NOTES TO KNOW

PORT-LAND GOALS AT BAY

The Portland Thorns tallied three goals in a win against Bay FC during midweek action. Notably, forward Payton Linnehan became the 11th rookie in the league’s strong 2024 class to score this season and the first one this season to record a goal and an assist in her first pro start. Additionally, forward Sophia Smith recorded her third brace of the season, putting her atop the Golden Boot race with seven goals in seven matches.

ORLANDOING GREAT

The Orlando Pride continued its unbeaten streak with a new club record to the history books, scoring in 12 straight games. During mid-week action, forward Ally Watt, assisted by forward Barbra Banda, tallied her third career goal against the North Carolina Courage in all competitions, the club that drafted her in 2020. Getting in on the scoring action with a goal of her own in the eventual 4-1 win, Banda is the first player in NWSL history to record a goal and an assist in each of her first two career starts.

During weekend action, Orlando extended their seven-game undefeated streak with Banda’s third-straight game with a goal.

WASHING-TONS OF GOALS

The Washington Spirit took down the Chicago Red Stars during mid-week action with four goals. Forward Trinity Rodman tallied her first goal of the 2024 campaign and later had an assist to forward Ouleymata Sarr’s third goal of the year. Rookie midfielder Croix Bethune assisted three goals in the win, the most in one match this season, making her the fifth player in league history to record three assists in a single match.

ANGELS SCORING

Angel City FC forward Alyssa Thompson recorded her fifth career assist with Angel City putting her one behind forward Claire Emslie for the club record. Thompson is the first Angel City player with assists in three-straight games. Forward Sydney Leroux moved up in the leaderboard with her 43rd regular season goal, moving her into a tie with former NWSL star Carli Lloyd for 10th in league history. Notably, Claire Emslie also became the first Angel City player to score in three consecutive regular season games.

WEEK 7 MATCH RECAP

Wednesday, May 1

Orlando Pride vs. North Carolina Courage | 4-1 | Match Recap

Chicago Red Stars vs. Washington Spirit | 2-4 | Match Recap

Bay FC vs. Portland Thorns | 2-3 | Match Recap

Friday, May 3

Utah Royals vs. Angel City FC | 1-2 | Match Recap

Seattle Reign vs. San Diego Wave | 2-1| Match Recap

Saturday, May 4

NJ / NY Gotham FC vs. North Carolina Courage | 1-0 | Match Recap

Portland Thorns vs. Washington Spirit | 2-1 | Match Recap

Sunday, May 5

Houston Dash vs. Kansas City Current | 1-1 | Match Recap

Orlando Pride vs. Racing Louisville | 1-0 | Match Recap

Bay FC vs. Chicago Red Stars | 1-2 | Match Recap