MATCH INFO:

Manchester United 2, Manchester City 2 (Highlights)

Goals: Chloe Kelly – 8’, Laura Coombs – 45+1’, Tobin Heath – 54’, Kirsty Hanson – 74’

A game of two halves would be the best description of the Manchester Derby, with Manchester City dominating the first half against Manchester United, and then the two flipping roles in the second. With a two-goal lead at halftime, City seemed to take their foot off the gas, and their FAWSL rivals capitalized. Having fixed their tactical errors from the first half, United were able to tie up the game with a pair of goals. And while both teams went home with a point apiece, Manchester City will obviously feel more frustrated with the result.

Here’s how the action unfolded:

Who's excited? ????#WomensFootballWeekend pic.twitter.com/V9w74nTttt

— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) November 14, 2020

Manchester United went into the match at the top of the table after beating Arsenal last week, and Manchester City were two points within them in fifth place after an 8-1 thrashing against Bristol City.

The match started quickly with both sides getting a couple of early chances, but it was City who capitalized first. Mary Earps’ loose pass allowed City to win the first corner of the match, and after some scrambling in the box from United’s defense, who could not clear the ball properly, it was City’s Chloe Kelly that gave her side the lead.

GOAL!

What a flick from @Chloe_Kelly98 ????

Watch LIVE ????https://t.co/FJNg2mnI5A#WomensFootballWeekend pic.twitter.com/ljAoB6jkwx

— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) November 14, 2020

From then United seemed to capitulate in defense, and City had chance after chance.

19. CHANCE! Chloe Kelly met the end of a fantastic cross which in return found it's way to Mewis who's effort was blocked from 5 yards out - City well on top now! ????

???? 0-1 ???? #ManCity | https://t.co/HkTzfLv0HJ

— Man City Women (@ManCityWomen) November 14, 2020

In particular, United struggled immensely with Georgia Stanway, with Ona Batlle having a tough time in her 1v1 matchup. Batlle would often play well into Manchester City’s half when her team was in possession and would press high when United were out of possession. The problem was that City, despite their flaws, are one of the best teams in the league when it comes to transitioning from defense to attack. United were unable to cope with these transitions, and Stanway would often receive the ball in wide-open space with Batlle still running back.

Another chance for @ManCityWomen!

A good save by @1maryearps to deny @StanwayGeorgia.#WomensFootballWeekend pic.twitter.com/Kqdbkd8TV7

— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) November 14, 2020

United’s lack of agility during these transitions allowed City numerous shots, including a second goal scored by Laura Coombs, which came after Sam Mewis’ initial shot was blocked. The ball landed at Coombs’ feet, where she took a touch to create space and scored from outside the box.

What a finish, @lauracoombs91!@ManCityWomen are 0-2 up in the derby. ????#WomensFootballWeekend pic.twitter.com/0C4RyyrJlm

— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) November 14, 2020

By halftime, City’s tactic of quickly getting in behind and using the transitions was clearly advantageous in their favor, with 14 shots to United’s two. A significant lead at the time, but in hindsight, they should have been kicking themselves for not extending it.

In the second half, Manchester United rectified their mistakes and were much tighter in the back. A half-time substitute saw Jessica Sigsworth come off for Kirsty Hanson. In the first half, Sigsworth was doing little to help out Batlle defensively. It’s clear that Casey Stoney saw that Hanson could offer more on both ends of the pitch.

???? We're back under way at @LSVStadium and there's a been a change for United, with @KirstyHanson3 replacing @JessSigsworth5.

???? #MUWomen
???? #BarclaysFAWSL
⚽ #WomensFootballWeekend pic.twitter.com/KTAndSjRNL

— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) November 14, 2020

United were not only tighter in the back, but much more aggressive while attacking. Unlike the first half, they were not giving away cheap opportunities for City to press them. In fact, it was almost as if both teams switched their style of play. Manchester United’s first goal came from Lucy Bronze’s sloppy passing from the back. Tobin Heath was able to intercept the ball and hit a searing strike into the back of the net.

FAO: @NASA ????

Now we push on for another!

