Sam Kerr scored a double, gave an assist and led Chicago Red Stars to a huge 3-1 win over reigning National Women’s Soccer League champions North Carolina Courage.
The 2018 Championship and Shield winners, Courage had not lost a match since a 1-0 defeat to Utah Royals on June 16 last year but were gunned down by red-hot Westfield Matilda Kerr at Toyota Park, Chicago on Monday morning (AEST).
Kerr scored the 2019 NWSL season’s first goal against North Carolina in a 1-1 draw back in April, and she struck again to slide the opener underneath Courage ‘keeper Katelyn Rowland after racing onto Yuki Nagasato’s ball – the ninth time Brisbane Roar's Japanese maestro has assisted the Perth Glory forward for a goal since they joined forces at the start of last season.
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Feature image: www.nwslsoccer.com
The visitors equalised via Lynn Williams, but from there they were at the mercy of the Australian superstar striker.
A deft Kerr header allowed Michele Vasconcelos to strike from outside the area, and the 25-year-old iced the contest in the third minute of stoppage time with a wonderful solo goal (see video below).
The result ushers the Red Stars into third position, where they are tied on eight points with North Carolina and Portland Thorns.
Houston Dash, featuring Clare Polkinghorne and Kyah Simon, are top with 10 points after five matches.
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