Midweek NWSL wrap: Orlando falter, Houston come from behind

A swag of Aussies featured in midweek NWSL action, with plenty of big results around the ground.

Second place Orlando Pride stumbled, three sides below them failed to take advantage and last-place rescued a point from 12 yards.

READ: Westfield Matildas star's stunning goal in NWSL

Check out all the news in our NWSL wrap.

PORTLAND THORNS v SKY BLUE FC

A late penalty rescued a point for Sky Blue FC and cancelled out an earlier Portland goal to make the final score 1-1.

Young Westfield Matildas fullback Ellie Carpenter played a full game for Portland but was unable to help keep a clean sheet and secure all three points.

The result ensures Thorns maintain their place inside the top four but missed the chance to jump as high as second after second-place Orlando failed to win. 

Aussie midfielder Hayley Raso continued her return from injury, coming off the bench in the second-half to a rousing reception to a home Portland crowd.

It was a record Portland Thorns home crowd - 18,237 people turned out for the 1-all draw.

UTAH ROYALS v SEATTLE REIGN

There was plenty of opportunities but no goals in Utah as the Royals and Seattle Reign played out a 0-0 draw.

Both sides started the night inside the top four and coming off defeats last weekend so were intent of giving nothing away.

Westfield Matildas playmaker Katrina Gorry was one of the best for Utah, playing 90 minutes and at the heart of many of their promising attacks.

But she was unable to help her side get past a stubborn Seattle defence, led by Steph Catley, who also go through a full game and picked up a yellow card just before the hour mark.

Despite being in excellent form and saving a penalty on the weekend, Lydia Williams was left on the bench for the Reign, who continue to swap between the Aussie shot-stopper and Michelle Betos.

ORLANDO PRIDE v HOUSTON DASH

Orlando Pride’s impressive run of form in the NWSL has come to a halt after conceding two late goals to go down 2-1 against Houston Dash.

The Pride, who had lost just one of their last 10 games, appeared on track for another three points as they lead 1-0 with 11 minutes to go following Alex Morgan’s first-half goal.

But the Dash – who had Westfield Matildas defender Clare Polkinghorne in defence – scored twice in the space of four minutes to steal victory at Orlando City Stadium.

Kealia Ohai’s cross-turned-shot levelled the scores on 79 minutes before Sofia Huerta scored a penalty soon after for the visitors.

Alanna Kennedy, who scored one of the goals of the season on the weekend, played a full match for the Pride in midfield.

Fellow Westfield Matildas Emily van Egmond (Pride) and Kyah Simon (Dash) were both unused subs for their respective sides.