LONDON, 21 MAR — The Women’s Super League (WSL) race for a top three Champions League qualification tightens. Chelsea dropped points to London City Lionesses, at The Den 1-1, after a screamer from Isobel Goodwin.
It was a disappointing first half for London City, but they came roaring back in the last 45 minutes to bat down Chelsea’s scrambling line-up.
After three back-to-back corners and a goal-shattering save by Scottish national Erin Cuthbert, London City’s persistence won in the 81st minute after Goodwin slid in for a header.
“It’s positive to have a point today,” said Delphine Casterinos, Barclay’s player of the match. “It was a really tough game, so we were brave and we didn’t give up at the end. We kept going to push, and that’s why we scored at the last minute.”
The Blues led strongly in the first half with an early goal in the 22nd minute by Swedish forward Johanna Rytting Kaneryd. London City goalkeeper Elene Lete came far off her line to block Chelsea, but Kaneryd slid past the Spanish national for an easy roll into the net after an assist from Cuthbert.
Chelsea made major line-up moves throughout the second half, with Alyssa Thompson moving to the right wing from the left and Cuthbert moving to right-back.
“I think we started the game very well,” said Kaneryd. “I think we probably could’ve scored another goal in the first half.”
The Blues are currently missing Matildas Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter as they complete the Asian Cup today as runners-up to Japan. Aggie Beever-Jones left the field today in the 60th minute with an ankle injury.
London City has lost their last three matches, and they now level with Everton at 20 points in sixth place on the WSL league table.
Chelsea drop to third with 37 points as Arsenal breathe down their necks at 35 points after the completion of today’s matches.
The Blues clash with the Gooners this Tuesday in a Champions League match at the Emirates.
Their WSL journey continues on Sunday against Aston Villa at Kingsmeadow.
