USWNT Rewind: First Manchester Derby Ends in a Draw

The final weekend of club competition before the November FIFA window focused plenty of attention the U.S. Women’s National Team players competing abroad, highlighted by Saturday’s Manchester derby.
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The final weekend of club competition before the November FIFA window focused plenty of attention the U.S. Women’s National Team players competing abroad, highlighted by Saturday’s Manchester derby. While the game ended in a 2-2 draw, it was not without intrigue for the American audience, as Samantha Mewis and Manchester City jumped out to a 2-0 lead at halftime after a dominant opening 45 minutes. However, Manchester United clawed back to capture a point, powered by a stunning blast from USWNT forward Tobin Heath in the 54th minute. United’s high pressure forced City defender Lucy Bronze into an errant pass in her defensive third and Heath pounced on the opportunity, unleashing a swerving right footed blast into the top left corner.


WATCH: Heath Blast Sparks United Comeback




The goal was Heath’s second since joining Manchester United and gives her goals in two of her last three outings for the club. Heath was subbed off in the 71st minute while fellow USWNT forward Christen Press, who earned another start for Manchester United, came off in the 55th minute. Mewis went the full 90 minutes for City while Rose Lavelle was available but did not see action for the Cityzens. Manchester United leveled the match in the 74th minute off a goal from Ella Toone to stay atop the FA Women’s Super League table and remains unbeaten in league play this season. Reigning FA Cup Champions Manchester City are currently in fifth place with 12 points from seven games.

Later in Saturday’s league action, Alex Morgan made her first start for Tottenham Hotspur and played 45 minutes in the clubs’ 2-2 draw at Bristol City. Morgan, who made her Spurs debut last weekend against Reading, came off at halftime with the match level at 1-1. Spurs have now picked up points in each of their last two outings, snapping a streak of four consecutive losses in league play.

 

WATCH: Morgan Makes First Start For Spurs




Having already clinched the Damallsvenskan title the weekend prior, Emily Sonnett and Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC closed the 2020 campaign with a 3-1 victory over Vittsjö. Sonnett appeared in 10 league matches for the Swedish champions this season and helped the club end the campaign on a nine-match unbeaten streak in league play. A member of the 2019 Women’s World Cup champions, Sonnett was loaned Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC by the NWSL’s Orlando Pride.

While the Swedish season has come to a close, Women’s Super League action will resume the weekend of December 5 following the international break. Leading into the break, Tottenham, Manchester United and Manchester City will be in action midweek with the group stages of the Continental Cup. Spurs take on Arsenal on Wednesday evening in another edition of the North London derby while Manchester United and Manchester City square off for the second time in six days, facing off Thursday in the Continental Cup, which is the league cup for top two tiers in English women’s soccer.


Most FA WSL games are available for viewing through The FA Player or by visiting https://www.atafootball.com/. Information for the upcoming matches involving USWNT players is listed below. All times listed are ET.

 

 

Wednesday, Nov. 18

Alex Morgan

Arsenal vs. Tottenham Hotspur

2:30 p.m.

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Thursday, Nov. 19

Tobin Heath, Christen Press, Rose Lavelle, Samantha Mewis

Manchester United vs. Manchester City

 

2:00 p.m.

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Go Deeper