Van Egmond goal in vain as Birmingham City's WSL dream crumbles in 2-2 draw with Lionesses
Matildas great Emily van Egmond's ambition of returning to England's Women's Super League (WSL) has been shattered despite her scoring for Birmingham City in a dramatic season finale against London City Lionesses.
Van Egmond, who had previously played in the WSL with West Ham, and her Blues teammates were hoping to gain promotion from the Women's Championship.
But any other result at Birmingham's St Andrew's Stadium would result in the title going to the Lionesses.
The Lionesses held on for a 2-2 draw, doing enough to repel the Blues, who had trailed 2-0.
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Inspired by van Egmond's headed goal from close range in the 63rd minute, the hosts thrilled the crowd of 8,749 when Cho So-Hyun equalised with a brilliant volley in the shadows of full-time.
But they could not find a winner, meaning the Lionesses finished on top of the Women's Championship standings with 43 points, two ahead of the Blues.
The Lionesses will become the first wholly independent club in the WSL next season.
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ABC Sport and Deakin University have partnered to produce the first ABC Elite Athletes in Australian Women's Sport Survey.
They are not associated with any men's club.
In the WSL, Manchester United sealed a top-three finish, getting the point they needed to qualify for the Women's Champions League in a 2-2 draw with local rivals Manchester City, who were without injured Matildas star Mary Fowler.
There was still no sign of Sam Kerr returning after her own longstanding ACL injury, as champions Chelsea beat Spurs 1-0.
Chelsea is just one match away — against Liverpool — from completing the entire WSL season undefeated.
Clare Wheeler celebrated her new two-year contract with Everton by enjoying a 2-0 victory over Merseyside rivals Liverpool at Anfield.
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