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      Watch wild mid-game punch-up involving women’s football star who stuns fans with bikini photos on Instagram

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      A WOMEN’S college football match descended into chaos as two opponents started BRAWLING mid-game.During a match between Rutgers and UMass on Sunday, punches were thrown between two players after the game was briefly paused for a foul from Rutgers senior Gia Girman.A brawl broke out between two college football playersCredit: ESPNGia Girman and Ashley Lamond were involved in a shoving match after a foul by GirmanCredit: ESPNThe pair then went tumbling to the groundCredit: ESPNThe ref then sent both players offCredit: ESPNA foul was called against Girman in the 55th minute of the game when she brought down an opponent from behind.UMass senior Ashley Lamond then went to try and get the ball from under Girman, seemingly kicking it while it was still under her. The pair then engaged in a shoving match with one another before grabbing each other and tumbling to the floor.The referee rushed over to try and pull them apart, but punches were seen being thrown by both Girman and Lamond as they grappled on the floor.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTeam-mates eventually also stepped in to separate them.The pair were then issued their marching orders with a red card each.The ugly scenes seemed to incense their teams too, with four more yellow cards being dished out in the final 35 minutes.UMass went on to win the game 1-0 thanks to a goal from Bella Recinos to hand them their first win of the season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, the defeat consigned Rutgers to their first defeat of the campaign.The Scarlet Knights match report mentioned a “scrap” in the 55th minute but gave no further detail.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanGirman is studying Labour Studies at Rutgers and promotes her fledgling sporting career by posting on social media, including some stunning bikini snaps.The Women’s Super League in England kicks off on September 20.Girman is a senior at Rutgers collegeCredit: Instagram @gia.girmanShe is doing Labour StudiesCredit: Instagram @gia.girmanShe has more than 4,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @gia.girman More

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      Arsenal’s Katie McCabe eager to clinch another ‘dream’ WSL title win with the Gunners

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      BEING crowned a WSL champion at the Emirates, whilst helping Arsenal end their title drought, would be a dream come true for Katie McCabe.It has been five years and three months since her side lifted the top prize in women’s club football in England.Katie McCabe hopes Arsenal can take their strong finish to the end of last term into next seasonCredit: GettyMcCabe and her team-mates will take on Chelsea in a pre-season warm-up ahead of their push to qualify for the ChampionsCredit: GettyA 4-0 away defeat of Brighton, with McCabe netting second goal in that game, clinched the Gunners’ third WSL title win and 15th in an English top-flightOut of the squad that helped the team become WSL champions, just five players remain.Aside from McCabe, 28, they are skipper Kim Little, centre-back Leah Williamson, Lia Walti and superstar forward Beth Mead.And Republic of Ireland skipper McCabe, would love her team, who finished third in the league last term, to return top of the pack.Read More Football StoriesThe versatile winger, whose side will face Chelsea in a pre-season clash in the United States tonight, said: “When we go into every season, we want to be competing for all trophies available.”The league will absolutely be one of them going into next season as well.”It would be a dream come true (if we were) to win a WSL title in front of 60,000 at the Emirates.”For us it’s something we want and we’re always competitive.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLast summer Arsenal experienced a difficult start to their season.In September they suffered a shock exit from the Champions League group qualifying stage, losing on penalties to Paris FC.Arsenal release 2024-25 third kit with bold new colour as fans say ‘I speak for us all when I say we’re in love with it’ A result that McCabe described as disappointing.However the second half of last term saw Jonas Eidevall’s aces rally, picking up five wins from six games between the end of March and mid-May.This included their 1-0 Conti Cup final defeat of Chelsea at Molineux.And McCabe, who has lifted five major trophies with the club since her 2015 arrival, expects the Gunners to push on.This starts with Eidevall’s side hosting Rangers on September 4 in a first round qualifier for a place in the Champions League group stage. The winger, who notched up more than 200 Arsenal appearances added: “Wearing the Arsenal shirt, you carry that weight and that responsibility to bring back silverware for the club.”I know me and my team-mates will be hungry to do that for sure next season.”For us, we’re always looking to be better than in previous seasons, so of course it’s to progress more.”I feel like towards the end of the season we got into a really nice groove of how we want to play and playing our style of football.”Going into next season we want to continue that – to play our way and use that going into games and winning matches early on.”The Champions League will be massive for us too and, of course, competing for all trophies available.”This December it will be nine years since McCabe sealed a move from Irish side Shelbourne to an Arsenal team then managed by Joe Montemurro.Since then the winger, who struggled with injury and faced a battle for minutes early in her Gunners career, has become a firm fan favourite. And she hopes to keep the crowds cheering.McCabe, who said: “I feel old. It’s been an incredible eight-and-a-half years. To say I’ve over 200 appearances now for Arsenal is incredible”Having the fans’ support has been massive for me whether it’s the chants and the support of the goals. I always want to give back.”Her efforts for her club aside, McCabe is among several profile athletes who have been utilising a fitness tracker to monitor their performance.The app known as WHOOP, and worn as a wristband, is used the Republic of Ireland international and a few of her Arsenal team-mates.They include England forward Mead.According to McCabe, it provides her with useful insight on her fitness sleep patterns as well her sleep patterns and cardiovascular performance.She says: “It’s not just athletes it’s available for. It’s for people working in their everyday lives as well.”There’s a high focus on tracking your menstrual cycle, so there’s a lot of women’s specific data in there as well. Arsenal’s clash with Chelsea will be first against their London for since Sonia Bompastor’s began her role as Blues head coachCredit: Getty”It’s data I personally use and it helps me be able to perform at my maximum each day.”My favourite is the match-day data that that comes out of it and how much strain as such you have on your body too.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Having the WHOOP app there to help with that, it’s important for me to then fine tune those details and put it into my performances each day, including training in the gym.”Chelsea vs Arsenal can be watched live from 21:15 tonight on DAZN’s women’s football channel on YouTube. More