???? #MUWomen
???? #BarclaysFAWSL
⚽️ #WomensFootballWeekend pic.twitter.com/AbcXgXda86

— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) November 14, 2020

United’s second came from the substitute, Hanson. A corner rebounded straight into her path, and despite the clustered penalty area, Hansen was able to get the shot off for the equalizer.

GOAL!@ManUtdWomen have come back from 0-2 down! ????#WomensFootballWeekend pic.twitter.com/E3502d5FY6

— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) November 14, 2020

Hanson was the epitome of a super-sub for Manchester United. Not only did she score the goal, but she was able to stabilize the right side of the defense that United struggled with in the first half.

Comes on at half-time ✔️
Scores the derby leveller ✔️@KirstyHanson3 won't be forgetting her 50th #MUWomen appearance in a hurry! ???? pic.twitter.com/TN5t3g8G5n

— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) November 14, 2020

Gareth Taylor did not make a substitution until United’s second goal, which was part of the reason his team lost a lot of their momentum in the second half. As much as United improved in the second half, City helped them by not matching the intensity they showcased in the first. Earlier substitutes could have prevented United from getting back into the game.

76. A change up top...

???? 2-2 ???? #ManCity | https://t.co/HkTzfLv0HJ pic.twitter.com/FQRu4uM4DB

— Man City Women (@ManCityWomen) November 14, 2020

United were almost able to grab the winner right at the 90th minute, but Demi Stokes was able to clear it off the line despite it getting past the hands of Earps. A fortunate break for Manchester City.

Off the line!

Incredible last-ditch defending from @DemiStokes. ????#WomensFootballWeekend pic.twitter.com/wQiJn7Sj3g

— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) November 14, 2020

The derby came to an end with both sides earning a point. The good news is that viewers won’t have to wait long for a rematch, as the two sides are up against each other again in the Conti Cup this Thursday. For now, both teams remain in first and fifth in the table respectively.

WHAT’S NEXT IN THE FA WSL:

 

December 5th 

Aston Villa vs. Manchester United @ 7:30 a.m. EST

December 6th 

Everton vs. Manchester City @ 8:00 a.m. EST

Arsenal vs. Birmingham City @ 9:00 a.m. EST

Chelsea vs. West Ham @  9:00 a.m. EST

Tottenham vs. Brighton & Hove Albion @ 9:00 a.m. EST

Reading F.C. vs. Bristol City @ 9:00 a.m. EST

December 12th

Bristol City vs. Aston Villa @ 2:30 p.m. EST

In this week's episode of The Late Sub, Claire takes a moment to talk about the final few days of Alex Morgan’s professional career, how the soccer world has changed since Morgan’s debut, and how the star herself spoke about what’s next.

Then, she discusses what Angel Reese’s season-ending injury means for the WNBA playoff race, salutes the US Open, reflects on the 2024 Paralympic Games, and more.

The Late Sub with Claire Watkins brings you the latest news and freshest takes in women’s sports. This is the weekly rundown you’ve been missing, covering the USWNT, NWSL, WNBA, college hoops, and whatever else is popping off in women’s sports each week. Special guest appearances with the biggest names in women’s sports make The Late Sub a must-listen for every fan. Follow Claire on X/Twitter @ScoutRipley and subscribe to the Just Women’s Sports newsletter for more.

Subscribe to The Late Sub to never miss an episode.

The USYNT cruised to the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup knockout round in historic fashion on Saturday, routing Paraguay 7-0 in Bogotá, Colombia, thanks to stellar showings from young NCAA and NWSL standouts.

Armed with the most pros to ever feature on a US U-20 World Cup roster with eight NWSL rookies, the USYNT pulled off the largest U-20 WWC win in team history.

The US hasn't won a U-20 WWC in 12 years​, with 2024 marking the first time they've made it out of the tournament's group stage since 2016.

Young NWSL and NCAA players level up the U-20 game

Though long viewed as inferior to Europe and its club-based academy system, US players opting to turn pro at younger ages are making the USYNT increasingly competitive — a trend that's also pushing college programs to new heights.

In Saturday's win, Angel City defender Gisele Thompson​ and Utah Royals rookie Ally Sentnor both found the back of the net, while the youngest goal-scorer in Seattle Reign history, winger Emeri Adames, tied Heather O'Reilly's 2002 national record for most assists in a single U-20 World Cup game with three in the first half. 

