NWSL Matchweek 9: Top goals and saves

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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 24: Nicole Payne #23 of Orlando Pride celebrates scoring her team's first goal with teammates during the NWSL match between San Diego Wave FC and Orlando Pride at Snapdragon Stadium on May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Meg McLaughlin/NWSL via Getty Images) | NWSL via Getty Images

NWSL week 9 gave us a ton of 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: Nicole Payne vs. San Diego Wave (0.74 PSxG on 0.08 xG)​

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Payne’s brilliant shot earns her a first career NWSL goal in her first start with the Orlando Pride.

Goal 2: Kat Rader vs. San Diego Wave (0.81 PSxG on 0.16 xG)​

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Rader has a brilliant first touch to set herself up for the shot and she launches the ball into the back of the net.

Goal 3: Evelyn Ijeh vs. Racing Louisville (0.81 PSxG on 0.19 xG)​

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Ijeh’s clever and subversive cut catches the defender off guard and creates a shooting window that she does not fail to take advantage of for her second goal in two games.

Save 1: Angelina Anderson vs. Houston Dash (0.63 PSxG on 0.04 xG)​

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Anderson expertly touches the ball out of play to keep it from going into the back of the net.

Save 2: Claudia Dickey vs. Boston Legacy (0.72 PSxG on 0.14 xG)​

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Boston has a strong header but Dickey has safe hands.

Save 3: Claudia Dickey vs. Boston Legacy (0.51 PSxG on 0.11 xG)​

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A dangerous play that Dickey keeps an eye on through traffic to preserve her team’s lead.

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