Page 8 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No. 15 2020-21

Chelsea will be in a remarkably similar position to that after the first leg of the quarter finals,
after the first match in their UEFA Women’s Champions League semi final against Bayern
Munich ended in a 2-1 defeat.
The Blues’ bid to be the first English club to win the trophy for fourteen years is in the
balance but will take an away goal into the match when the sides meet again at Kingsmeadow
on Sunday.
Bayern were ahead with twelve minutes on the clock, when a Hanna Glas cross was
palmed away by Ann-Katrin Berger but only as far as Sydney Lohmann, who was on hand to
head into the net.
Chelsea’s response was a good one, albeit with a slice of luck which brought them a
valuable goal. Guro Reiten delivered a free kick into the area where Marina Hegering’s clearance
hit Melanie Leupolz in the face and looped back over a stranded Laura Benkarth for the
equaliser.
Bayern were to score again early in the second half, this time in spectacular fashion. Glas
cut in from the right on 56 minutes and unleashed an unstoppable shot from 25 yards into the
top corner of the net, giving Berger no chance.
Chelsea were looking lively going forward though with substitute Beth England going
close with a header. Ji So-Yun almost provided a breakthrough shortly afterwards with a
powerful strike which came back off the bar.
England headed over from a Millie Bright cross but Chelsea could not break down the
Bayern defence and had to settled for a defeat on the day, but still very much in the tie overall.
The other semi final also has everything to play for in the second leg this week, after
Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona battled out a 1-1 draw.

Manchester City can confirm that Gemma Bonner has left the Club, with the defender joining
NWSL side Racing Louisville on a two-year deal with an option for a third year.
The 29-year-old England international joined City in the summer of 2018 after six years
with Liverpool and went on to make 69 appearances in all competitions, scoring 11 goals from
defence and helping the team to two Women’s FA Cup successes and one Continental Tyres Cup
during that time.
The centre half will now depart the Academy Stadium however, with her next port of call
being the Lynn Family Stadium ahead of the start of the upcoming National Women’s Soccer
League season.
Speaking about her departure, Bonner said: “After two-and-a-half years in Manchester,
I have taken the difficult decision to leave Manchester City and accept an offer from Racing
Louisville for a new challenge in my career.
“Manchester City is a fantastic club and I have been grateful to work alongside some
great people and players. I leave with some great memories and although the last few months
have been very frustrating for me on an injury front, which has meant I was unable to contribute
on the pitch, I really appreciate all the support that I received from my team, staff and of course,
the fans.
“I believe however that the time is now right for the next chapter in my football journey
and I am looking forward to the challenge of playing in the NWSL.”
Gareth Taylor, Manchester City Women Head Coach, added: “Gemma is a true
professional and has been a great person to work with since I joined as Head Coach last summer.
“She is a real team player and has been incredibly supportive of the squad throughout
her time here. She has given her absolute all for the Club since she joined in 2018, but this
opportunity with Racing Louisville is a fantastic one for her.
“On behalf of everybody at Manchester City, I’d like to thank her for everything she has
contributed to the team and wish her all the very best for the next chapter of her career.”
Issue no. 15 - 29 April 2021 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk