Man United Women end Chelsea's perfect start to WSL season

Manchester United Women ended Chelsea’s flawless start to the season, holding them to a 1-1 draw in the Women’s Super League at Leigh Sports Village on Friday evening.

United got the game’s first chance inside the third minute, as Ella Toone carried the ball before passing to Elisabeth Terland, whose shot was saved by goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.

Moments later, Chelsea attacked, capitalising on United’s defensive mistake, allowing Catarina Macario to shoot, but Maya Le Tissier blocked her effort.

Aggie Beever-Jones also missed a chance to score before Wieke Kaptein gave the Blues the lead in the ninth minute. Macario backheeled a pass to Kaptein, who applied the finish.

Beever-Jones nearly gifted United the equaliser with a poor back-pass, but Hampton quickly came off the line to make a clearance.

Man United restored parity in the 20th minute, as Toone capitalised on a poor clearance to nod the ball to Anna Sandberg, who picked out the bottom corner.

Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce made a brilliant save to prevent Chelsea from retaking the lead, denying Kaptein from netting her second of the game.

The United goalkeeper was equal to the task again, comfortably saving Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s shot before halftime.


Beever-Jones was close to restoring Chelsea’s lead in the 68th minute, but her shot was deflected by Dominique Janssen.

Moments later, Terland also nearly gave United the lead, receiving a pass from Rolfo, only for her shot to whistle past the far post.

Nine minutes from time, Sjoeke Nusken’s shot from 22 yards was saved by Tullis-Joyce before Hampton denied Malard at the other end.

Tullis-Joyce made another brilliant save in the 88th minute, preventing Walsh from scoring a late-winning goal for Chelsea.

United were awarded a late free kick but could not capitalise on it, ensuring the game ended in a draw.

The Manchester outfit returns to action next Wednesday, facing Valerenga in their first Women’s Champions League match of the season.

Article written by Henry Thornton .