Sophia Smith extended her lead over the weekend in her return from the World Cup. But with plenty of soccer left to play, there are several star goal-scorers who could make up the gap.
Sophia Smith, Portland Thorns (11 goals)
Smith wasted little time in her return to the NWSL from the U.S. women’s national team. The reigning NWSL MVP entered the Thorns’ game Sunday against the North Carolina Courage in the 68th minute and, in the 69th minute, found the back of the net.
On a run, Smith passed the ball to teammate Morgan Weaver, who quickly passed it back to Smith. The right-footed goal proved to be the difference in Portland’s 2-1 victory, even with the team being down a player due to a first-half red card.
Nothing but roses in @sophsssmith's return 🌹⚽️@ThornsFC takes the lead! pic.twitter.com/1QS7GDeWa7— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 21, 2023
Nothing but roses in @sophsssmith's return 🌹⚽️@ThornsFC takes the lead! pic.twitter.com/1QS7GDeWa7
Messiah Bright, Orlando Pride (6 goals)
The rookie scored twice in the Pride’s 5-0 win over the Chicago Red Stars on Sunday, marking her first professional brace. It was her first time scoring since July 7. The No. 21 pick in the 23 NWSL Draft, Bright has picked up right where she left off at TCU, where she set the program record for all-time goals.
Watching this unreal @messiah_bright goal on repeat 🔁 pic.twitter.com/9aYijy6sJj— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 20, 2023
Watching this unreal @messiah_bright goal on repeat 🔁 pic.twitter.com/9aYijy6sJj
8 goals
Ashley Hatch, Washington Spirit Kerolin, North Carolina Courage
7 goals
Lynn Williams, Gotham FC
6 goals
Messiah Bright, Orlando Pride Debinha, Kansas City Current
5 goals
Bethany Balcer, OL Reign Savannah DeMelo, Racing Louisville Crystal Dunn, Portland Thorns Cece Kizer, Kansas City Current Tyler Lussi, North Carolina Courage Alex Morgan, San Diego Wave Ashley Sanchez, Washington Spirit