Sanchez ties NWSL single-season scoring record, but Courage fall 2-1 to the Royals

Cloé Lacasse and Cece Delzer propelled the Utah Royals to a 2-1 victory over North Carolina in the National Women's Soccer League, breaking the league's single-season scoring record. Ashley Sanchez scored for the Courage, tying the record. The Utah Royals, at 14-9-3, capitalized on a turnover and scored first through Lacasse in the 17th minute.

Courage's Ashley Sanchez equalized the score with a penalty in the 33rd minute, mirroring Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga's goal tally for the most goals in a single season, set in 2024. In the 65th minute, Delzer scored again, giving the Royals the lead at 2-1. North Carolina's Riley Jackson made her return from injury, starting for the first time since Aug.

16, but it was not enough to secure a win as the Courage fell below the playoff line with their third consecutive loss, all by a 2-1 score. Haley McCutcheon and Jacquie Ovalle scored for the Orlando Pride (10-13-3). Bay FC (7-14-5) was eliminated from playoff contention with their loss.