The bar seems to have been set high in this season’s National Women’s Soccer League. Just days after Trinity Rodman became the talk of the town, raising the norm among all the star players this time is Sophia Smith. Once again, she took center stage with her record-breaking antics during the Portland Thorns’ 4-0 win over Seattle Reign.

At the age of 23 years and 9 months, Smith has become the youngest player to score 40 regular-season goals in the NWSL. This wasn’t the only achievement for her in today’s match as she also bagged a hat trick of assists. After setting up Olivia Moultrie’s first-half goal, Sophia doubled her side’s lead in the 80th minute from the spot. Later, both Hina Sugita and Payton Elizabeth Linnehan added to the scoresheet in the injury time. 

Interestingly, this isn’t the only achievement that Smith has achieved this season. In the Thorns’ 4-1 win against the Houston Dash on Matchday 5, Smith scored her 40th goal and provided her 10th assist, establishing herself as the youngest player to achieve 50 goal contributions across all competitions, at the age of 23 years and 254 days. She surpassed Chelsea star Sam Kerr, who achieved this milestone at 23 years and 308 days in 2017 while playing for Sky Blue FC and the Chicago Red Stars.

Thus far, the USWNT star has also scored 8 goals and provided 6 assists in over 9 NWSL games. Regardless, reaching the 40-goal mark at such a young age is quite a remarkable feat. It wouldn’t be surprising if Smith ends her season with over 50 goals. However, she can expect some competition in that regard, such as Trinity Rodman, who recently secured a record of her own.

USWNT teammate of Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, also shows no signs of stopping

Following Washington Spirit’s disappointing performance in the 2023 season, Trinity Rodman appears determined to make a statement this year. Her outstanding display against the Chicago Red Stars on Matchday 7 propelled Trinity to become the youngest player to achieve 40 goal contributions in all NWSL competitions at just 21 years and 347 days old. This remarkable milestone includes contributions from the Challenge Cup.

Rodman played a pivotal role in her team’s 4-2 victory, scoring the opening goal and providing an assist for the second, ultimately helping Washington Spirit secure the #2 spot this season. Despite this being Rodman’s first goal of the season, it came in a record-breaking performance. And certainly, there will be more of those to come from the likes of Trinity Rodman or Sophia Smith.