NWSL (USA)

Sam Kerr’s Chicago Red Stars played two matches in week 15.

The mid-week match saw the Red Stars travel to a rain-soaked North Carolina, where they battled the weather and the league-leading NC Courage in a 4-1 loss.

Kerr started the match as the lone striker and was uncharacteristically frustrated from squandering more than her share of goal-scoring opportunities.

Two days later in Chicago’s second match of the week, Kerr was back to her old goal-scoring self. “The Wonder Down Under” put on a show in New Jersey scoring a hat trick against her former team Sky Blue in a 3-1 victory.

Kerr now leads the NWSL with eight goals, bringing her all-time goal scoring record to 51 career goals.

Utah Royals suffered their worst loss in club history, as they were defeated 4-0 at the Portland Thorns.

In the 57th minute, Utah midfielder Katrina Gorry hit a laser from 22-yards out to the far-post, but a diving save from Portland’s goalkeeper kept the shutout in place.

Watch Gorry’s attempt on goal:

Striker Hayley Raso started for the first time in Portland since coming back from injury.

While not involved in the scoring, Raso worked hard on offence and defence and using her speed to keep Utah off balance. After being subbed out at the 85th minute, Raso received a rousing ovation from the 17,900-plus fans.

For the second game in a row, Ellie Carpenter started in the Portland backline. Not only putting in the defensive work, Carpenter in the 59th minute hit a right-footed shot from long range, however Utah’s goalkeeper made a critical save to keep the Aussie off the scoreboard.

Watch highlights from Portland Thorns vs. Utah Royals:

Orlando Pride captured a “must-win” at home against Washington Spirit 2-1.

Orlando’s Alanna Kennedy has found new chemistry with striker Sydney Leroux. The two teamed up on more than a few plays including in first-half stoppage time when Kennedy connected with Leroux for the equalizing goal.

In the 80th minute, Brazilian striker Marta delivered a corner kick to Kennedy, whose header from 12 yards out hit the crossbar.

A back-and-forth affair fed right into the hands of Emily van Egmond, who helped dictate the quick pace and kept the midfield compact and organized throughout.

Watch highlights from Orlando Pride vs. Washington Spirit:

Seattle Reign won an important home victory over Houston Dash, 3-1.

After giving up an early goal on a set piece, Lydia Williams and her defence, including Steph Catley at leftback, settled down the pace.

Williams ended up having three saves while Catley was responsible for Seattle’s resurgence in the latter part of the first half.

It was an Aussie 1v1 as Catley marked Houston striker Kyah Simon for most of the game. Simon was subbed out at the 73rd minute.

Houston Head Coach Vera Pauw experimented with Clare Polkinghorne in the previous match, starting her at centerback. Against Seattle however, Polkinghorne comfortably led the attack from the center midfield.

 

UWS (USA)

Grand Rapids' final game in the regular season was another big win. They defeated Fort Wayne Gryphons 7-1. Cindy Lay scored a first-half hat trick and will look to continue this rich goal scoring form in the post-season. 

DAMALLSVENSKAN (SWEDEN)

It wasn't a great week for the Aussies in Sweden. Elise Kellond-Knight played a full match in Hammarby's 1-0 loss to Kristianstads. 

Meanwhile, Aivi Luik got on the scoresheet via a late penalty but it wasn't enough as IFK Kalmar lost 3-2 to Göteborg. 

TOPPSERIEN (NORWAY) 

The Norwegian league is currently on summer vacation but just before the break, Mackenzie Arnold's Arna-Bjørnar beat Avaldsnes 4-1 in a catch-up fixture. 

NPL (AUSTRALIA) 

In Victoria, Laura Alleway continues to score, adding a ninth to her season tally in Galaxy United's 2-1 win over Calder United. 

Up in NSW, Chloe Logarzo and Blacktown Spartans lost 4-0 to Sydney University.

Eliza Campbell was between the sticks for the Northern Tigers in their 2-2 draw with Bankstown City, while Casey Dumont kept a clean sheet as her North Shore Mariners defeated the Emerging Jets 6-0.