Aussies Abroad Preview: NWSL stakes getting higher for Westfield Matildas

The race for the National Women's Soccer League Shield may be over, but there's still plenty at stake for your Westfield Matildas over in the United States.

Sam Kerr's Chicago Red Stars will aim to tighten their grip on second place when Utah Royals come calling on Sunday morning, 10am AEST kick-off.

The Red Stars are two points ahead of third-placed Portland Thorns - who travel to Reign FC on Monday morning - although the Thorns have a game in hand.

As Chicago prepare to end the regular season on the high, Kerr will also be out to bolster her tally atop the Golden Boot race.

The 26-year-old broke her own NWSL scoring record of 17 goals with a double against Washington Spirit last Sunday. The nearest challenger to Kerr's 18 goals in North Carolina Courage striker Lynn Williams on 11.

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North Carolina - who clinched their third consecutive NWSL Shield with a win over Utah on Sunday - are the opposition for Amy Harrison, Elise Kellond-Knight and Chloe Logarzo of Washington Spirit.

Sixth-placed Spirit host the Courage at 9am on Sunday requiring a win to keep their bid for the Final series on track.  The team from Washington are currently seven points away from fourth-placed Reign FC, but have three matches to go and one in hand on their top four rivals.

Reign FC players Steph Catley and Lydia Williams are firmly in the hunt for the Final series. Reign secured a big 2-1 win over Utah on Thursday morning to go fourth, and will come up against Westfield Matildas trio Hayley Raso, Ellie Carpenter and Caitlin Foord on Monday morning at 4am. The Thorns, currently third, are aiming to leapfrog Chicago Red Stars into second.

Meanwhile, Alanna Kennedy's Orlando Pride face Sky Blue FC on Monday morning as they look to avoid a last-placed finish. Pride are five points off Sky Blue, but have a match in hand.

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