Ashley Sanchez's First Career Hat Trick Sets American Scoring Record as Courage Rout Chicago Stars 6-0

Ashley Sanchez scored three goals and set the National Women's Soccer League single-season scoring record for an American player on Sunday, leading the North Carolina Courage to a 6-0 win over the Chicago Stars FC at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.

Sanchez opened the scoring in the 11th minute, finishing at close range after a scramble in the box. The goal was her 16th of the season, moving her past the American record she had shared with Crystal Dunn and Alex Morgan entering the day.

Chioma Okafor doubled the lead in the 17th minute with her first professional goal, converting a pass from Evelyn Ijeh inside the six-yard box. The Courage carried a 2-0 advantage into halftime before a crowd of 4,722, according to FBref.

Courage Pull Away After the Break

Shinomi Koyama made it 3-0 in the 61st minute with her first goal of the season, driving a Ryan Williams cross off the underside of the crossbar and in. Williams added a goal of her own two minutes later, pouncing on a rebound for the second goal of her career.

Sanchez converted a penalty in the 69th minute, her second successful spot kick of the season, and completed the hat trick in the 81st minute with a header.

A Season for the Record Books

The hat trick was the first of Sanchez's career and lifted her season total to 18 goals, two shy of Temwa Chawinga's league record of 20 set in 2024. It was her fifth multi-goal game of the season, a new NWSL record, and it earned her a third Player of the Week honor of the campaign. Sanchez entered the season having never scored more than five regular-season goals in a year and now leads the Golden Boot race.

Combined with Ijeh, the pair has 29 goals this season, a new league record for two teammates, according to the club.

Stars Left Searching

Chicago's afternoon offered little beyond milestones. Taylor Wood made her 50th regular-season NWSL start, all of them in a Stars shirt. Sam Staab led the hosts with eight clearances, while Wood added six possessions won and three interceptions. Nadia Gomes managed a team-high two shots, and Tessa Dellarose led the Stars with seven duels won.

The Courage travel to face the San Diego Wave on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. ET. Chicago visits the Portland Thorns on Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. CT.