Sunday 14th September | CopperJax Community Stadium
London City Lionesses were beaten 5–1 by Manchester United in front of a sellout crowd at the CopperJax Community Stadium, as the team continued their opening run of Barclays Women’s Super League fixtures.
It was a special occasion for London City, as today’s fixture was the first time the club had played at home in the WSL, recording a record-breaking attendance. Today’s game also saw our latest signing Grace Geyoro make her debut for the club.
United made the perfect start when captain Maya Le Tissier converted from the penalty spot in the second minute. London City responded well, finding their rhythm and forcing Phallon Tullis-Joyce into a series of strong saves.
The visiting goalkeeper denied Alanna Kennedy in the 13th minute after an excellent cutback from Corrales, before keeping out Saki Kumagai’s header from a Kosovare Asllani corner in the 17th minute. She was called into action again five minutes later, this time stopping Izzy Goodwin’s close-range header.
After a strong spell from the hosts, United extended their lead just before half-time when Jayde Riviere struck powerfully into the roof of the net.
The visitors added two quick goals early in the second half through Melvine Malard (47’ and 50’) to put themselves in a commanding position.
London City pulled one back shortly after, with Nikita Parris heading home from an accurate Asllani cross to reward the team’s persistence in attack.
The Red Devil’s restored their four-goal cushion when Jess Park produced a fine solo effort, finishing from distance to complete the scoring.
It has been a demanding start to WSL life for the London City, who have faced Arsenal and Manchester United in their first two fixtures.
Attention now turns to Friday night’s trip to Goodison Park to face Everton.
The next time we are in action at the CopperJax Community Stadium is on Sunday 5th October, as we host Liverpool in the WSL.
Teamsheet: Lete, Fernández, Corrales (Lindström 56’), Kumagai, Asllani, Roddar (Geyoro 77’), Parris (Franssi 77’), Zelem (Pérez 56’), Goodwin, Imuran, Kennedy (Sangaré 67’).