NWSL Week 11 Highlights: Sanchez, Chawinga Lead Scoring Surge

After a four‑week break the NWSL returned for Week 11, and the action was packed with standout performances and pivotal moments. San Diego’s Mel Barcenas erupted with a 25‑yard screamer, while Boston’s Nichelle Prince supplied the crossing that forced a dramatic comeback against Bay FC. The rest of the league saw Washington clinch a late win, Kansas City keep rolling behind Temwa Chawinga, and Angel City edge closer to the playoff hunt.

Rodman’s late strike lifts Washington over Houston

Trinity Rodman turned a tight contest into a showcase for the Spirit. After a 32nd‑minute penalty miss by Lo’eau LaBonta, Rodman gathered a long ball from Leicy Santos and slotted home the winner in the 95th minute. The goal pushed Washington into a three‑way tie for third place on goal difference, while Houston’s playoff hopes faded after only one win in their past nine matches. Jane Campbell’s early save kept the Dash in the match, but Rodman’s composure in the extra time sealed the victory.

Chawinga’s eighth goal fuels Kansas City’s dominance in Denver

Kansas City’s 3‑0 road win over Denver was built on swift attacking play and a rampant Chawinga. Croix Bethune and Michelle Cooper combined for the opening strike before Chawinga converted a penalty she later scored on a crisp counter‑attack. The win marks six victories in seven outings for the Current, moving them to third on the table and tightening the race for the top spots. Denver’s loss drops them to tenth, now two points shy of playoff position.

Angel City snaps Orlando’s unbeaten streak

Angel City moved to within a single point of Orlando for the final playoff spot, thanks to a solid defensive performance and a lethal finishing burst. A first‑half goal from Maiara Niehaus, following a neat pass from Ary Borges, set the tone, and Sveindís Jónsdóttir’s blistering run in the 56th minute doubled the lead. Barbra Banda’s absence left the Pride anemic, managing only a single shot on target, while Angel City’s one‑point gap is now offset by a game in hand. The win marks a crucial upward step for the Pride in a season still defining its identity.

Sanchez brace propels North Carolina past Seattle

Ashley Sanchez delivered a masterclass, scoring twice to lift the Courage to a 3‑1 triumph over the Reign. Her first came via a deflected shot after forcing a turnover, and the second arrived from a perfect through ball from Evelyn Ijeh. Sanchez’s nine goals this season now trail only Bandra’s 11, highlighting her emerging role as a top scorer. North Carolina’s four‑match unbeaten run contrasts sharply with Seattle’s single win in eight recent games, underscoring a clear shift in momentum.

San Diego’s long‑range masterpiece keeps the Wave on top

San Diego’s run of dominance stayed intact with a hard‑fought win at Gotham, thanks in part to a spectacular 25‑yard strike from Mel Barcenas. The Brazilian midfielder’s curling effort slipped past Ann‑Katrin Berger in the 45th minute, ending a four‑match shutout streak for the Wave. Trinity Byars added a late insurance goal after a defensive mix‑up, and San Diego remains top of the table despite a brief lapse in the second half. Gotham’s defensive solidity—eight clean sheets all season—waned as they slipped to seventh place.

Boston rescue draw after early Bay FC onslaught

Bay FC opened the scoring with two first‑half goals, but Boston’s resilience earned a 2‑2 draw that leaves both expansion sides still searching for consistency. Casey Murphy’s early miscommunication gave Alex Pfeiffer space for the opening penalty, and Karlie Lima’s run added a second before Nichelle Prince’s cross met Amanda Gutierres for a header that cut the deficit. A late penalty from Aissata Traoré forced the final whistle, and the Legacy now sit just above Bay in the standings, both grappling to string wins together.

Huitema’s late amazement stuns Utah’s turnaround story

Chicago’s unexpected victory over Utah showcased the power of perseverance, as Jordyn Huitema scored a dramatic equaliser and winner in the dying minutes. After Utah’s Cloé Lacasse levelled with a clever finish, Huitema’s precise run set up a 50th‑minute free‑kick finish, and a late corner saw her again find the net. The win gives Chicago its fourth triumph of the season and pushes Utah down to fourth on goal difference, despite the Royals still boasting a strong 24‑point haul. Utah’s recent momentum appears halted, while Chicago proved it can compete despite league‑worst offense entering the match.

Portland thrashes Louisville to reclaim top‑spot momentum

Portland dominated Racing Louisville 4‑0 at Providence Park, with Pietra Tordin netting a brace and Sophia Wilson adding a spectacular finish. The Thorns’ 13th‑minute opener came from a set‑piece routine, and Tordin’s purposeful run led to the second before Wilson’s incisive pass freed Olivia Moultrie for a fourth goal. Portland’s victory keeps them second in the table, while Louisville remains at the bottom after a series of high‑defeat matches. Both sides showcased offensive firepower but differed markedly in defensive reliability.

Week 11 results in full

• Washington Spirit 2‑1 Houston Dash
• Denver Summit 0‑3 Kansas City Current
• Angel City FC 2‑0 Orlando Pride
• North Carolina Courage 3‑1 Seattle Reign
• Chicago Stars 3‑2 Utah Royals
• Portland Thorns 4‑0 Racing Louisville

Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images