NWSL wrap: Carpenter creates more history with goal for Thorns

Westfield Matildas youngster Ellie Carpenter has become the youngest-ever player to score a goal in America’s National Women’s Soccer League on Sunday (AEST).

The 18-year-old, who became the youngest player to play an NWSL match earlier this month, went one better by scoring the winner as Portland Thorns overcame Washington Spirit.

Carpenter came on 19 minutes after the break for the Thorns and took just five minutes to make an impact.

She started the move by winning the ball in her own half before Tobin Heath raced clear down the right wing.

The US international’s low delivery into the box fell perfectly for the Westfield Matildas defender, who had run 50 metres downfield to get on the end of the cross and finish from close range.

WATCH THE GOAL IN THE TWEET BELOW

That’s all the Thorns needed to register their first win in over a month.

The result moved Portland into the top four ahead of the next match against Katrina Gorry’s Utah Royals next weekend.

Gorry was also in action on Sunday, with her Royals also coming away with a 1-0 win over Kyah Simon’s Houston Dash.

Erika Tymrak scored her first goal of the season for Utah six minutes after the break as they registered just their second win of the campaign.

Gorry played the full 90 minutes for the Royals, who are now on a five-game unbeaten run, while Simon was unable to add to her goal and assist in her last two games for the Dash, substituted after 72 minutes.

Elsewhere and there was three Westfield Matildas in action as Lydia Williams and Steph Catley’s Seattle Reign hosted Sam Kerr’s Chicago Red Stars.

And it was Williams who stole the show, pulling off four crucial saves to ensure Reign came away with a goalless draw, picking up player-of-the-match honours in the process.

After starting the season on the bench, Williams has now started the last two games with Seattle picking up a win and draw in that span.

All three Westfield Matildas got through 90 minutes for their respective sides, with Seattle staying in second spot, while the Red Stars are fifth.