Aussies Abroad: Catley and Williams seal NWSL Playoffs spot as Westfield Matildas duel

Steph Catley and Lydia Williams' Reign FC have secured a  National Women's Soccer League Playoffs spot for the second consecutive year - and bragging rights over Westfield Matildas teammates Hayley Raso, Ellie Carpenter and Caitlin Foord.

Reign FC beat Portland Thorns 2-0 on Monday morning to clinch the final postseason spot, marking the Seattle-based club's third shutout this season over their Cascadia rivals. 

Catley turned in another industrious 90 minute performance from left-back, where her duel with Raso proved to be a real highlight of the encounter.

Raso managed to get clear of her Australian teammate to lift a first-half chip wide, and linked up with Foord to press Reign with great success in the second half.

But Portland were unable to find a response to Jodie Taylor's 27th minute opener, and Bethany Balcer added a second in the 81st minute to maintain Reign's 100% record over Portland in the 2019 season.

Reign finish up the campaign on the road against Orlando Pride on Saturday, with a win in that match and Portland loss against Washington Spirit on the same day moving the club into third on the final standings. 

In this morning's other NWSL match, Alanna Kennedy's Orlando Pride drew 1-1 with Sky Blue FC. 

Shelina Zadorsky opened accounts for Orlando, but a late equaliser from Carli Lloyd ensured a share of the spoils. 

NEWS: Three Matildas unveiled by Sydney FC
NEWS: Roestbakken re-signs for Canberra United
NEWS: Fowler joins Adelaide United