What Is 2019 Women's FA Cup final

Overview

The 2019 Women's FA Cup final marked a significant milestone in English women’s football, showcasing rising popularity and competitive excellence. Held at Wembley Stadium, the match featured Manchester City and West Ham United, two teams aiming to secure one of the most prestigious trophies in women’s domestic football.

The final, played on May 18, 2019, ended in a decisive 3–0 victory for Manchester City. The win not only secured their second Women’s FA Cup title but also highlighted the growing strength of their women’s program.

• Manchester City opened the scoring in the 10th minute through Georgia Stanway, who fired a low shot from outside the box.
• Carli Lloyd, playing her final professional match, doubled the lead in the 20th minute with a powerful header from a corner kick.
• Nikita Parris sealed the victory in the 81st minute, converting a penalty kick after a foul on Ellen White in the box.
• The attendance of 43,264 fans set a new record for a standalone women’s domestic football match in England, surpassing previous benchmarks.
• This was the first Women’s FA Cup final to be broadcast live on BBC One, increasing national visibility and viewership.

Match Details

The final unfolded with Manchester City dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities from the outset. West Ham United, making their first FA Cup final appearance, struggled to contain the pace and precision of City’s attacking lineup.

• First Goal (10'): Georgia Stanway scored early, striking from 20 yards out and catching the goalkeeper off guard with a low, driven shot.
• Second Goal (20'): Carli Lloyd rose above defenders to head in a corner from Keira Walsh, marking a poignant moment in her farewell game.
• Penalty Decision (78'): Referee Sian Massey-Ellis awarded a penalty after Ellen White was tripped by West Ham’s Rebecca Spencer in the area.
• Final Goal (81'): Nikita Parris confidently converted the penalty, ensuring a comfortable margin of victory.
• Man of the Match: Keira Walsh was named player of the match for her midfield control and assist on Lloyd’s goal.
• Substitutions: Manchester City made three changes, including bringing on Lauren Hemp to maintain attacking pressure in the second half.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing key aspects of both teams’ performances highlights Manchester City’s dominance in the final.

The statistical edge Manchester City held in possession, accuracy, and shots on target reflects their superior control throughout the match. West Ham’s defensive efforts were commendable but ultimately overwhelmed by City’s relentless attack and midfield coordination.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Women's FA Cup final was more than just a championship decider—it symbolized the growing momentum of women’s football in England. The record-breaking attendance and national broadcast signaled increased investment and public interest in the women’s game.

• Historic Attendance: The 43,264 fans in attendance set a new benchmark for women’s domestic football, surpassing the previous record of 30,710 set in 2018.
• Media Coverage: Live BBC broadcast brought the match into millions of homes, boosting visibility and inspiring young female athletes.
• Legacy of Carli Lloyd: Her final match added emotional weight, drawing global attention to the event.
• Manchester City’s Rise: The win cemented their status as a dominant force in English women’s football, having also finished second in the WSL that season.
• West Ham’s Breakthrough: Despite the loss, reaching the final was a historic achievement for the club, marking their emergence in top-tier women’s football.
• Commercial Growth: The match demonstrated the commercial viability of women’s football, encouraging further sponsorship and infrastructure investment.

The 2019 final continues to be referenced as a turning point in the professionalization and mainstream acceptance of women’s football in the UK.