Chelsea Roar Back: Lionesses Shine in US Tour Win
The reigning Women's Super League champions, Chelsea, kicked off their pre-season tour with a resounding 3-1 victory over reigning National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) champions, Gotham FC, in a highly anticipated friendly at Red Bull Arena on Monday night.
The match, a clash of continental titans, was a spectacle from the outset. The pre-game ceremony featured the ceremonial torch lighting by tennis legend Billie Jean King, while Gotham FC's US women's national team stars proudly displayed their Olympic gold medals. The anticipation was palpable, especially given the presence of former Chelsea players Jess Carter and Ann-Katrin Berger in the Gotham FC ranks.
Despite missing several key players, including their Olympic gold medallists, Gotham FC had just reached the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup final, showcasing their squad depth and match fitness. However, Chelsea, under new head coach Sonia Bompastor, demonstrated their quality early on.
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, the Swedish winger, struck first for the Blues after just seven minutes, setting the tone for a dominant first half. She doubled the lead shortly after, capitalising on a well-timed pass from Aggie Beever-Jones, the young England starlet who shone on her pre-season debut. Beever-Jones then grabbed a goal of her own before the half-hour mark, receiving a precise long ball from Rytting Kaneryd.
Gotham FC managed to pull one back through an unlikely source, Carter, who scored her first goal for the club with a clinical finish from a free-kick. The former Chelsea defender's goal sparked a brief flurry of activity, with Hannah Hampton, the Chelsea goalkeeper, making a crucial save to deny Yazmeen Ryan from equalising. However, the momentum shifted back towards the Blues as substitutions disrupted the flow of the game.
The second half saw a more subdued affair, but Chelsea held on to secure a convincing victory. The impressive performance showcased the potential of the team under Bompastor, particularly the strong showing from their English contingent.
Winners:
Lauren James: The England international, who missed the latter stages of the 2022-23 season due to injury, returned to action and impressed with her pace and attacking threat.
Aggie Beever-Jones: The young forward made a strong impression on her pre-season debut, scoring a goal and showcasing her potential.
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd: The Swedish winger was the driving force behind Chelsea's attacking play, scoring twice and setting up another goal.
Losers:
Sonia Bompastor: The Chelsea head coach may be concerned about injuries following the match, with several players picking up knocks.
Gotham FC's Momentum: Despite their impressive performance in the Summer Cup, the loss could be a blow to their pre-season preparations.
The match provided a positive start to Chelsea's pre-season and served as a reminder of their strength and ambition for the upcoming season. While the Blues celebrated a successful start, concerns remain about the fitness of key players ahead of the new campaign.
