London City Lionesses beat Manchester United in opening WSL match
In Bromley, United Kingdom, London City Lionesses defeated Manchester United 2-1 in the opening match of the Women's Super League season in England. The match took place on September 4. Channel NewsAsia reports.
Goals in the match
The hosts opened the scoring in the ninth minute. Manchester United player Julia Zigiotti Olme headed the ball into her own net following a corner kick.
In the 82nd minute, Dutch player Danielle van de Donk doubled London City's advantage. She converted a low cross from Delphine Cascarino.
Manchester United scored with the final kick of the match: Simi Awujo sent the ball low into the bottom corner. However, the team had no time left to attempt a comeback. For United coach Eva Olid, it was her WSL debut match less than a month after her appointment.
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Coach's remarks and transfers
London City head coach Eder Maestre told Sky Sports that a winning start was important for strengthening the team's confidence. According to him, his team dominated throughout the match and aims to play in this style, even if it requires taking risks.
London City, which was promoted to the top division last season, was active in the transfer market with the support of club owner Michele Kang. The team's new signings include van de Donk, two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas, Barcelona player Mapi Leon and former England goalkeeper Mary Earps.
After the match, London City captain Putellas described the English league as physical and said the team still has work to do. The day before, Kang said that the club's new Nike shirt sponsorship deal was the largest in women's football and exceeded the value of the contracts of some Premier League clubs.
