This weekend was full of exciting upsets and even more exciting goals and saves! Check out the top three of each based on 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: Melanie Barcenas vs. North Carolina Courage (0.80 PSxG on 0.09 xG)
Barcenas creates this goal all by herself, cutting across to separate herself from her defender
and then perfectly placing the shot with her lethal left foot.
Goal 2: Jaedyn Shaw vs. Racing Louisville (0.83 PSxG on 0.16 xG)
Shaw has a precise finish to make sure that Gotham’s gorgeous buildup play doesn’t go to waste.
Goal 3: Aïssata Traoré vs. Washington Spirit (0.75 PSxG on 0.09 xG)
Aïssata does a great job of staying with the play and is able to convert a messy situation in the box into a lead on the road.
Save 1: Jane Campbell vs. Utah Royals (0.74 PSxG on 0.08 xG)
Campbell reacts well to keep her side in the game for now.
Save 2: Lorena vs. Orlando Pride (0.66 PSxG on 0.12 xG)
Lorena reads Hannah Anderson’s looping header well and keeps things level late in the game.
Save 3: Cosette Morché vs. Kansas City Current (0.48 PSxG on 0.02 xG)
Morché has an impressive dive to keep a near-perfect shot out of the back of the net.
