United Beyond Manchester

The Manchester United Women’s team had never beaten Chelsea until yesterday. Marc Skinner’s side pulled off a stunning win by taking the game early and defending well. Last year’s Final has now been avenged, as Emma Hayes and Chelsea will not remain holders of the trophy.

Lucia Garcia put the Reds up 1-0 in the 41st second of the match with a close-range header. Leah Galton latched onto a poor back pass, took a few touches, and played a brilliant ball across to the back post. Garcia headed the ball across Hannah Hampton into the back of the net and United were off to a flying start.

United doubled the lead through a second header, this time from Rachel Williams, in the 23rd minute. Ella Toone worked brilliantly on the outside to retain possession and set up a crossing opportunity. The cross itself was magnificent. Toone drove the ball in over the first Chelsea defender and onto the head of Williams. The United striker then found the net brilliantly as she headed the ball down into the corner to put the Reds 2-0 up against her former side.

Former Red Lauren James grabbed one back for Chelsea before the break on a ball cut back through the middle.

Despite finding a way back in, Chelsea was unable to beat Mary Earps in the second half. Earps denied James a second goal with an incredible full-stretch save in the 50th minute. The United keeper showed why she is one of the world’s best with a one-handed save for the ages.

Catarina Macario hit the bar directly from a corner in the 81st minute in what was nearly an incredible leveler. In the 97th minute, Chelsea’s final attempt fell harmlessly behind for a goal kick, and the ensuing kick from Earps was the final action of the match. The United team, staff, and fans erupted as the historic victory over Chelsea was finalized, and a spot in the Final was earned.

Everyone involved on the Manchester United side should be extremely proud, but they know the job is not finished. Last season, the Reds lost the Final 1-0 at Wembley to Chelsea. On May 12th, Manchester United will face Tottenham for another shot at the trophy.

This is our team’s year.