North Carolina Courage beat Seattle Reign 3-1, Sanchez nets two

Ashley Sanchez scored twice as the North Carolina Courage overcame the Seattle Reign 3-1 on July 4 in Cary, North Carolina. The Reign opened the scoring, but Sanchez equalised within minutes and later added the winner after a penalty converted by Riley Jackson. The match started an hour later than planned due to forecast high temperatures, which reached the 90s during play.

On the same Fourth of July holiday, the San Diego Wave defeated NWSL champions Gotham FC 2-0. Gotham recently signed Australian striker Sam Kerr, who is expected to debut after July 15. The league resumed after an extended summer break, with the Wave currently leading the standings.