NWSL (USA)

The second week of NWSL play has finished up. There were seven Australians who played in highly competitive matches having all of the games end in ties or games decided by just one goal.

The Chicago Red Stars had their home opener against the Portland Thorns to start off the week for the NWSL. The Red Stars got out to an early 1-0 lead in the 18th minute then just two minutes later, Sam Kerr was able to double the lead.

The Thorns were trying to play the ball out of their defence when Kerr applied some pressure and forced a turnover just outside the 18-yard box. She took two touches then slid the ball just under the diving goalkeeper.

The game turned into a goal frenzy with eight goals in total. The Thorns were up in the 90th minute, 4-3 when Kerr had an opportunity to level the score right at the penalty marker.  The shot was blocked, but her teammate Yuki Nagasato was able to one touch the loose ball into the back of the net.

The game ended in a 4-4 tie giving the Red Stars their second tie on the season (0-0-2) and the Thorns their first tie (1-0-1). The game also marked Kerr’s 100th career game in the NWSL.

Ellie Carpenter and Caitlin Foord put in a full 90 minutes for the Thorns while Hayley Raso is still not with the team.

Sky Blue FC was looking for their first win of the season when they hosted the Houston Dash. 

Clare Polkinghorne got the starting nod for the Dash and played the full game while Kyah Simon was an unused sub for the Dash.

Goalkeepers on both sides were able to make save after save, but a goal in the 83rd minute for the Dash was all the team needed to win the game 1-0.

Utah Royals FC opened their 2019 campaign against the Washington Spirit and the Royals got off to a quick start scoring a goal in the 10th minute.