Sanchez chases NWSL scoring record

The North Carolina Courage winger has 19 goals this season, one shy of Temwa Chawinga's 2024 NWSL record. A disallowed goal against Gotham on Saturday kept her from tying it.

“I was just happy to tie [the game] up.”

From World Cup bench to breakthrough

Sanchez was on the 2023 World Cup roster but played zero minutes in Australia and New Zealand. Five months later, she was traded from Washington Spirit to North Carolina.

Finding perspective in tough times

Sanchez views her 2024 struggles as character-building. She stayed patient, controlled what she could, and trusted that difficult moments had a purpose.

“I always felt like there was a reason that I had to go through them.”

Coach Lind predicted 20-goal season

North Carolina's first-year head coach Mak Lind told Sanchez during preseason she'd score 20 goals. She laughed at the time, thinking it was insane.

“I was laughing. He was like, 'I don't know why you're laughing. I'm being serious.'”

Breaking American scoring records

Sanchez has already broken two records: most NWSL goals by an American in one season, and most goals by a Courage player in one season.

Left wing unlocked her potential

Sanchez had never scored more than five goals in a season before this year. Playing left wing for the first time professionally transformed her into a scoring virtuoso.

“It was my first time professionally playing on the wing.”

Natural instincts guide her play

Sanchez reads defenders instinctively, waiting for them to commit before deciding which way to go. Her coaches helped refine her timing and positioning.

“As soon as I see them bite is when I'm like, 'Now I can go.'”

Halfway through, records seemed possible

About midway through the season, coach Lind reminded Sanchez of his 20-goal prediction. She began to believe the record was within reach.

“Sometimes some of these records seem untouchable, and then you just start picking away at it.”

Lind is her seventh NWSL coach

Sanchez has played under seven head coaches in seven NWSL seasons. Lind's stability and kindness stand out as exceptional.

“He's definitely the kindest coach I've ever had in my life.”

Team wants to win for Lind

The Courage respect Lind as a person, which translates to respecting him as a coach. Players are motivated to win for him.

“It's the first time that I've been like, 'Wow, I do want to win for him.'”

Goals matter less than playoffs

Sanchez's focus is helping seventh-place North Carolina reach the playoffs, not chasing records. She'd be happy if the season ended now.

“I think that the season I've had is already so great.”

Hayes hasn't called yet

USWNT coach Emma Hayes has narrowed her roster focus for next year's World Cup. Sanchez hasn't heard from her about upcoming friendlies against Spain.

Making it hard to leave her out

Sanchez's strategy is to perform so well that Hayes can't ignore her. She's not dwelling on the call-up decision.

“The only thing I can do is just make it as hard as I possibly can for [Hayes] to make her decisions.”

A comeback would be extra special

A USWNT call-up would feel like validation after being counted out. But Sanchez is proud of her season regardless.

“I think a lot of people, and maybe even myself, kind of counted me out.”