Sam Kerr’s spectacular goal helped Chicago Red Stars secure a huge 2-1 win against reigning National Women’s Soccer League champions North Carolina Courage on Monday morning (AEST).
The stage for a big occasion in Chicago’s Toyota Park was set pre-game with Courage requiring a win to regain the competition lead off Portland Thorns, while Kerr’s Red Stars needed three points to ignite their title ambitions.
And courtesy of a sublime piece of skill from the Australian captain – who brought the house down with her 56th minute match-winner - Rory Dames’ side did exactly that.
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Receiving a pass from teammate Katie Johnson, Kerr flicked the ball back through the legs of Courage and New Zealand stalwart Abby Erceg with the outside of her right foot, before taking a touch and finishing underneath ‘keeper Stephanie Labbe.
It is Kerr’s 10th goal of the season, and a strike which lifts Chicago into third position on the NWSL ladder, two points below North Carolina in second, and three away from leaders Portland Thorns.
Earlier, Courage striker Lynn Williams had broken the deadlock in the 30th minute, before Chicago hit back seven minutes later via Vanessa DiBernardo.
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