The first WSL match of the season saw London City Lionesses face Manchester United at the Copperjax Stadium. A tough match saw the Reds lose 2-1 to the up-and-coming Lionesses.
The ninth minute saw a goal saw the Lionesses leap ahead after a blunder saw Zigiotti Olme concede an own goal in an attempt to clear the ball. The error saw a header forced directly into the Reds own net by the midfielder, leaving Manchester United on the back foot from the get-go.
The corner from Thomsen was expertly dropped into the box, opening the door for the first goal of the 2026/27 WSL season, and giving the home side confidence to continue to battle the Red Devils.
A Slow First Half
After the own goal from United, the rest of the first half saw no goals from either team. In a particularly tough first half for this visitors, they also had no shots on goal. Some excitement in the 30th minute saw Zigiotti Olme given a yellow card for a foul on Grace Geyoroin what was the first game for the midfielder.
Other than a few fruitless corners for London City, the rest of the first half remained uneventful, ending on a positive note for the Lionesses, and a worrying one for the Reds.
The Second Half Begins
At the beginning of the second half, the Lionesses looked the stronger side once again. Multiple shots on target demonstrated their drive to push forward for a second goal.
A particular close call came from Kennedy, who had a shot on target in the 50th minute, firing the ball towards the bottom corner and forcing a strong save from Tullis-Joyce.
This strong start to the second half forced United to push forward, seeing some runs ahead, yet still no shots for the majority of the second half.
Long Stoppage After Injury
A concerning injury for Corrales saw an extended stoppage period, as the number seven fell to the ground. She was seen clutching her shoulder.
After some time, the 20-year-old was stretchered off the pitch, making way for defender Pattison to be substituted on in her place.
In the 81st minute, Danielle Van De Donk secured the Pride’s second goal after they won a corner, one of many throughout the match. A skilful touch from Cascarino saw the ball expertly crossed into the six-yard-box, landing at the feet of the 35-year-old. From there, the Dutch player fired the ball into the net with the back of her heel to make the score 2-0.
A Late Goal For Manchester United
In the 100th minute, Manchester United’s only shot on target materialised into a late goal. Midfielder Awujo delivered the ball confidently into the back of the net.
This valiant attempt was too little too late however, as the final whistle blew, sealing a convincing loss for the Red Devils at the Copperjax Stadium.
A Worrying Start For Manchester United
Considering they finished fourth on the table last season, United have demonstrated clear gaps in their squad. This is to be expected due to their dry transfer window, only securing four signings compared to eight departures.
On the contrary, London City Lionesses have demonstrated impeccable creativity and team cohesion, after securing a convincing three points in their first game of the season. If they continue on this path, we may see the Pride rising up the table this season and in years to come.