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Sam Kerr’s brace lifts Chelsea to thrilling FA Cup victory

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Sam Kerr celebrates after scoring a game-winning goal in extra time. (Naomi Baker/The FA via Getty Images)

Chelsea retained their FA Cup title in thrilling fashion on Sunday, defeating Manchester City 3-2 behind Sam Kerr’s game-winning goal in extra time. A Women’s FA Cup-record 49,094 fans were in attendance for the game at Wembley Stadium.

Kerr got Chelsea on the board first in the 33rd minute, nodding in a well-struck Mille Bright cross for the go-ahead goal.

Lauren Hemp responded for Manchester City just before half, curling in a stunning shot for the equalizer. Hemp’s finish came against the run of play as Manchester City struggled to maintain possession in the face of Chelsea’s relentless press.

Chelsea regained the lead in the 63rd minute on an Erin Cuthbert banger from the top of the box.

Chelsea looked to have the game locked up after Cuthbert’s worldie, but Hayley Raso brought Manchester City even again in the 89th minute.

The Australian star chested down a lofted cross and expertly beat her defender before sending her shot past Chelsea keeper Ann-Katrin Berger.

Chelsea jumped on Manchester City early in extra time, applying a wave of pressure in the opening minutes. Kerr charged at Manchester City’s backline and buried a deflected shot for the game-sealing goal in the 99th minute.

Chelsea held onto the 3-2 lead until the final whistle to secure the fourth FA Cup trophy in club history. The win also comes on the heels of the Blues’ 4-2 win over Manchester United last weekend for their third consecutive FA Women’s Super League title.