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      Khadija Shaw hails ‘special’ PFA Women’s Player award win with Grace Clinton collecting Young Player prize

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      KHADIJA SHAW paid tribute to her football rivals and Manchester City team-mates after being voted women’s PFA Players’ Player of the Year.The striker, 27, who is currently on a pre-season tour in Australia with her club, described her win as “a special honour”.Khadija Shaw’s PFA Players’ Player award win follows her helping Man City finish second in the WSL last termCredit: AlamyThe City striker won last term’s WSL Golden Boot despite sustaining a season-ending ankle injuryCredit: GettyGrace Clinton was voted the PFA’s Young Women’s Player of the Year following her impressive loan spell at Tottenham last seasonCredit: GettyLauren James is one of three Chelsea stars named in the PFA’s Women’s Team of the YearCredit: GettyThe Jamaica captain pipped team-mates Yui Hasegawa and Lauren Hemp to the gong.Chelsea trio Erin Cuthbert, Lauren James and Niamh Charles are the three remaining nominees who finished as runners-up for this year’s prize.Shaw’s triumph follows a season in which she collected the Women’s Super League’s Golden Boot after netting 21 goals in 18 top tier games last term.The Jamaica hotshot played an influential role in the Cityzens pushing Chelsea all the way in a tense top-flight title battle.Read More Football Stories A contest which the Blues’ won on goal difference last term.She said: “I am both happy and proud to have received this award – to be recognised in such a way by my peers is a very special honour. “I also want to thank my teammates and the entire coaching staff because without them this wouldn’t be possible. “I’d also like to congratulate all my fellow nominees who are such amazing players. Most read in Football”To have been voted the player of the year means a lot.”Earlier this year Shaw, who sustained a season-ending ankle injury in April, was named as the WSL’s Player of the 2023-24 campaign.The striker, who joined the club from French side Bordeaux three years ago, is one of six City aces named in the PFA WSL Team of the Year.England trio Alex Greenwood, Hemp and Khiara Keating are included in the star-studded line-up along with Japan playmaker Hasegawa and Spain defender Laia Aleixandri.Blues full-back Charles, midfielder Cuthbert, forward James and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, have also been included in the PFA’s WSL women’s team of the year.This follows a season in which the quartet helped their side to a fifth successive WSL title win to round off Emma Hayes’ final year at the Blues’ helm.James finished as the WSL’s second highest scorer with 13 goals netted in 16 games.Grace Clinton and Arsenal centre-back Lotte Wubben-Moy are the only two players from outside the league’s top two sides named in the PFA’s selected 11.Man United starlet Clinton, 21, who impressed during her one-term loan spell at Tottenham, was also voted the PFA’s Young Women’s Player of the Year.I’ve played with confidence and when you play with that, then you see the best version of a player.Grace Clinton – PFA Young Women’s Player of the Year winner This follows a season in which the midfielder helped Spurs reach the Women’s FA Cup final for the first time ever.The young Lioness, who began her senior club career at Everton in 2020, made 20 top-flight appearances for Tottenham last season.The North London side, managed by Robert Vilahamn, were beaten 4-0 by the Red Devils at the Wembley showpiece in May.Clinton, who attended tonight’s star-studded PFA ceremony at the Manchester Opera House, said: “It’s such an honour to be voted by the unbelievable players that play in this league.The midfielder, who scored on her senior England debut in February, added: “It’s the best league in the world.”To go out on loan, learning as a young player and being recognized is lovely.”I’ve played with confidence and when you play with that, then you see the best version of a player.Clinton helped Tottenham make history with the team beating Arsenal for the first time in the WSL last DecemberCredit: Sunday Times”Tottenham have been a massive part of my journey, and I can’t thank them enough.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Goals and visualisation are important to me but most of all just enjoying playing. “If I’m enjoying myself then I play my best football.” More

