Ashley Sanchez's tactical shift revitalizes her USWNT prospects
Ashley Sanchez, forward for North Carolina Courage, is enjoying a career year, having matched the NWSL single-season goal-scoring record with 20 goals. This remarkable achievement has not only brought her into the spotlight but also earned her a return to the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT) camps for the first time since January 2025. Drafted in 2020, Sanchez has transitioned to a new position as a winger, a change that has been pivotal in her resurgence.
In a recent interview with CBS Sports, Sanchez humorously acknowledged the increased attention that comes with her success, joking about her teammate Ryan Williams accompanying her in the car. "I'm here with Ryan too in the car, so don't say anything bad about her," she quipped. Despite the newfound spotlight, Sanchez is focused on maintaining her performance and not getting distracted by external opinions. "I just try to control myself and the product that I have on the field," she stated, emphasizing her commitment to personal growth and team success.
Sanchez's previous career highs were modest, with back-to-back five-goal seasons. However, after a disappointing 2025 season where she scored only two goals in 23 appearances, she shifted her focus to rediscovering the joy of playing. "The last couple of years, I haven't had as much fun playing," she reflected. This year, she has embraced a leadership role, eager to support younger teammates while enjoying the game again.
The tactical shift under coach Mak Lind has been crucial for Sanchez. Lind, who joined from BK Hacken, recognized Sanchez's potential and worked with her to unlock her offensive capabilities. "Ashley Sanchez is a winger, and especially on the left-hand side, she shows again how good she can be," Lind remarked, highlighting the importance of positioning in maximizing her talents. Sanchez's ability to play wide and create scoring opportunities has made her a key player for the Courage.
As Sanchez adapted to her new role, she set more ambitious attacking goals for herself. "Going into a new position this year, the goals that I had for myself were definitely more attacking-minded," she explained. This approach has paid off, as she has not only surpassed her expectations but also found a rhythm that suits her playing style. Her success on the field is complemented by a supportive home life, including her fiancé, Thomas Williamson, who understands the demands of professional soccer.
Sanchez's impressive form has reignited discussions about her inclusion in the national team. Despite not playing in the 2023 World Cup and facing a scarcity of senior caps, her recent performances cannot be overlooked. USWNT manager Emma Hayes has emphasized the importance of players making decisions difficult for her, and Sanchez's goal-scoring prowess has certainly done that. With only one international window remaining before World Cup qualifiers, the timing is critical for Sanchez to showcase her abilities on the international stage.
That's the Call
Hayes has indicated that while she is focused on preparing for upcoming qualifiers, she is also considering the long-term development of players within the program. Sanchez's return to national team camps is a testament to her hard work and resilience, and it reflects the broader narrative of her journey back to the top of her game. As she continues to thrive in the NWSL, the question remains: will her club success translate into opportunities with the national team?
Sanchez's journey has not been without challenges, but her determination to push through adversity has been key to her resurgence. "I think there's a lot of people that go through what I've kind of been through, where I'm just kind of in a little bit of a slump," she shared. Her mindset of taking control and not giving up has been instrumental in her return to form, and as she prepares for the next chapter in her career, the football world will be watching closely.
