The NWSL brought us 21 goals and 132 saves this weekend! Check out the top three of each in terms of the difference between their post-shot expected goals (PSxG) and expected goals (xG).
Basically, these are the goals where the player taking the shot added the most value just on shot quality and the saves where the keeper was best able to navigate this unexpected extra shot quality.
Goal 1: Maddie Mercado vs. Portland Thorns (0.82 PSxG on 0.29 xG)
Sam Meza has an excellent delivery, and UllMercado has a picture-perfect header to drive the final nail in the Portland
Thorns’ coffin in the second Cascadia Rivalry of the season.
Goal 2: Linda Ullmark vs. Denver Summit (0.77 PSxG on 0.24 xG)
Ullmark’s sliding effort makes sure the Dash’s beautiful team play isn’t put to waste as she once again draws her team level on the road.
Goal 3: Leicy Santos vs. North Carolina Courage (0.71 PSxG on 0.19 xG)
Apologies to Kate Wiesner for cutting her assist, but this trap and finish by Santos deserved to be highlighted. What a goal.
Save 1: Anna Moorhouse vs. Kansas City Current (0.76 PSxG on 0.09 xG)
Moorhouse didn’t anticipate where this ball would end up but she recovered well to keep it out of the net.
Save 2: Jane Campbell vs. Denver Summit (0.61 PSxG on 0.09 xG)
Delanie Sheehan went early to try and catch Campbell off guard but the goalkeeper was still able to deny her former teammate.
Save 3: Angelina Anderson vs. San Diego Wave (0.58 PSxG on 0.06 xG)
A defensive error puts Trinity Byars through on goal, but Anderson comes up huge to preserve her team’s clean sheet against their Southern California rivals.
