Sam Kerr's aspirations for a fourth FA Cup triumph with Chelsea were shattered in spectacular fashion, with Matildas teammate Mary Fowler playing a pivotal role in Manchester City's dramatic victory. City secured their place in the final with a 3-2 win at Stamford Bridge, overturning a 2-0 deficit late in the second half.
Fowler's Late Strike Ignites City Comeback
Despite Chelsea appearing to be in control with a two-goal lead, an individual effort from Fowler in the 86th minute breathed new life into Manchester City. The Citizens then completed the comeback in extra time, courtesy of a brace from Khadija Shaw.
Kerr, who found the net for her 19th goal in 17 FA Cup appearances, also had another goal disallowed. The result means that Kerr, who is set to join Denver in the NWSL next season, was denied a Wembley farewell.
Brighton Awaits in the Final
Fowler and her teammates will now face Brighton, who stunned Liverpool with a 3-2 victory in the other semi-final. The Seagulls are coached by former Socceroo Dario Vidosic, who could become the first Australian manager to lead an English team to FA Cup glory.
Current Matildas coach Joe Montemurro previously guided Arsenal to two FA Cup finals but lost both matches. Vidosic, 39, left his role as Melbourne City's A-League Women-winning boss and expressed pride after Brighton's dramatic win.
"It is a nice feeling when almost the last kick of the game hits the back of the net and sends us to Wembley," Vidosic said after substitute Nadine Noordam scored a 95th-minute winner at Liverpool's St Helens home. "The message to the girls will be 'enjoy this moment, they deserve this moment.'"
Vidosic added: "We want to continuously get better, and we want to go undefeated for the rest of the season." Matildas star Charli Rule is also on Brighton's books.
