{
  "id": 3563317,
  "title": "From Janine Sonis to Sam Kerr: Taking stock of NWSL’s over and underperforming goal scorers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/from-janine-sonis-to-sam-kerr-taking-stock-of-nwsls-over-and",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-26T18:16:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/janine-sonis-sam-kerr-taking-181604387.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As of the mid-point of the 2026 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season, 13 teams have played at least 20 matches each. The Utah Royals are making a case for being the most improved squad, sitting in fourth place overall. Their offense has contributed to this, with 37 goals scored in 21 matches. However, the league's margin of victory remains tight and results are not guaranteed.\n\nTo explore who has stood out as an overperformer and underperformer this season, the Athletic delves into the league's goal scorers. Ashley Sanchez of the North Carolina Courage has taken the lead in goal scoring, with 13 goals this season. Notably, she has achieved this with an expected goals (xG) total of just 8.43, outperforming her previous single-season high of five goals in 2023 and 2024. Janine Sonis of the Denver Summit has also done well, with eight goals and an xG of 3.5. Both Sanchez and Sonis have been prolific in open play and from the penalty spot, respectively.\n\nOn the other end of the spectrum, San Diego forward Ludmila has only managed two goals despite playing over 1,500 minutes across 20 matches and having six expected goals. Similarly, Gotham's Jordynn Dudley has taken 44 shots but has converted only twice, resulting in a goal differential of -3.45. Sam Kerr of the New Jersey Revolution has scored six goals but falls short of her 5.68 xG and remains seventh in the league in shots taken, but tied for 14th in goals scored.",
  "summary": "With all teams but Angel City FC having played at least 20 National Women’s Soccer League matches, two-thirds of the 2026 regular season is officially in the books. While Gotham is continuing its steady march towards the Shield with a table-topping 44 points, almost all of the league’s 16 teams remain in the hunt for the eight playoff spots. The Utah Royals are steadily making their case for the…",
  "key_points": [
    "Utah Royals improve with 37 goals in 21 matches",
    "Ashley Sanchez leads with 13 goals, high xG of 8.43",
    "Ludmila and Dudley underperform with 2 goals and -3.45 goal differential"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}