Why Ashley Sanchez deserves a USWNT call-up

The Women's World Cup is less than a year away, and United States Women's National Team head coach Emma Hayes has some big decisions to make ahead of the tournament. 

One major decision Hayes will have to make centers on North Carolina Courage star Ashley Sanchez, who is having the best season of her career. With 15 goals in 21 league appearances, Sanchez leads the Golden Boot race with nine games left in the season. 

Sanchez, who is in her third season with the Courage, had previously only scored seven goals for the club in her last two seasons. Formerly a midfielder, the American has been a focal point of the attack under new head coach Mak Lind, who came to the club with the promise of goals. 

Sanchez has also benefited from the service of wing-backs, Feli Rauch and Ryan Williams. With the USWNT, Sanchez would almost certainly continue to benefit from the service down the wings, with the likes of Emily Fox and Gisele Thompson always keen to start an attack. 

Ashley Sanchez would be a great addition to women's World Cup squad

Sanchez is not only topping the league in goals scored and goal contributions, but she is also breaking records for the Courage. With her 15 goals this season, she broke Lynn Biyendolo's record for most goals in a single season for the club. 

With a brace against Angel City midweek, Sanchez also tied Alex Morgan and Crystal Dunn for most goals scored by an American player in a single season. 

Sanchez will have to battle for her place in an already threatening front three that Hayes believes in, with Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, and Sophia Wilson being the usual starters for the USWNT. Sanchez could make her return to the national team during the October CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers, where Hayes will surely want the consistency that Sanchez has provided for her club.