Westfield Matildas Abroad: Aussies steal the show in the NWSL

Westfield Matildas' star Sam Kerr has continued her sensational run of form following a clutch late winner in the National Women's Soccer League this morning.

Kerr scored in the 87th minute to hand Chicago Red Stars a priceless 1-0 win over Seattle Reign at Toyota Park's top of the table NWSL clash, breaking the hearts of Australia teammates Lydia Williams and Steph Catley in the process.

The Red Stars needed a win to boost their semi-final credentials alive in what is proving to be a thrilling race for the top four.

But with the scores locked at 0-0 as full time approached the contest appeared destined for a repeat of their scoreless draw back in May.

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However, Kerr had other ideas.

With the Seattle defence pushing up-field following a goal kick, the 2018 Australian of the Year raced onto a header from Japanese striker Yuki Nagasato before bolting into the area and sliding a composed finish past Reign keeper Michelle Betos.

It was the 24-year-old's ninth strike of the season and could prove to be her most important contribution of the campaign so far. The Chicago club now hold a five point gap on fifth-placed Portland Thorns who play Houston Dash tomorrow afternoon.

Kerr wasn't the only Westfield Matildas' star who enjoyed a superb match in America's top flight earlier this morning.

Alanna Kennedy has been sensational for Orlando Pride in recent weeks and the Australian midfielder was once again in formidable nick as the Pride consolidated their top-four spot with a 2-1 victory over Katrina Gorry's Utah Royals.

Gorry's side entered the clash in sixth and hunting for a win to remain in the semi-finals hunt and were given the perfect start when Amy Rodriguez opened the scoring after eight minutes.

Kennedy's tenacity in the middle of the park soon tipped the balance in Orlando's favour, and the 23-year-old went close to grabbing an equaliser midway through the opening half after causing havoc at a corner.

Kennedy's prowess from set pieces has been a valuable attacking instrument for the Pride this season and that proved itself once again when she was fouled in the penalty area from another Orlando corner on the cusp of half time.

Alex Morgan restored parity from the penalty spot for Kennedy's side and a delightful chipped finish from Kristen Edmonds shortly after the interval saw Orlando claim a vital 2-1 win.

Emily van Egmond and Katrina Gorry were both unused substitutes for Orlando and Utah respectively.

In the other NWSL affair this weekend, North Carolina Courage hammered bottom club Sky Blue 4-0 courtesy of a Lynn Williams hat-trick.

Westfield Matildas are back in the spotlight tomorrow when Hayley Raso and Ellie Carpenter take on Kyah Simon and Clare Polkinghorne, as Portland Thorns host Houston Dash at 1.00pm AEST.

Matches can be live-streamed at nwslsoccer.com