Aussies Abroad: Kerr, Foord score as Westfield Matildas thrive in NWSL

Sam Kerr scored a quick-fire double in the battle of the Westfield Matildas as Chicago Red Stars beat Houston Dash to go to the top of the NWSL table.

In her last appearance before joining the Westfield Matildas in camp in Antalya, Turkey, Kerr scored twice inside the first 13 minutes as the Reds Stars ran out 2-1 winners in Texas.

Kerr’s opener came as she broke into the area to receive the ball and rounded keeper Jane Campbell before slotting it in between two despairing defenders.

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Just a few minutes later and she had a second, evading the challenge of compatriot Clare Polkinghorne – who played 90 minutes for Dash – racing clear and finishing clinically.

The brace took Kerr’s tally to six for the campaign and she leads the goal-scorers charts as she chases a third straight Golden Boot in the NWSL.

Sydney FC championship-winner Sofia Huerta scored Houston’s goal on 26 minutes but there would be no comeback for the hosts.

WATCH: See Kerr's first-half double in the win over Houston!

Foord’s goal not enough for Portland in the capital

Amy Harrison and Chloe Logarzo’s Washington Spirit inflicted a first loss of the season on Portland Thorns, winning 3-1 at Maureen Hendricks Field in Maryland.

Harrison, who played at left-back, set-up Spirits opening goal on 16 minutes with a sublime defence-splitting pass to tee-up Ashley Hatch.

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An own goal doubled Washington’s lead early in the second half before Caitlin Foord gave the Thorns hope 23 minutes from the end.

Foord heading in from close range after a bit of a scramble in the Spirit box for her third goal of the campaign.

But Jordan Di Biasi restored Washington’s two-goal buffer soon after and they were able to hold on for the win that catapults them up to fourth on the NWSL table.

Both Foord and Ellie Carpenter played the full 90 minutes for Portland, while Hayley Raso was an unused substitute.

WATCH: All the highlights from Spirit's win over the Thorns

Catley helps Reign break their drought

Reign FC have broken through for their first win of the NWSL season, with Steph Catley playing her part in the win over Sky Blue FC.

Raquel Rodriguez had given Sky Blue an early lead but Reign hit back almost immediately through an own goal.

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Catley was replaced at the break but it was her Melbourne City teammate Jodie Taylor who would have the final say, grabbing the winner for Reign FC 12 minutes from the end.

Westfield Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams watched from the bench for Reign FC.