Ashley Sanchez sets American scoring record for North Carolina Courage
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 3:31 AM
Last updated Sep 7, 2026
North Carolina Courage midfielder Ashley Sanchez set a new single-season scoring record for an American player in the NWSL on September 6. During a match against the Chicago Stars, Sanchez recorded a hat trick to reach 18 goals on the campaign. This performance surpassed the previous record of 15 goals in a single season held by Crystal Dunn and Alex Morgan. Her 18th goal tied the mark established by Sam Kerr in 2019, moving her within striking distance of the all-time league record of 21 goals set by Temwa Chawinga in 2024. The 27-year-old has not appeared for the U.S. women's national team since January 2025 but hopes her recent production earns a recall for upcoming matches against Spain. She has seven regular season games remaining to further improve her season total.
- •Ashley Sanchez reached 18 goals this season to set a new NWSL record for an American player.
- •The hat trick occurred during the North Carolina Courage match against the Chicago Stars.
- •Sanchez surpassed the single-season scoring benchmarks previously held by Crystal Dunn and Alex Morgan.
- •She aims to join the U.S. women's national team for matches against Spain in October.
- 3:31 AMYahoo Sports — North Carolina midfielder Ashley Sanchez sets U.S. scoring record – USWNT could be next
- 2:38 AMYahoo Sports — Ashley Sanchez sets NWSL U.S. scoring record as USWNT push continues
"Ashley Sanchez’s historic NWSL season just keeps getting better. On Sunday, the North Carolina Courage player scored her 16th regular season goal this year – setting a new league record for most goals scored by an American in a single season. The 27-year-old then scored again, and again, in North Carolina’s 6-0 win over the last-placed Chicago Stars. Sanchez’s hat trick – the first in her career – also gave her a sizable cushion in the NWSL Golden Boot race. With an impressive 18 goals now score
"With hat trick vs. the Chicago Stars, the North Carolina Courage attacker put herself in the record books and continued to make a case to Emma Hayes.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 7, 2026, 3:31 AMNorth Carolina midfielder Ashley Sanchez sets U.S. scoring record – USWNT could be next
Ashley Sanchez’s historic NWSL season just keeps getting better. On Sunday, the North Carolina Courage player scored her 16th regular season goal this year – setting a new league record for most goals scored by an American in a single season. The 27-year-old then scored again, and again, in North Carolina’s 6-0 win over the last-placed Chicago Stars. Sanchez’s hat trick – the first in her career – also gave her a sizable cushion in the NWSL Golden Boot race. With an impressive 18 goals now score
- Yahoo SportsSep 7, 2026, 2:38 AMAshley Sanchez sets NWSL U.S. scoring record as USWNT push continues
With hat trick vs. the Chicago Stars, the North Carolina Courage attacker put herself in the record books and continued to make a case to Emma Hayes.
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