Ashley Sanchez did not take long to send a message to her now-former U.S. women’s national team head coach Vlatko Andonovski — and to whoever replaces him.
Sanchez was named to the USWNT’s World Cup roster but did not see a single minute of playing time at the tournament, as the team ultimately crashed out in the round of 16 for its worst World Cup finish ever.
That result ended up costing Andonovski his job, with the 46-year-old stepping down last week after four years at the helm.
Though Sanchez entered the World Cup with 24 caps, Andonovski opted to use the uncapped Savannah DeMelo ahead of her, with the Racing Louisville standout starting both of the USWNT’s first two games.
After a disappointing World Cup, Sanchez returned to the Washington Spirit on Saturday in a NWSL game at Houston. Less than a minute after coming off the bench, Sanchez made her presence felt.
62': Ashley Sanchez enters the game
63': Ashley Sanchez scores a goalThe @WashSpirit take the lead in Houston! đź‘Ź pic.twitter.com/9qcwnglJV5
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 20, 2023
It was Sanchez’s fifth NWSL goal of the season and her fourth consecutive league game with a goal. The Dash would ultimately level the match in stoppage time, as MarĂa Sánchez earned her side a 1-1 draw.
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