For those who have followed the NWSL this season, it is obvious Ashley Sanchez has proven herself to be an electric force on the field. Her top form continues to make headlines. There’s no doubt about her being a game changer for NC Courage. Let’s look at Sanchez’s current form and where it can take her.
North Carolina Courage
Since 2024, after the massive trade from Washington Spirit to NC Courage, Sanchez has proven herself to be a crucial part to the Courage culture. She immediately made an impact in her first season with the club where she was named finalist for the NWSL Midfielder of the Year Award. She has anchored the midfield with outstanding technique, vision, and passing skills.
Yet, this season we have seen her shift to a left wing position. This move has not only put her closer to the goal, but has also opened a gate that Sanchez has completely taken advantage of.
Her goal-scoring ability has been on full display, as shown in the Golden Boot race, where she currently leads with 15 goals. Her 15 goals was record-breaking as it broke Lynn Biyendolo’s previous record of most goals for a franchise in a single season.
As NC Courage currently sits in 6th place, the teams at the top are no easy opponents. It will be interesting to see if Sanchez’s stellar form can elevate Courage deep into the playoffs once they begin.
Despite this, NC Courage has already solidified its firm belief in Sanchez. The Courage organization extended Sanchez’s contract through the 2027 season. She will continue to be a foundational piece to their organization and for what’s to come for the squad.
International Role
Sanchez has played at the senior level in the US years before. From late 2021 to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Sanchez’s experience on the USWNT can be described as bumpy.
She contributed greatly to the squad and helped the team qualify for the Women’s World Cup. In 28 total caps, Sanchez managed to score 3 goals.
With this, Sanchez was a key player when the team was under Vlatko Andonovski. However, Sanchez did not play a single minute in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. It was tough to witness from the outside looking in, and sadly Sanchez was never brought up to the team again.
Even with the Emma Hayes era in full effect, there has been limited involvement from Sanchez in the USWNT team. Is it time for Hayes to make the call and bring Sanchez into the picture before the 2027 FIFA WWC gets underway? Sanchez has made her case and will continue to do so as the NWSL season continues to play out.
It is wise to also consider how much depth the USWNT currently has, especially at the left wing position. So, Sanchez has a lot of work to do in order to find herself representing the US next summer in Brazil. Hayes also has a lot of work to do before the most important tournament in the game comes around.
Regardless if we see Sanchez with the USWNT next summer, her current form and play this season overall has been unforgettable. Let’s continue to appreciate Sanchez’s excellence and see how her NWSL season will wrap up, and if it takes her to Brazil next summer as part of the USWNT.
Featured image via @ashley.sanchez
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