NWSL Preview: Kerr and Simon set to collide

An intriguing weekend awaits in the National Women's Soccer League with Westfield Matildas players set to star in three matches on Sunday morning (AEST).

Following her goalscoring performance against Portland midweek, Kyah Simon and the Houston Dash are off to Chicago to face Sam Kerr and the Red Stars. 

The clash will be the third meeting between the two sides this season, with Chicago holding sway to date, claiming a 3-0 win in week four, which followed a 1-1 stalemate in the opening round.

Kerr also comes into the game full of confidence after netting her first goal of the season in the Red Stars gutsy 1-1 draw with ladder-leaders North Carolina Courage.

Emily van Egmond, Alanna Kennedy and Ellie Carpenter will all be looking to back up from midweek action when Portland Thorns host Orlando Pride at Providence Park.

After making history by becoming the youngest player in NWSL history, Carpenter will be looking to break into the Thorns starting XI. Standing in her way are Kelli Hubly, Katherine Reynolds, and Emily Sonnett, who all sit inside the top four for clearances made in the NWSL this season.

Kennedy and van Egmond have been imperious in midfield for the Pride, with the team undefeated since the duo returned from the 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup.

History will be on the Thorns side for the clash, with Portland yet to taste defeat against Orlando, winning five of their six matches (5W, 1D).

Defensive duo Steph Catley and Lydia Williams will be hoping to make their home debuts for Seattle Reign when they host Sky Blue FC.

Catley has been an ever-present, playing 90 minutes against both Orlando and Portland, while Williams will be looking to make her first start this campaign.

NWSL Fixtures

Portland Thorns v Orlando Pride
Providence Park, Portland
6:30 am AEST, Sunday 13 May

Chicago Red Stars v Houston Dash
Toyota Park, Bridgeview
11:00 am AEST, Sunday 13 May

Seattle Reign FC v Sky Blue FC
UW Medicine Pitch at Memorial Stadium, Seattle
1:00 pm AEST, Sunday 13 May

 Matches can be live-streamed at nwslsoccer.com.