Matildas Abroad Review: Kerr and Sayer score; Fowler bags assist & Wave FC lift NWSL Shield

Taryn Heddo 1697430065,1697770995

It was an action-packed weekend for CommBank Matildas abroad as Emily van Egmond won the NWSL Shield, Sam Kerr and Amy Sayer scored, and Mary Fowler and Courtney Nevin bagged assists.

Catch up on all of the Matildas Abroad action below.

England

Sam Kerr was back to doing what she does best, scoring a header as Chelsea defeated Mackenzie Arnold’s West Ham 2-0 on Sunday morning AEDT. Kerr was back at her best as she started the game before being substituted in the 78^th minute. Arnold started the game but was unable to do anything about a Chelsea side who are beginning to find their rhythm.

Sam Kerr of Chelsea celebrates with Melanie Leupolz (obscured) after scoring the team's first goal during the Barclays Women's Super League match between Chelsea FC and West Ham United at Kingsmeadow on October 14, 2023 in Kingston upon Thames, England. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images) — Sam Kerr of Chelsea celebrates with Melanie Leupolz (obscured) after scoring the team's first goal during the Barclays Women's Super League match between Chelsea FC and West Ham United at Kingsmeadow on October 14, 2023, in Kingston upon Thames, England. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

Leicester City continued their good start to the season, drawing 1-1 away from home with Manchester United. Courtney Nevin played the full match for the Foxes and it was her delivery from a free kick that resulted in Aileen Whelan’s second-half goal.

Mary Fowler played the full game and picked up two assists as Manchester City demolished Bristol City 5-0. All of the goals came in the first half. Dutch international Jill Roord and Jamaican international Khadija “Bunny” Shaw scored two goals apiece.

Jill Roord 20 of Manchester City celebrates her goalduring the Barclays FA Women s Super League match between Manchester City and Bristol City at the Academy Stadium, Manchester on Sunday 15th October 2023. — Jill Roord of Manchester City celebrates her goal with Mary Fowler during the Barclays FA Women's Super League match between Manchester City and Bristol City at the Academy Stadium, Manchester on Sunday 15th October 2023. (Photo: Imago)

Arsenal scored two stoppage-time goals to dramatically defeat Aston Villa 2-1 in front of their home fans and pick up their first three points of the season. Goals to Katie McCabe and Alessia Russo in the 92nd and 94th minutes respectively sent the Emirates Stadium into raptures. Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord started the game for the Gunners, while Kyra Cooney-Cross was an unused substitute.

Tottenham Hotspur were too good for Brighton & Hove Albion as they walked away 3-1 victors. Goals to Martha Thomas, Grace Clinton and Ria Percival meant that Spurs were able to overhaul Brighton’s early goal. Charlie Rule was rewarded for her good form by starting and playing the full match for the Seagulls.

Finally, Clare Wheeler played close to the full game in midfield as Everton defeated local rivals Liverpool 1-0. A first-half goal to Megan Finnigan got the Blues over the line. Teagan Micah was an unused substitute for Liverpool.

Sweden

BK Häcken got the job done against IF Brommapojkarna to stay top of the Damallsvenskan by one point. Their 4-0 win featured a brace from Aisha Masaka. Aivi Luik was an unused substitute for the Swedish side.

Vittsjö GIK were dealt a mighty blow to their European hopes as a second-half penalty to Anam Imo meant that they were defeated by Piteå IF 1-0. Clare Polkinghorne and Charlotte Grant played the full game while Katrina Gorry was unavailable.

Amy Sayer scored her first Damallsvenskan goal to seal victory for Kristianstads DFF over KIF Örebro DFF. The 2-0 win means that with three rounds to go they are in fifth, two points ahead of Vittsjö below them, but six points behind a third-place finish that would qualify them for European football.

Kristianstads DFF's Amy Sayer celebrates her goal in the OBOS Damallsvenskan match between Kristianstads DFF and KIF Örebro DFF. (Photo: Imago)

France

PSG’s game against Reims was forced to be abandoned on the weekend just after half-time as fireworks found their way onto the pitch. Clare Hunt was not part of PSG’s matchday squad.

Ellie Carpenter played the first half as Lyon smashed Saint-Etienne 6-0 thanks to a hattrick for US international Lindsay Horan. It means that Lyon go top of the table, ahead of Paris FC who are also on four wins from four to start the season.

Spain

Hayley Raso started for Real Madrid and played 57 minutes as they defeated Granada 5-2. Granada pulled it back twice before two goals to Sandie Toletti, and a late goal to Signe Bruun pulled Madrid ahead.

USA

The San Diego Wave have secured the NWSL shield after a dramatic final day of results saw them finish first on the regular season ladder. Goals to Jaedyn Shaw and Alex Morgan meant they defeated Racing Louisville 2-0, while a 5-1 defeat of Portland Thorns by Angel City opened the door for them to overtake the Thorns.

San Diego Wave FC goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan (1) and forward Alex Morgan (13) celebrate with teammates after defeating the Racing Louisville FC and becoming the NWSL Shield Champions at Snapdragon Stadium. — San Diego Wave FC celebrates after defeating the Racing Louisville FC and becoming the NWSL Shield Champions at Snapdragon Stadium. (Photo: Imago)

Wave picked up a historic first-ever piece of silverware for their trophy cabinet, making it back-to-back appearances in the NWSL playoffs in their two seasons.

Emily van Egmond started for San Diego and played the full game. Their attention will now turn to the NWSL playoffs.

Mexico

Alex Chidiac was an unused substitute as Tigres UANL defeated Atlético San Luis 1-0 to keep their place on top of the table, with two games to go in the season.