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      ‘We need to use this time very wisely’, says Jonas Eidevall as Arsenal gear up for new season

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      JONAS EIDEVALL hopes Arsenal’s pre-season test will determine which players gel best on the pitch before their push for silverware next term.  And the Gunners chief wants his ace to have a fast start in the qualifiers for the Champions League group stage.Jonas Eidevall’s players will take on a Washington Spirit in the first game of their pre-season tour laterCredit: GettyTheir clash with the NWSL team comes four days after the club signed Sweden forward Rosa Kafaji from BK HackenCredit: GettyTonight the WSL side take on Washington Spirit in the United States in their first game of their first pre-season tour across the pond.  The Gunners will also face title-holders Chelsea on August 25 in the first meeting of the sides since Sonia Bompastor began her role as the Blues new head coach in July.  Their clash with Chelsea could offer a glimpse of a new look for the side attack following the arrivals of Spain and Sweden forwards Mariona Caldentey and Rosa Kafaji.The duo sealed summer transfers from Barcelona and BK Hacken to the Women’s League Cup holders with with Cloe Lacasse and WSL record scorer Vivianne Miedema leaving the club.Read More Football StoriesAlong with full-back Emily Fox and centre-back Laia Codina, Caldentey will join the squad on Monday after their duel with Washington Spirit. Eidevall, who guided Arsenal to League Cup wins this year and last year, said: “We need to see which players gel best with each other and what relationships we can develop.”That’s the process that we’re starting here (the US) now.”We haven’t had any sessions with the whole squad yet.Most read in Football”The whole squad (of 29) will probably be here on the 20th, so that process does not really start until then. We need to use the time very wisely.”It’s not only with our forward line but other units have players with different qualities too.“I think that’s really exciting because we have one way of playing but we can shape that in forms that are going to be as optimal as possible through game-state or opponent.”Arsenal’s duels with Chelsea and Washington Spirit, who are managed by former Barcelona head coach Jonatan Giraldez, will be followed by them facing Rangers in a Champions League qualifier.The Gunners will host the Scottish Women’s Premier League in the first round clash to qualify for the contest’s group stage on September 4thThe winners of this one-off match will take on the victors of a clash between Atletico Madrid and Norwegian side Rosenborg BK in a bid to reach the next stageWith his side suffering an unexpected qualifier knockout loss to Paris FC last term, Eidevall is keen to see them get off to a flier this year.He adds: “We’re only playing one game, so it’s not a two-legged qualifier which is very different.”You could see that in the game against Paris when we were knocked out. Eidevall hopes to guide his team through the Champions League qualifiers to the contest’s group stage this seasonCredit: Getty”The stress of conceding a goal in the second half is totally different compared to if you were playing a return leg.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The reaction of the team is going to be way different which makes the margins much smaller in these games.”We need to start fast to get those margins on the right side for us and we need to get the right answers against Washington so we have a good foundation to build from.” More