Representing the NCAA, Princeton junior Pietra Tordin made her U-20 World Cup scoring debut count with a hat trick — the first US player to do so since Savannah DeMelo in 2018.

USYNT to face Mexico in U-20 knockout clash

Unlike previous editions, this year's expanded U-20 World Cup​ includes a Round of 16 for the first time. 

The USYNT will face regional rival Mexico tomorrow, a team they lost to in the 2023 Concacaf Championship​ final before settling two July friendlies with a draw and a win.

How to watch the US vs. Mexico at the U-20 World Cup

Catch the US women's youth national team take on Mexico in U-20 World Cup action at 9 PM ET on Wednesday, with live coverage on FS2.

Already one of the most popular women’s spectator sports in the US, the 2024 NCAA volleyball season is off to the races this month as the shifting lines of modern college sports plays out in real time​.

Thanks to major conference realignments, regional rivalries turned national storylines will drive the narrative all the way to December's NCAA tournament.

The Big Ten's big changes

At the forefront of these shifts is longtime volleyball powerhouse the Big Ten, which welcomed USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington from the Pac-12 this summer to bring the conference total to 18 teams​.

Added travel, raucous home crowds, and even fiercer competition will play into the conference's season storyline as Midwest heavyweights Wisconsin and Nebraska meet West Coast specialists in a quest to bring the Big Ten its first NCAA title since 2021.

"We knew the venues, everything was comfortable," Oregon head coach Matt Ulmer, speaking with JWS at last month's Big Ten Media Day​ in Chicago, said of his team’s former Pac-12 home. "I think we're going to [see] a lot of uncomfortableness this year, just with new change."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Just Women’s Sports (@justwomenssports)

Surprises and upsets already define the 2024 season

Mirroring that uncertainty, several 2023 heavy-hitters​ have already produced surprising results this season. Two-time defending champion Texas fell to Minnesota in early non-conference play and again to unranked Miami last weekend, while Wisconsin went 0-3 before picking up a pair of weekend wins.

Then last week, 2023 runners-up Nebraska suffered a historic upset loss to unranked SMU, though they also bounced back with weekend victories.

With Power 10 rankings already a rollercoaster, expect even more impressive performances, greater parity, and larger crowds as college volleyball rides its meteoric rise through 2024.

USWNT and NWSL superstar Alex Morgan played her final professional match on Sunday, narrowly missing a left-footed penalty for San Diego before being subbed out within the game's first 15 minutes. 

"I came off the field and I thought to myself, 'That's the best example I could give of betting on yourself,'" Morgan said in a postgame press conference. "I think that's just how I've tried to live my life and my career as a soccer player."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Just Women’s Sports (@justwomenssports)

Alex Morgan leaves historic mark on women's sports

Sharing news that she was pregnant with her second child, the 35-year-old forward announced her imminent retirement late last week. 

"You pushed me to be my best self every day — you pushed me to be the best soccer player, to be the best mom, to be the best person I could be," Morgan told Snapdragon Stadium's 26,500 fans after the game.

Before the game concluded, the soccer icon made one final bit of history. The match marked the first women’s sports event to be simultaneously broadcast across multiple US outlets, with CBS Sports, ESPN2, Prime, Paramount+, and others getting in on the action.

However, North Carolina damped the celebratory sendoff vibes by soundly defeating the 12th-place Wave 4-1, extending San Diego's regular-season winless streak to five.

The Courage now sit fifth in the standings after overtaking Portland, solidifying their place above the postseason cutoff line.

NWSL standings hold steady in weekend play

In Kansas City's 1-0 win over Utah on Saturday, Temwa Chawinga added a 15th goal to her Golden Boot campaign. The Current snapped a three-game losing streak in the process.

Also on Saturday, Washington beat Portland in front of a raucous Audi Field crowd. In the match, the Spirit's Ballon d’Or nominee, Trinity Rodman, registered both a goal and an assist.

On Sunday, Marta scored a stunner against Chicago to keep Orlando's undefeated season alive. The Pride became the first NWSL club to clinch a 2024 postseason berth in the process.

Speaking of the postseason, Bay FC have launched themselves into seventh place and playoff contention after two straight wins, including Saturday's 1-0 victory over Louisville.