Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 8, 2024 11:25 pm GMT
Chawinga Takes Lead in NWSL Golden Boot Race as Playoffs Approach
As the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) approaches the final stretch of the 2023 season, the race for the coveted Golden Boot is intensifying. With only eight matchdays remaining, standout players are emerging, vying for the top goal-scoring honor. Currently, Temwa Chawinga of Kansas City Current is leading the pack, but the competition from Barbra Banda of Orlando Pride and Sophia Smith of Portland Thorns FC isn’t far behind.
Chawinga’s Record-Breaking Performance
Temwa Chawinga has positioned herself as a formidable contender for the Golden Boot this year. With an impressive tally of 14 goals in just 18 regular season matches, she is averaging 0.82 goals per 90 minutes. This scoring rate surpasses that of two of the last three Golden Boot winners, showcasing her exceptional prowess on the field.
Last week, during a challenging match that resulted in Kansas City’s third consecutive loss, Chawinga made history by scoring in seven straight games—becoming the first player in NWSL history to achieve this remarkable feat. Her relentless pursuit of the goal has kept fans on the edge of their seats, and her skill in punishing defensive mistakes makes her one of the most dangerous forwards in the league.
Banda and Smith: Close Contenders
While Chawinga leads the charge, Barbra Banda is not far behind, boasting 12 goals in 14 matches since her debut for Orlando Pride on April 19. Banda’s goals per game rate is even more impressive, at 0.99, making her the league leader in that category. However, she is currently navigating a two-game scoring drought, following a strong showing at the Olympics where she netted four goals in three games.
Sophia Smith, who secured last season’s Golden Boot with 11 goals, is also in contention. She recently scored a lone goal for Portland, bringing her total to 11 this season and narrowing the gap with Banda. Smith’s track record speaks for itself, as she edged fellow forward Kerolin for the title last year and continues to showcase her capabilities, keeping her in the race for the 2024 Golden Boot.
Other Notable Players in the Race
Though the spotlight is primarily on Chawinga, Banda, and Smith, a couple of other players are making their mark in the race. Mallory Swanson and Ouleymata Sarr remain competitive, each having scored more than six goals this season. As the playoffs loom, these players will need to find their rhythm quickly to enter the conversation for the Golden Boot.
What Lies Ahead
With the playoffs approaching, the competition is expected to heat up even more. Each player’s performance in these final matches will be critical in determining not only playoff placements but also the outcome of the Golden Boot race. Football fans across the nation will be watching closely as the league’s top talents aim to finish the season strong.
As of now, the NWSL landscape is filled with anticipation. The Golden Boot race is not merely about individual accolades but also reflects each team’s overall success as they push toward the postseason. As we look forward to the remaining matches, the spotlight will be firmly on Chawinga, Banda, and Smith to see who ultimately claims the title of the league’s top scorer. Is this Chawinga’s year, or will Banda or Smith rise to the occasion in the final stretch? The excitement is palpable as the league heads toward a thrilling conclusion.
To stay updated on the NWSL and its players, pay attention to the latest news and stats as the season goes on.
