NWSL week 8 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: Trinity Byars vs. Washington Spirit (0.81 PSxG on 0.09 xG)
Byars just goes for it, and scores through multiple defenders in the opening minutes of her first ever professional start.
Goal 2: Jaedyn Shaw vs. Seattle Reign (0.88 PSxG on 0.19 xG)
It’s a team effort here, but ultimately Shaw deserves lots of praise for managing to turn and shoot with defenders on her back.
Goal 3: Temwa Chawinga vs. Houston Dash (0.97 PSxG on 0.37 xG)
The goalkeeper spills the ball, and Chawinga is there to take advantage of the mistake with a one-touch redirection into the back of the net.
Save 1: Jane Campbell vs. Kansas City Current (0.49 PSxG on 0.04 xG)
Campbell dives a long way to cover the empty back post and keep this ball out of the net.
Save 2: DiDi Haračić vs. Washington Spirit (0.57 PSxG on 0.22 xG)
It’s a slower one, but Haračić still makes sure that she has safe hands to keep her team up a goal.
Save 3: Sandy MacIver vs. San Diego Wave (0.43 PSxG on 0.09 xG)
MacIver is in a great position to collect this free header and keep her team in the game for now.
