‘A lot of people counted me out’: Ashley Sanchez on goal records, grit and potential USWNT return

After playing zero minutes at the 2023 World Cup, the attacker embraced a new club, a new mindset and a new position.

Now she’s making NWSL history in North Carolina It was a familiar sight: Ashley Sanchez running at the left post, controlling a lofted cross, deftly finding a window between defenders and taking a quick shot to the inside of the far post beyond the reach of the goalkeeper. It’s how the North Carolina Courage winger has scored so many of her 19 goals this year. This would be her 20th, tying Temwa Chawinga’s 2024 record for most goals scored in an NWSL season. But on Saturday against Gotham, it wasn’t meant to be. As Sanchez celebrated with her teammates and…