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      ‘I’m the one who puts more pressure on me’, says Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor as she targets Blues glory in Europe

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      SONIA BOMPASTOR sees becoming Chelsea boss as coming out of her comfort zone with the Blues embarking on a new era under her.Guiding the team to the Champions League prize that eluded them during Emma Hayes’ trophy-laden reign is the ex-Lyon gaffer’s a top priority. Sonia Bompastor intends to instil her football vision and philosophy at ChelseaCredit: GettyThe former Lyon head coach is aiming to win every trophy the Blues will vying for in her first season at the WSL title-holders’ helmCredit: GettyThe France-born Chelsea boss has set her sights on turning Chelsea into Champions League winnersThe France-born mother-of-four is the first woman to win contest both as a player and a manager.And next season will be the Blues’ first of the post-Hayes era following their former boss becoming USA Women’s head coach at the end of last term after 12 years at the helm.In her first Chelsea press conference yesterday, Bompastor talked of her admiration of Hayes’ legacy.Aside from attempting to add an eighth top-flight trophy to the seven the Blues lifted under her predecessor, she is determined to see them claim Europe’s top club football prize.Read More Football StoriesAnd while she respects the foundations Hayes put in place, she intends to build Chelsea in her own vision as she attempts to achieve this goal.Bompastor, who was appointed as Blues boss in May on a four-year deal, said: “I am a completely different person from Emma.”I have a different vision and philosophy. I’m just trying to build on that legacy. “For me what is really important is to come to this club, respect everything that was built before and build my own vision.Most read in Football”From my background and experience, I can support the players and the club to achieve their goals.”I will use everyone to make sure we bring what we need to bring to make sure this team keeps performing at a high level.”Next week Chelsea embark on their first pre-season tour in the USA a month before Bompastor’s first WSL game at their helm on September 22 when her team host Aston Villa. An August 20 clash with Gotham City will be followed by a duel with Arsenal five days later, a warm-up to them battling for next season’s title along with their domestic rivals. The games will also provide an insight into the approach and mindset of the new Blues chief who hates losing.Her ultra-competitive edge has been highlighted by players managed by her in the past. They include Aston Villa playmaker Kenza Dali who was coached by Bompastor in Lyon’s academy at the age of 16.Dali, describes as someone who knows exactly what it takes to win.An individual whose fierce competitive edge helped her triumph in the Champions League twice as a player in 2011 and 2012, and once as a manager in 2022.Bompastor, adds: “As a manager I am really competitive and I don’t like losing. I’m a really bad loser and I never want it to happen.“I will work really hard to make sure we are not in that position but sometimes it can happen.“I am a manager who really likes to take care of people as well.“When you are a player you always take care of yourself and sometimes you are selfish.“As a manager, you never think about you, you always think about everyone else.”Since retiring 11 years ago after a 13-year senior playing career, including two Lyon spells, Bompastor helped her the club maintain their dominance in France’s top tier.Three successive titles were won during her three seasons coaching Lyon’s senior side from 2021, after seven years managing their women’s academy.The team also lifted a Champions League trophy in May 2022 beating Barcelona 3-1 in the final.Winning this tournament with Chelsea is high on Bompastor’s agenda aside from a capturing every major domestic prize in England.And the challenge of doing so at a club who have sacked three men’s team managers since May 2022, is not a concern for her.The Chelsea chief said: “Even if the club puts me under some pressure, I’m the one who puts even more pressure on me.“I’ve signed for four years and four years is a good time for me to come and put (forward) my own philosophy and vision. “Sometimes it’s good to come out of your comfort zone and have this new challenge. For me the goal is really clear.“I had the opportunity to win the Champions League in France, but I wanted to come to a club who has the ambitions to win the Champions League and in a new country.”In the past Bompastor’s predecessor Hayes did not shy away from criticising match scheduling amid concerns fixture congestion could impact players’ welfare.Last November the Blues played three games in seven daysThese included a Saturday lunchtime duel with Liverpool preceded a Wednesday night Champions League clash away at Real Madrid.The team have a Champions League group game (on October 8 or 9) sandwiched between two of their biggest fixtures these coming season. These are a home game against Man United on October 6 and a clash with Arsenal at the Emirates on October 13.And Bompastor has no qualms about making her “voice heard” on fixture scheduling concerns. The Chelsea chief said: “Something what will be really difficult is when you have to play a Champions League game midweek, and then have to play a very big game on weekends against Arsenal, Manchester City, or Man United.”This is something really hard, because you need to perform during one week with three competitive games.”It’s really difficult sometimes for the players to be able to perform with not a lot of recovery between the games.”This is really different from France. Five-time Champions League winner Lucy Bronze is among the four new players signed by Chelsea following Bompastor’s arrivalCredit: Getty “In France, the French (football) federation was helping the French clubs a lot, especially the ones who are playing the Champions League.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They were the ones making sure Lyon were not playing a big team in the league to help us to perform in the Champions League.”This is maybe something we will need to work on with the FA. I will try to use my voice.” More

