The NWSL brought us some incredible goals and saves on this extra-long weekend. Check out the top three goals and saves 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 Dahlien vs. Houston Dash (0.84 PSxG on 0.07 xG)
Dahlien stays with the play and is rewarded with an empty net after goalkeeper Jane Campbell’s
failed punch.
Goal 2: Sammy Smith vs. Angel City FC (0.75 PSxG on 0.11 xG)
Smith pulls off an impossible finish after falling to the ground mid-shot to pull her team level for now.
Goal 3: Trinity Byars vs. Racing Louisville (0.85 PSxG on 0.24 xG)
Byars is perfectly positioned to get the rebound, netting her second of the night and her 10th of the season.
Save 1: Ann-Katrin Berger vs. Portland Thorns (0.76 PSxG on 0.15 xG)
Berger stays on her toes to pull off an incredible save at the far post.
Save 2: Lorena vs. North Carolina Courage (0.51 PSxG on 0.02 xG)
Lorena has a massive dive to keep an unexpectedly high-quality shot out of the back of the net.
Save 3: Laurel Ivory vs. Angel City FC (0.64 PSxG on 0.15 xG)
Ivory’s excellent reflexes allow her to just barely tip this ball out of the frame of goal in her Boston Legacy debut.
