Sam Kerr scored the winner as Chelsea clinched a spot in the English Women’s FA Cup final with a 1-0 victory over Emily Gielnik’s Aston Villa in Sunday’s semi-final.
Kerr scored the game’s only goal in the 59th minute, nodding home in trademark style with a close-range header from Guro Reiten’s cross from the left-side of the box.
The Matildas skipper should have put the game out of sight in the 79th minute when she volleyed wide from near the penalty spot.
She also spurned a 94th minute chance with Villa pressing for an equalizer, with Kerr bursting forward in a one-on-one only to shoot straight at the opposition keeper.
Kerr’s Chelsea will take on Manchester United in the final on May 13 after the Red evils beat Lydia Williams‘ Brighton & Hove Albion 3-2 on Saturday.
Williams played a full game in the loss, making an excellent first-half save to tip over Alessia Russo’s volley.
In France’s Feminine Division 1, Ellie Carpenter put in a full shift as Olympique Lyon won 2-0 over Paris FC.
Others
Full games
Kyra Cooney-Cross (Hammarby), Matilda McNamara (Aarhus), Larissa Crummer (Brann)
Minutes
Chelsie Dawber – ST 63 (Norrkoping), Alex Chidiac – SB 79 (Louisville), Winonah Heatley – SB 63 (Nordsjaelland), Jacynta Galabadaarachchi – SB 87 (Celtic)
Notable absentees
Emily van Egmond (San Diego Wave – back injury)