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      Arsenal sign rising Sweden star Rosa Kafaji following swoop for ex-Barcelona ace Mariona Caldentey

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      ROSA KAFAJI is hungry to compete for football’s biggest prizes with Arsenal after making a permanent switch to the north London giants.The forward’s transfer from Swedish side BK Hacken was confirmed today with the Gunners boosting their attacking options following Vivianne Miedema’s departure in May.Rosa Kafaji’s Arsenal move follows the club signing former Barcelona forward Mariona Caldentey last monthCredit: ReutersKafaji has signed a long-term contract with Gunners after a two-year stint with Swedish top-flight side BK HackenCredit: GettyArsenal will begin their first tour of the United States this week with the team due to face Washington Spirit and Chelsea in pre-season friendlies on August 18 and 25.Credit: GettyThe club confirmed Kafaji has joined the WSL side on a long-term deal, the length of which has not been publicly disclosed.Of her Gunners move, the nine-capped Sweden player, 21, said: “It feels amazing to join this club”I’m hungry to keep growing and I know this is the right place for me to do that and compete for the biggest trophies.”Kafaji’s transfer, after two years with Hacken, follows reports linking the versatile Sweden forward with an imminent Arsenal switch.Read More Football Stories The club have been strengthening their attacking options ahead of their bid to win a WSL title for the first time since 2019.This includes a swoop for Mariona Caldentey with the Spain forward sealing permanent Arsenal move in July after ten years playing for Barcelona.During her decade-long spell with the Catalan giants she scored 114 goals in 302 games, winning 22 trophies including three Champions League titles.Kafaji, 21, ended last season as Hacken’s top scorer with 15 goals across all competitions, including four netted during last term’s Champions League contest.Most read in FootballThe forward also impressed for Sweden when they were held to a 0-0 draw by England in a match that ended with the Lionesses sealing automatic qualification for next year’s Euros. And she is seen one of the world’s most promising young forwards by Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall.The Arsenal Women’s head coach said: “I’ve been a keen admirer of her game for a number of years.“She plays with a fearlessness beyond her age and I know she has the hunger and mentality it takes to realise her potential here with Arsenal.“I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring Rosa to the club. She’s one of the most exciting young talents in the world.”The Gunners’ director of women’s football Clare Wheatley added: “Rosa is one of the outstanding young players in the game and we’re so happy to have brought her to Arsenal.”She has already gained great experience, and has the ambition and desire to continue to develop and grow in our environment.”Kafaji’s move to the seven-time league cup winners comes just over three months after ex-Arsenal ace Miedema played her last game for the side.The Netherlands all-time top scorer, who netted 125 goals in 172 Arsenal appearances, left the club at the end of last term. She went on to join their title foes Manchester City as a free agent in July.The WSL rivals will go toe-to-toe on Sunday 22 September in their highly anticipated season-opening clash at the Emirates.The match is likely to see Miedema face her old side for the first time since sealing a three-year move to the Cityzens last term.Her old club are set to play 11 of their matches at the Emirates next season.Arsenal will host Manchester City at the Emirates on September 22 in their first WSL game of next seasonCredit: GettyAnd Sweden ace Kafaji is relishing the prospect of playing alongside her new team-mates at the stadium next term.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe adds: “I can’t wait to get started and walk out at Emirates Stadium in front of all our supporters. “I had a very good feeling after speaking to Jonas and Clare and it just feels right to be at Arsenal.” More

