This weekend was jam-packed with NWSL action. 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: Clarissa Larisey vs. North Carolina Courage (0.90 PSxG on 0.16 xG)
Larisey has a clever little flick off of Avery Patterson’s cross to draw her team level late in the game.
Goal 2: Karlie Lema vs. Utah Royals (0.83 PSxG on 0.27 xG)
Lema cleverly recognizes that Mandy McGlynn doesn’t have many passing options and gets in her way to give Bay an early lead.
Goal 3: Midge Purce vs. Kansas City Current (0.73 PSxG on 0.17 xG)
Purce takes advantage of a botched clearance and strikes the ball into the back of the net to draw her team level.
Save 1: Claudia Dickey vs. Chicago Stars (0.70 PSxG on 0.09 xG)
Dickey has great reflexes to deny one of the best attackers in the world.
Save 2: Katie Atkinson vs. Seattle Reign (0.62 PSxG on 0.08 xG)
Atkinson faces a looping header with a lot of spin on it but manages to keep it out of the net.
Save 3: Katie Atkinson vs. Seattle Reign (0.55 PSxG on 0.15 xG)
Atkinson dives to deny a powerful shot into the far post and keeps her team’s deficit at one.