NWSL weekend wrap: Kerr and Simon among the goals

It could prove to be a decisive weekend in the National Women's Soccer League playoffs.

Late drama for Katrina Gorry, another sensational brace from Sam Kerr and a run in with mother nature for Alanna Kennedy and Emily van Egmond highlight this weekend's NWSL wrap.

READ: Raso takes out NWSL Goal of the Week

READ: Re-modelled Foord enjoying life back in NWSL

Here's how our Australian girls in America fared:

Houston Dash 4-0 Washington Spirit

Saturday 10.30am AEST

Clare Polkinghorne and Kyah Simon were on board as Houston Dash kept their playoff hopes alive with a resounding 4-0 win over Washington Spirit on Saturday morning (AEST).

Polkinghorne enjoyed a dominant defensive display from the back while Simon was named on the substitutes bench after nursing an ankle sprain during the week.

But it only took the Westfield Matildas forward a matter of minutes to get on the score-sheet after entering the fray in the 71st minute for Dash skipper Kealia Ohai.

Simon put an exclamation point on an emphatic 4-0 rout for the Dash, powering home in the 84th minute after a beautifully-worked build up from the home side.

The win prolongs finals ambitions for Houston for another week.

Sky Blue FC 2-2 Utah Royals

Sunday 8.30am AEST

A last gasp equaliser from Utah Royals’ Amy Rodriguez saw Katrina Gorry’s side rescue a point after a 2-2 draw with bottom-club Sky Blue.

Rodriguez’s strike at the death came as a dagger to the hearts of Sky Blue, who looked on course for their maiden win of the campaign.

Gorry was an unused substitute as the Royals kept their playoff hopes alive – although two points dropped does not help their cause in the slightest.

Postponed: North Carolina Courage v Orlando Pride

Sunday 9.00am AEST

A severe storm cut short North Carolina Courage’s top of the table clash with Orlando Pride.

The match has been rescheduled for 12:00am (AEST) tomorrow morning, with Alanna Kennedy and Emily van Egmond set to take on the league leaders.

Portland Thorns 2-2 Chicago Red Stars

Sunday 12.30pm AEST

Sam Kerr scored a brace for Chicago Red Stars but a late comeback from Portland Thorns ensures the two sides are neck and neck in the race for the playoffs.

The Westfield Matildas forward opened the scoring in the first half with a fantastic solo run and near post finish and headed home early in the second to put the visitors on course for a big three points.

But Portland fought back through goals from Tobin Heath and Christine Sinclair to salvage a point.

Ellie Carpenter and Hayley Raso both started for Portland, with Raso withdrawn in the 77th minute for Midge Purce.

Caitlin Foord also featured for the Thorns, entering the contest early in the second half for Ana Crnogorcevic.

The result means Kerr’s Chicago have broken into the top four at Orlando Pride’s expense – the Pride take on North Carolina Courage tomorrow at 12.00am (AEST).