Lynn Williams scored his 79th league goal, becoming the National Women’s Soccer League’s all-time highest scorerwith Gotham FC claiming a last-minute 2-1 victory over the Chicago Red Stars at Red Bull Arena on Sunday night.
In the 57th minute, Jenna Nighswonger crossed to Esther González at the far post. The forward kicked the ball back across the goal to Williams, who headed it in for her record goal to give Gotham the lead.
Williams surpassed Sam Kerr’s record in all competitions.
The Red Stars (5-4-1) equalized in the 74th minute when Penelope Hocking pounced on a loose free kick to score for the third game in a row.
Ella Stevens headed in a corner kick in the 90th minute to help Gotham (4-2-3) extend its unbeaten streak to five games.
Rose Lavelle, who missed the first four games with a leg injury, started for the first time since signing with Gotham in the offseason and played 61 minutes.
PRIDE 3, KINGDOM 2
Barbra Banda scored two goals as the Orlando Pride defeated the Seattle Reign 3-2 at Lumen Field, putting them top of the league heading into the weekend.
The Pride (7-0-3) remain undefeated and have won seven consecutive games, tying an NWSL record set by the Reign in 2014. The Pride and Kansas City Current are the only two undefeated teams in the league this season.
Emily Sams opened the scoring for the Pride in the 9th minute, scoring her first professional goal from the top of the box.
Banda headed in Adriana’s cross 10 minutes later, increasing Orlando’s lead.
Angharad James-Turner’s shot was deflected into the top right corner just before the halftime whistle, putting Seattle on the scoreboard.
A few minutes into the second half, Bethany Balcer equalized for the Reign (2-7-1). Jess Fishlock sent a pass over the top, where Balcer ran and finished into the left corner for his fourth goal of the year.
A Pride corner in the 58th minute rebounded once into the box before Banda scored his second goal of the match. Banda now has six goals and two assists in just five NWSL appearances.
Balcer received a second yellow card in the 83rd minute and will miss the Reign’s next game.
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