Two second-half goals from Albert Dikwa powered Khano Smith’s Rhode Island FC to its second-straight Eastern Conference Final as the Ocean State club shut out North Carolina FC 2-0 at First Horizon Stadium in the USL Championship Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.
A dramatic weekend in women's football saw a major upset in the Women's Super League (WSL), while Bermudian players delivered decisive performances across the FA Women's National League Cup and other professional circuits.
Manchester United suffered their first Women's Super League defeat of the season after Aston Villa, where Shaun Goater serves as Assistant Coach, secured a gritty victory at home.
The decisive moment came in the 35th minute when Miri Taylor put Villa in front. Taylor capitalised on a weak punch from United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce following a corner, lashing a crisp volley into the back of the net. The 1-0 result gives Goater and Villa a massive boost as they claim the scalp of the previously unbeaten league leaders.
Bermudian players were key in cup competitions:
Keunna Dill scored the critical winning goal as her FC United of Manchester Women teammates secured a 4-2 victory over Curzon Ashton at Tameside Stadium. With the score level at 2-2 in the 72nd minute, Dill slotted the ball into the bottom corner, a goal that proved to be the winner in the high-scoring match.
A dazzling double from Molly Barron-Clark helped Kenni Thompson and her AFC Bournemouth Women teammates reach the last eight of the FA Women’s National League Cup with a convincing 3-0 win.
Aaliyah Nolan and her Bradford City Women teammates advanced comfortably to the next round of the League Cup following a dominant 6-0 victory over Rossington.
Jasmine Spence was on target in the first half for her Newport Pagnell Town Women, who staged an incredible second-half League Cup comeback, rallying from 2-1 down at the half to win 5-2 away at West Bridgford Colts Women.
K’Shaela Burch-Waldron and her Sutton United Women teammates fell 2-1 to Bromley FC Women in League Cup action.
Eva Frazzoni and her AFC Sudbury Women teammates were knocked out of the FA Women's National League Cup, falling 3-0 to Wolves Women FC.
In the NWSL Playoffs, Mia Fishel and her Seattle Reign FC teammates fought hard but their journey came to an end in Orlando with a 2-0 defeat to Orlando Pride.
Nia Christopher's Fort Lauderdale United FC teammates won their Gainbridge Super League matchup with Carolina Ascent FC 1-0, moving the club to second in the standings.
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