The Manchester Derby finally got the American flair we’ve all been waiting for. It was worth the wait.
Tobin Heath’s marvelous strike in the 54th minute sparked a two-goal rally as Manchester United fought back for a 2-2 draw with Manchester City on Saturday at Leigh Sports Village in Manchester.
In the anticipated clash between two of England’s biggest clubs featuring a pair of Yankees on both sides, Heath stood out for her well-taken goal. USWNT stars Heath and Christen Press started for United while Sam Mewis played the full 90 for City. Rose Lavelle was an unused sub for the Citizens.
Man United vs Man City Highlights (Women)
Manchester City struck early when United couldn’t clear Alex Greenwood’s corner kick and Chloe Kelly eventually knocked the ball into the back of the net in the eight minute.
GOAL!
What a flick from @Chloe_Kelly98Watch LIVE https://t.co/FJNg2mnI5A#WomensFootballWeekend pic.twitter.com/ljAoB6jkwx
— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) November 14, 2020
Mewis’ best chance came off a first-half corner kick she headed high.
So close! @sammymewy nearly on the scoresheet but she heads just over.#WomensFootballWeekend pic.twitter.com/4MT5BCZ0ho
— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) November 14, 2020
Laura Coombs made it 2-0 for City just before the break when she picked up a blocked Mewis shot and rifled her effort upper 90.
What a finish, @lauracoombs91!@ManCityWomen are 0-2 up in the derby. #WomensFootballWeekend pic.twitter.com/0C4RyyrJlm
— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) November 14, 2020
Tobin Heath Goal vs Man City
Manchester United began its second-half comeback thanks to Heath’s rocket in the 54th minute. The World Cup winner pounced on an awful touch from Lucy Bronze and didn’t even need a touch before smashing a swerving shot that was never going to be saved.
WHAT A GOAL. @TobinHeath has just lit up the Manchester derby! #WomensFootballWeekend pic.twitter.com/q0ThgoBoCg
— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) November 14, 2020
A lot of folks in England like to claim Bronze is the best player in the world, and while everyone makes mistakes, I don’t see how anyone can consider her better than 90 percent of the USWNT’s starting lineup after such a disastrous miscue.
The equalizer came in a similarly manner to the first goal of the match. Kirsty Hanson poked home a corner kick City failed to clear and United evened the score at 2-2 in the 74th minute.
GOAL!@ManUtdWomen have come back from 0-2 down! #WomensFootballWeekend pic.twitter.com/E3502d5FY6
— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) November 14, 2020
United nearly pulled out a 90th-minute winner but for Demi Stokes making a goal-line clearance.
Off the line!
— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) November 14, 2020
The draw might not be enough to keep United top of the table at the end of the weekend, with Arsenal and Everton lurking two and three points behind, respectively. The Gunners play fourth-place Chelsea in a massive showdown on Sunday.
