Chelsea has some of the most-talented attackers in England, what with Sam Kerr, Erin Cuthbert, Ji So-Yun and Fran Kirby in the ranks. And yet it was a defender, Millie Bright, who ripped a long-range golazo to break the deadlock on the way to a 2-0 win over Manchester City in the Women's Community Shield on Saturday.
The first-ever men’s and women's Community Shield doubleheader kicked off with the first Women’s FA Community Shield match in 12 years and the first played at Wembley. It ended with Chelsea claiming its first Women's Community Shield to go with the Blues’ league and cup double from the season prior.
But it was Manchester City, which qualified for the match by virtue of its second-place finish in the WSL, that had the best chances early. (City actually finished with more points last season than Chelsea, which was awarded the title after the FA ended the WSL season early because it didn't deem women important enough to finish the season, instead using points per match to determine the league champion.) The Citizens had a goal called back for offside and then struck the post in the first half.
A tricky run from @Chloe_Kelly98 but the flag goes up @ManCityWomen | #CommunityShield pic.twitter.com/0KDNeueYE5
— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) August 29, 2020
They don't come much closer than this! @ManCityWomen | #CommunityShield pic.twitter.com/qca4kKoxMv
— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) August 29, 2020
But the match shifted when England and City midfielder Jill Scott was handed a second yellow, giving Chelsea the upper hand.
It's red for Jill Scott #CommunityShield pic.twitter.com/VnIlf99nHq
— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) August 29, 2020
That set the stage for the smashing long-range effort from Bright, who opened the scoring four minutes after the red card.
What a strike from @Mdawg1bright @ChelseaFCW | #CommunityShield pic.twitter.com/xkHEpNwWkR
— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) August 29, 2020
Cuthbert closed out the match with a goal in the 92nd minute to seal the trophy for Chelsea.
No doubt from @erincuthbert_ @ChelseaFCW | #CommunityShield pic.twitter.com/HTwgnWtNk4
— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) August 29, 2020
The Women’s Community Shield was held every year from 2000 to 2006 and also 2008 before halting play. Arsenal owns a record five Women’s Community Shield trophies.
The 2020-21 FA Women’s Super League kicks off in a week on Sept 5.
