Latest news with #WomensChampionsLeague
Irish Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
Athlone Town charge to confident home win over Cardiff City in Champions League qualifiers
Women's Champions League first-round qualifier: Athlone Town 4 (Groves 15, Molloy 40,43, Waesch 49) Cardiff City 0 Athlone Town's fairytale story since forming a women's team just five years ago had a brand new chapter written into history on Wednesday as the Midlanders brushed aside the challenge of Cardiff City to secure yet another glamour European tie in front of their home supporters next Saturday afternoon. Athlone Town Stadium was packed with 1,916 supporters as the home contingent scarcely had a moment of concern as they controlled the tie from start to finish, taking the lead through captain Izzy Groves in the 15th minute and effectively setting up a tilt at ŽNK Agram (Croatia). Goalkeeper Megan Plaschko was never tested as Groves and Hannah Waesch controlled the midfield and allowed little to no pressure on their back four, while wingers Madison Gibson and Róisín Molloy feasted on the combination of endless possession and flat-footed Cardiff defending. Three early spilled crosses from goalkeeper Ceryn Chamberlain hinted at where Athlone needed to attack the visitors and both Molloy and Gibson wasted no time in hammering home that advantage. READ MORE Several chances were missed but Groves showed the composure that some of her colleagues lacked to float the ball over Chamberlain on the quarter-hour mark, capitalising on Molloy's dancing feet and simple pass. Molloy, a former Sligo intercounty footballer, turned finisher for two goals before half-time, finishing off a Gibson cross with a close-range toe-poke before the second from a decisive header. Waesch joined the party with a precise strike inside the left-hand post early in the second half and with the pressure now firmly lifted, Athlone could afford to drop the tempo, run the bench and still easily cruise to what was a comfortable and historic victory for the current league leaders. ATHLONE TOWN: Plaschko; K Brennan, Shine, McNally, S Brennan (Murphy O'Connor 79); Waesch; Molloy (Ryan 79), Rice, Groves (Slevin 69), Gibson (Mooney 74); Brady (Donegan 69). CARDIFF CITY: Chamberlain; Owen (Long 57), Jenkins, Evans, Price (Perrott 69); Walklett, Evans (Daly 79); Cook, Billingham, Barry (Olden 57); Curnock (Bowen 79). Referee: K M Jensen (Norway).
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Arsenal sign German goalkeeper Borbe
German goalkeeper Anneke Borbe has joined Arsenal as a free agent following the expiry of her contract with Wolfsburg. The 24-year-old made 15 appearances in all competitions for the German side, establishing herself as their first-choice goalkeeper in February this year. Advertisement She started all of the side's remaining 14 games as they reached the Women's Champions League quarter-finals and finished second in the league. "It's amazing to have the opportunity to come and be a part of Arsenal at such an exciting time," said Borbe. While she is yet to make her senior debut for Germany, Borbe has represented her country up to Under-19 level. "We're delighted to bring Anneke to the club," added Gunners boss Renee Slegers. "We've been impressed by her composure and aerial presence and we believe she has a high ceiling for development here." Borbe's senior career began at Werder Bremen, where she made her debut aged 16 in February 2017 and went on to make 77 appearances.
