Manchester United’s hopes of Champions League qualification are fading after they drew with Brighton & Hove Albion in the Women’s Super League (WSL). Lea Schuller’s late goal rescued a point for United, but it may not be enough to keep their Champions League dreams alive. Brighton led for much of the game through Jelena Cankovic’s first-half goal.
Schuller’s Late Goal Salvages a Point
Deep into stoppage time, Lea Schuller scored her first WSL goal for the club. Melvine Malard crossed the ball in, finding Jayde Riviere, who then found Lea Schuller to thump the ball home first time. The substitute’s goal levelled the score, but time ran out for United to find a winner.
Brighton’s Frustration at Dropped Points
Brighton will feel frustrated at not being able to see out the game and claim another ‘top four’ scalp. They put in another encouraging performance, especially in the first half. Brighton only managed one shot on target, with Madison Haley’s second-half miss proving costly.
United’s Fading Champions League Hopes
Manchester United avoid defeat, but the dropped points all but end their fading hopes of Champions League qualification. If Arsenal beat Brighton on Wednesday, Manchester United’s Champions League hopes will be officially over. It was far from a vintage display from United, and Lea Schuller’s goal was their only shot on target in the second half. Champions League qualification is still mathematically possible… for now.
Late Drama at Progress with Unity Stadium
There was a quiet around Progress with Unity Stadium as Brighton won a late throw-in. Manuela Vanegas took the ball to the corner for Brighton but missed the defender when trying to win the corner kick and smashed it behind for a goal kick. The game went into five added minutes at the end of the second half.
Brighton are closing in on a fourth straight win in all competitions, but United had a late chance to pump the ball into the box from just inside the Brighton half after a foul on Jayde Riviere. Maya le Tissier did just that, but Chiamaka Nnadozie came out to punch and Brighton broke.
We’ll be back for more WSL action tomorrow.