Taegeuk Nangja Round-up 26th April

The past week saw Ji So-yun in action in the UEFA Women's Champions League semi-finals, while Cho So-hyun had a disappointing afternoon for her club in the FA Women's Super League. All that and more in Shibajee Das' women's football round-up.

Image via FC Bayern Frauen

Work to do for Ji's Blues

On Sunday, Chelsea took on Bayern Munich in the UEFA Women's Champions League semi-final first leg, with both sides aiming to reach their maiden final.

The Londoners were coming into this match on the back of a 1-1 draw against title rivals Manchester City in the domestic league. Ji So-yun started in her usual midfield role for Chelsea, as Emma Hayes' troops conceded a 12th-minute goal to Sydney Lohmann. The Blues were right back in the contest when a free-kick resulted in the ball ricocheting off Melanie Leupolz in the 22nd minute. 

Swedish wing-back Hanna Glas restored Bayern's lead early in the second half. Ji came closest to grabbing a second away goal for Chelsea when her shot from the edge of the box came back off the crossbar with the keeper beaten all ends up.

What an effort by @jsy0341 who rattles the crossbar! 😭 #CFCW #UWCL pic.twitter.com/6M0ePD5U2y

— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) April 25, 2021

Ultimately, Chelsea suffered a 2-1 defeat but take a priceless away goal back home with the second leg scheduled to be played on Sunday, 2nd May. 

   

Red Devils give Spurs a torrid time

Cho So-hyun's Tottenham Hotspur suffered a comprehensive 4-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester United in the FA Women's Super League on Sunday.

Cho was taken off at half-time, with United leading 3-0 at the break. The second half witnessed a goal apiece as United were ultimately too good for Tottenham on the day. Ella Toone (two), Christen Press and Jessica Sigsworth were on the scoresheet for Manchester United, whereas Alana Kennedy's late free-kick proved to be scant consolation for Spurs.

Tottenham Hotspur is eighth in the league table, with two matches of the season remaining.

Gotham girls on a roll

Lee So-dam's NJ/NY Gotham FC secured a stunning last-gasp NWSL Challenge Cup victory at home, to continue their perfect record so far. 

It was Gotham's first home match of the season, as they faced a tough test against defending champions North Carolina Courage. However, they passed the test and came out with flying colours. Lee So-dam started in midfield for the second game running and was at the heart of much of the good things for the home side. She was on the pitch for 78 minutes, with the match finely poised at that point.

Margaret Purce had opened the scoring for the hosts in the 18th minute, but Debinha's quickfire brace gave NC Courage the lead. Purce equalized for Gotham and Carli Lloyd put them 3-2 ahead just past the half-hour mark. Jessica McDonald struck for the visitors in the 50th minute, in what turned out to be a topsy-turvy contest.

But it was Gotham FC who had the last laugh as Evelyne Viens' 92nd minute-winner ensured their stay at the top of the table. Not a bad way to start life in new surroundings for Lee So-dam!