Even if you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know keeping Sam Kerr quiet in the National Women’s Soccer League has been an impossible task of late.
But Australian teammate Steph Catley is bound to give stopping the Westfield Matildas captain a red-hot crack when Reign FC welcome Kerr’s Chicago Red Stars on Monday morning (6am AEST).
RECAP: Raso scores double for five-star Portland
Kerr has been in inspired form since her return from the 2019 World Cup, netting four goals in her last four matches, the most recent of which was a stunning winner against North Carolina Courage.
That 2-1 victory over the reigning champions sets up Monday’s clash very nicely indeed, with Reign (fifth) and the Red Stars (fourth) entering the clash level on points and goal difference.
Also on Monday, Houston Dash host Sky Blue needing a response to their crushing 5-0 defeat to league-leaders Portland on Thursday.
Hayley Raso scored a double as a Dash team missing the defensive presence of Clare Polkinghorne were blown away by the Thorns, who consigned Houston to their fourth defeat in their last five.
The club’s run of form has left them in seventh position, four points shy of a fourth-place Chicago side occupying the final playoffs spot.
It means beating bottom-club Sky Blue is a matter of crucial importance for the Dash if they are to keep alive their fight for silverware. Kick-off in that one is at 10.30am AEST.
RECAP: Kerr’s spectacular double nutmeg goal fires Red Stars over Courage
RECAP: Westfield Matildas help Orlando Pride break season-long drought
Meanwhile, Utah Royals host North Carolina Courage on Sunday midday (12pm AEST kick-off).
The Courage will be eyeing all three points to remain on the tail of leaders Portland, while Utah Royals require a win to keep on the tail of Chicago.
