Ashley Sanchez scored twice as the North Carolina Courage defeated the Seattle Reign 3-1 on Saturday night.
In the only other game on Independence Day, the San Diego Wave defeated Gotham FC, the reigning National Women’s Soccer League champions, 2-0.
The Reign (4-6-2) took an early lead when Sally Menty received a cross from Sofia Huerta and beat Courage goalie Kailen Sheridan in the 19th minute. This was Menty’s first goal of the season.
Less than four minutes later, Sanchez scored his eighth goal of the season, tying the game.
Seattle’s Madison Curry fouled Arie Schlegel in the box and Riley Jackson converted a penalty to put North Carolina (6-3-3) up 2-1 in the 64th minute.
Sanchez scored again in the 71st minute, moving him past Kansas City’s Temwa Chawinga with nine goals this season. Sanchez trails only Orlando’s Barbara Banda, who leads the league with 11.
The game was postponed by one hour from its original start time due to the expected high temperatures. Game-time temperatures in Cary, North Carolina, were in the 90s.
Barcenas honor Alex Morgan with goal celebration
Melanie Barcenas and Trinity Byers scored for the league-leading Wave at home.
Barcenas scored in the 45th minute. Her long-range shot hit the post for her third goal of the season.
Barcenas’ tea-drinking celebration was in honor of one of the Wave’s owners, Alex Morgan, who pretended to take a sip of tea after scoring against England in the 2019 Women’s World Cup.
Byers added another goal late in stoppage time, catching Gotham goaltender Ann-Katrin Berger far up the field.
The Wave (9-4-1) are the top team in the league and are back in action this weekend after a long summer break.
Gotham (6-3-3) signed Australian striker Sam Kerr earlier this week, but she is not expected to be available until July 15, when Gotham plays the Washington Spirit.
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