Liverpool FC Women Fall To Chelsea 2-1 In FA Women's Cup Semifinals
04/13/2025 06:00 PM
The Reds took an early lead through Olivia Smith but could not hold on as their last chance for a trophy was ended by Chelsea.
The Liverpool FC Women traveled to London on Saturday to face Chelsea in the semifinals of the FA Women's Cup. It was the last chance for Amber Whiteley's side to stay in the hunt for hardware this season, facing off against a side that has been nearly perfect this season.
Liverpool were without the services of midfield engine Ceri Holland, who sustained an injury over the international break. Young midfielder Zara Shaw was also lost to injury, tearing her ACL playing for the England Youth National Team.
The Reds were put under some early pressure by the hosts, but some solid defensive work helped keep Liverpool from allowing an early chance for Chelsea. It didn't take too long for Liverpool to find their footing, however, and they began to find space to generate attacks using the pace of Olivia Smith and Leanne Kiernan. The Reds were rewarded for their ball movement and off-ball runs in the 21st minute.
After winning the ball in the defensive half, Marie Höbinger played a perfectly weighted through ball into the right channel for the run of Olivia Smith. The young Canadian outpaced Sandy Baltimore to collect the ball and carry it into the box before finishing calmly with a low strike inside the far post.
Liverpool seemed energized after taking the lead and continued to push for a second goal. They generated several more chances throughout the first half, with Marie Höbinger finding space to get shots off on two occasions. She stung the palms of Hannah Hampton, but could not beat the goalkeeper.
It looked like Liverpool would take a lead into the half, but a scramble in their own box saw the ball bounce up for Elisha Cuthbert. The midfielder popped the ball over the head of Rachael Laws, who managed to scramble back and get a hand to the ball but could only push it onto the post and into the net in the second minute of first half extra time.
Chelsea were buoyed by the goal at the end of the half and began to exert their will in the second half. As the chances began to pile up for the hosts, Gemma Bonner made a timely intervention to keep Chelsea from taking the lead.
Leanne Kiernan had to be withdrawn after taking a knock midway through the second half. Sophie Roman Haug came on in place of the Irishwoman.
Rachael Laws was called into action to make a couple of big save to keep the score level as time began to wane. In the last minute of regulation, Taylor Hinds almost stole the lead for Liverpool. She found a pocket of space on the left wing and lofted a ball into the box, but the cross carried all the way over the head of Hannah Hampton before hitting the crossbar.
It would be Chelsea, however, who would find the late goal to take the victory. Sandy Baltimore floated in a cross from the left that was headed home by Aggie Beever-Jones in the 94th minute.
The loss sent Liverpool out of the FA Women's Cup, with Chelsea advancing to the finals to take on Manchester United. Liverpool now have only four matches remaining in their season, all in the WSL. The Reds will be back on the road next weekend to face Brighton on Saturday.
