Man City Women Hit Chelsea with Dramatic WFA Cup Comeback
Khadija Shaw of Manchester City celebrates scoring her teams third goal during the Adobe Womens FA Cup Semi Final Photo by Jasper WaxGetty Images
Man City Women overcame a two-goal deficit to force extra time and beat Chelsea 3-2, securing an Adobe WFA Cup Final showdown with Brighton at Wembley Stadium on 31 May.
City goalkeeper Khiara Keating pulled off a flying save in the first minute to stop Alyssa Thompson and was almost caught off her line by Lauren James from 30 yards.
But a deflected effort sent Keating the wrong way and helped Erin Cuthbert score on her 300th appearance for Chelsea.
Chelsea v Manchester City Adobe Women's FA Cup Semi Final
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 10:
Erin Cuthbert of Chelsea scores the opening goal Photo by Jasper WaxGetty Images
Sam Kerr thought she had made it 2-0 for the holders just 90 seconds later, but the ball was judged to have gone out before Ellie Carpenter crossed it.
Khadija Shaw had a good chance for the visitors, but it sailed way over the bar, while Laura Blindkilde Brown nearly equalised with the help of a big deflection, only for Hannah Hampton to leap and make the save.
Jade Rose had to clear off the line for Manchester City, but Chelsea did have their second goal before the hour mark as Keating fumbled James’ cross and Kerr had a free header into an empty net.
Kerr had a second goal disallowed, this time for offside, and with four minutes of the 90 left, substitute Mary Fowler made a swift impact by whipping the ball into the corner of the Chelsea goal from outside the box.
Then in added time Chelsea’s lead was gone, Shaw delivering a clinical finish on the turn late past Hannah Hampton.
City completed the turnaround in extra time as Chelsea gave away possession and Yui Hasegawa crossed for Shaw to head home her second goal.
Sandy Baltimore struck the angle of the post and bar from a Chelsea corner, and Keating tipped Sjoeke Nusken’s header onto the crossbar.
Enjoying our women’s football news?
Take a look inside the latest issue of Her Goal Magazine, packed with exclusive interviews, player features and in-depth stories from across the women’s game.
Her Goal Magazine Issue 5 cover featuring Kirsty Hanson
Discover more stories, interviews and features from the world of women’s football — including players, teams and posters... loads more of what you’re reading about here.
Also available at TG Jones, WHSmith, Asda, Morrisons and independent newsagents.