Manchester United defeated Chelsea, holders of the Women’s FA Cup, in a thrilling semi-final, setting up the Wembley final against Tottenham on May 12th.
The result ended Chelsea’s hopes of a treble in Emma Hayes’ final campaign as manager before she became coach of the United States women’s national team in the summer.
United, who lost 1-0 to the Blues in last year’s final, scored within the first 60 seconds at Leigh Sports Village.
Chelsea right-back Eve Perisset made a mistake that allowed Leah Galton to run down the left and her cross was headed at the far post by Lucia Garcia.
The hosts doubled their lead in the 23rd minute when England midfielder Ella Toone showed great skill to avoid a challenge on the left touchline and deliver a cross, which was met by a powerful header from Rachel Williams.
England striker Lauren James gave Chelsea a lifeline in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time, firing powerfully past her Lionesses teammate Mary Earps.
Chelsea pressed for an equalizer but Earps made an excellent save to keep out James’ header and also deny Melanie Leupolz a goal on her 30th birthday.
Catarina Macário’s corner also ricocheted off the post and the hosts came under heavy pressure, but despite the visitors dominating the second half, United held on for an excellent victory and secured a return to Wembley.
Another trophy escapes Chelsea
Sunday’s second semi-final was a repeat of last year’s final, in which Chelsea’s Sam Kerr scored the only goal to beat United in front of 77,390 spectators at Wembley.
The result means that Chelsea, who at one point were aiming for a quadruple, could still end this campaign empty-handed.
They lost after extra time to Arsenal in the League Cup final two weeks ago, ending hopes of a trophy, and now another chance of winning the title has disappeared.
The Blues have won this competition five times, including the last three years in a row, and feel they should have reached their eighth final in 13 seasons.
Chelsea dominated the second half, with the game’s statistics ending strongly in their favor. They had 70% possession, 26 shots to United’s five and eight shots on target against two of their opponents. Chelsea also scored nine corners, against none of the hosts.
But an inspired performance from Earps prevented Chelsea from scoring an equalizer that would have sent the game into extra time. Aggie Beever-Jones hit the side netting in the sixth of the final eight extra minutes as Chelsea failed to score.
The Blues can still secure the double as they are three points behind Manchester City in the Women’s Super League, but they have a game in hand and face Barcelona in the two-legged Champions League semi-final later this month.
More to follow.
