- Manchester City beat Chelsea 3-2 in extra-time
Sam Kerr’s dreams of a fourth FA Cup triumph with Chelsea ended in dramatic fashion – and Matildas teammate Mary Fowler was a big reason why.
Manchester City progressed to the final following a 3-2 victory at Stamford Bridge, despite the Blues being in cruise control late in the second half, up 2-0.
An individual effort from Fowler in the 86th minute gave the Citizens hope, and they went on to win in extra time following a brace from Khadija Shaw.
Kerr was on the scoresheet – her 19th goal in 17 matches in the competition – but also had another one disallowed.
The result meant Kerr, who has signed for Denver next season in America’s NWSL, was denied a Wembley swansong.
Fowler and her teammates will face Brighton, who stunned Liverpool by the same score in the other semi-final.
Sam Kerr’s (pictured, middle) dreams of a fourth FA Cup triumph with Chelsea ended in dramatic fashion – and Matildas teammate Mary Fowler was a big reason why
Manchester City progressed to the final following a 3-2 victory at Stamford Bridge, with Mary Fowler (pictured, left) on the scoresheet late in the second half
Fowler’s Manchester City will take on Brighton in the FA Cup final at Wembley, with the Seagulls coached by former Socceroo Dario Vidosic
The Seagulls are coached by former Socceroo Dario Vidosic, who could become the first Australian manager to lead an English team to FA Cup glory.
Current Matildas coach Joe Montemurro previously guided Arsenal to two FA Cup finals – but lost both matches.
Vidosic, 39, left Australian shores as Melbourne City’s A-League Women-winning boss.
He was beaming with pride after Brighton battled back from 2-0 down after 22 minutes before a stoppage-time clincher.
‘It is a nice feeling when almost the last kick of the game hits the back of the net and sends us to Wembley,’ Vidosic said after substitute Nadine Noordam struck a dramatic 95th minute winner at Liverpool’s St Helens home.
‘The message to the girls will be ‘enjoy this moment, they deserve this moment.’
Vidosic added: ‘We want to continuously get better, and we want to go undefeated for the rest of the season.’
Matildas star Charli Rule is also on Brighton’s books.