The Sun
02-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Arsenal sign Chloe Kelly on a permanent deal after England star's Manchester City exit ahead of Euros
CHLOE KELLY has given Arsenal a summer boost by sealing a permanent switch to the club after her trophy-winning loan spell. The Gunners' signing of the forward, who is currently in Switzerland with England at the Euros, follows her exit from Manchester City. 5 5 5 5 The length of the contract with Kelly, 27, who notched two goals and three assists in 13 Arsenal appearances last term, has not been publicly disclosed by the club. The move comes two months after she helped the club win this year's Women's Champions League. Her eight appearances in the contest include her starting in Renee Slegers' side's 1-0 triumph over Barcelona in the final. The result led to Arsenal winning the biggest football club prize in Europe for the second time in their history. Of her permanent move, Kelly said: "Putting pen to paper on a permanent contract at Arsenal is a standout moment for me "Learning from an incredible manager and continuing to build relationships with an excellent team is a journey I'm looking forward to continuing. "I'm excited for more silverware at this special club and to bring more trophies back to North London to celebrate with our supporters. "I've always said that Arsenal supporters are the best and to have them on my side, singing my name, means so much to me." Kelly, whose career started in the Gunners' academy at 12, made 19 first team appearances for Arsenal, scoring nine times, between 2015 and 2018. A two-year stint with Everton from 2018 was followed by the forward joining Man City. During her time there the 53-capped Lioness won FA and League Cups in 2020 and 2022. Last term Kelly faced a battle for minutes at City after dropping down their pecking order making just one start in six WSL matches last season. Her struggle for game time led to the England star issuing an exit plea before joining Arsenal on loan. Under head coach Slegers Kelly impressed for the club helping them finish second in the WSL after playing in eight top-flight games. Slegers added: "Chloe had a great impact for us and played an important role in what we achieved here last season.
Daily Mail
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Arsenal complete permanent Chloe Kelly signing after Women's Champions League triumph - as winger eyes more silverware ahead of England's Euros title defence
Arsenal have completed the permanent signing of Chloe Kelly following a successful loan spell in which the 27-year-old helped the club secure their first Women's Champions League title in 18 years. The winger initially joined the Gunners on loan from Manchester City in January, following an acrimonious departure from the club. She enjoyed an incredible return to form, memorably delivering two assists three minutes apart as Arsenal came from 2-0 down against Real Madrid in their Champions League quarter-final to win 3-2 in the second leg. Kelly said: 'Putting pen to paper on a permanent contract at Arsenal is a standout moment for me. Learning from an incredible manager and continuing to build relationships with an excellent team is a journey I'm looking forward to continuing. 'I'm excited for more silverware at this special club and to bring more trophies back to North London to celebrate with our supporters. I've always said that Arsenal supporters are the best and to have them on my side, singing my name, means so much to me.' Born in London, Kelly spent an eight-year spell with Arsenal's academy from the age of 12, before moving to Everton in 2018. She then transferred to Manchester City in 2020, and enjoyed a five-year spell there, making 109 appearances and scoring 30 times. She lifted the FA Cup with the Citizens in 2019-20 and the League Cup in 2021-22. Last season she fell out of favour with manager Gareth Taylor and was relegated to the bench, putting her place in Sarina Wiegman's England squad under threat. Her move to Arsenal in January breathed a new lease of life into the winger, who will be immortalised for her winning goal against Germany in the Euros 2022 final, and she quickly found her rhythm under Renee Slegers. Slegers even opted to start Kelly ahead of her Lioness teammate Beth Mead in Arsenal's triumphant Champions League final against Barcelona. The Dutch coach added: 'I'm delighted that we've been able to make Chloe a permanent signing for us. She had a great impact for us and played an important role in what we achieved here last season, and I know she shares our ambition to compete for more.' Director of Women's Football, Clare Wheatley, said: 'We're thrilled to keep Chloe at Arsenal. Chloe's application, attitude and performances were outstanding throughout her loan spell last season and we are delighted to continue working together as we gear up for an exciting 2025/26 campaign. 'I know our supporters have been waiting patiently for this one and I'm sure they'll join me in welcoming Chloe home to north London.'
BBC News
27-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Brighton sign goalkeeper Nnadozie from Paris FC
Brighton have signed Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie on a free transfer from Paris 24-year-old will join the club when her contract with the French side expires on 1 has made 55 appearances for her country, making her senior debut in has experience in the Women's Champions League, having made 16 European appearances for Paris FC between 2022 and 2025."She's a talented and commanding goalkeeper who will bring consistency and confidence to our defensive line," said Brighton manager Dario Vidosic. "We're confident she'll add both depth and drive to a squad already full of ambition as we continue to build for next season." Head here to get involved
