The English Women’s League Cup trophy will be staying in London.
Alyssa Thompson and Chelsea defeated Phallon Tullis-Joyce and Manchester United 2-0 at Ashton Gate on Sunday to repeat as cup winners. It marks Thompson’s first trophy win since joining Chelsea last summer from Angel City FC.
Thompson’s fellow Chelsea and U.S. women’s national team teammates Naomi Girma and Catarina Macario were not in the squad. Girma missed out due to a calf injury while Macario remains sidelined through her own injury.
“I was super excited to play in the final,” Thompson said postmatch in a club interview. “And now it feels amazing. I am so happy that we were able to win in front of our fans. This group is amazing, and it was just super cool to be able to win my first trophy.”
Lauren James boosted Sonya Bompastor’s squad in front after 19 minutes, taking advantage of a poor giveaway from Man United defender Dominique Janssen. Janssen was pickpocketed in her own half of the field before James raced into the box and powered a shot past Tullis-Joyce for a 1-0 lead.
Thompson had a golden chance to double the Blues’ lead before halftime, racing upfield on a breakaway. However, the 21-year-old was caught from behind, losing possession before she was able to get a shot off.
Bompastor replaced Thompson at halftime and Chelsea would eventually ice the match with 13 minutes to play.
Aggie Beever-Jones doubled Chelsea’s lead to ice the result, giving the Blues their fourth League Cup trophy in club history.
Tullis-Joyce made three saves in the loss for Man United as the Red Devils’ quest for a first-ever League Cup goes on.
Bompastor revealed an update on Girma’s absence postmatch and hopes to have her back available midweek.
“Naomi picked up a small injury in her calf,” Bompastor said in a club interview. “Hopefully it’s not too bad and she can be available for the next game.”
Both teams will resume their WSL schedules on Wednesday as Chelsea host Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United visits West Ham United.