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      Chelsea’s Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones and Manchester City’s Khiara Keating shortlisted for PFA award

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      CHELSEA’S Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones are among six WSL stars nominated for the PFA’s women’s young player of the year award.Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating has also been shortlisted for the gong after winning last season’s WSL Golden Glove.Lauren James is one of the six nominees for this year’s PFA women’s young player awardCredit: GettyThe Blues forward finished as the second-highest scorer in the WSL last season helping Chelsea win a seventh league titleCredit: GettyAggie Beever-Jones is also on the shortlist for this year’s prize after impressing in front of goal for Chelsea last seasonCredit: ReutersThis year’s award winner is due to be announced next Tuesday at a ceremony in Manchester. Keating, 20, who emerged as a first team regular for her club last term, kept nine clean sheets in the women’s top-flight with City finishing runners-up in the title race.And her England team-mate James, 22, ended the 2023-24 season as the WSL’s second-highest scorer behind Man City’s Khadija Shaw.The Blues forward, who won the PFA’s young player award last year, registered 13 goals and two assists in 16 league games helping Chelsea win a fifth successive WSL title.Read More Football StoriesJames’ fellow Blue Beever-Jones, 21, has also been shortlisted for the first time in her career, after impressing in her senior breakout season for her club.The London-born striker, who made her senior England debut in a 2-1 Euros qualifier defeat of the Republic of Ireland last month, scored 11 times in 17 WSL appearances last term.Man City forward Jess Park, 23, is one of the three remaining players in the running for the PFA’s award.The versatile winger played an influential role in City’s attack during the second half of last term, after her attacking midfielder team-mate Jill Roord sustained a knee ligament injury in January.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHer four goals and five assists in 18 games helped Gareth Taylor’s side bag a Champions League place a season after they finished fourth and missed out on a spot in last term’s contest.  Manchester United duo Grace Clinton and Maya Le Tissier are the other two nominees for the women’s young player award.Arsenal release 2024-25 third kit with bold new colour as fans say ‘I speak for us all when I say we’re in love with it’ Clinton flourished during her season-long loan at Tottenham helping the team reach a Women’s FA Cup final for the first time ever this year.Her commanding displays in midfield at club level, which include four goals and four assists in 20 WSL games, also led to her receiving her first senior England call-up last October.Khiara Keating is one of two Manchester City players nominated by the PFA for their women’s young player gongCredit: GettyThe Liverpool-born midfielder went net on her senior Lionesses debut four months later in a 7-2 friendly win against Austria in February.Meanwhile Clinton’s Man United team-mate Maya Le Tissier started in all 22 of the team’s league games last season.The England defender, 22, helped the Red Devils win the Women’s FA Cup for the first time in their history when they beat Spurs 4-0 at Wembley in May. More

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      Ayaka Yamashita talks of Ederson admiration and trophy hunger after sealing three-year Manchester City switch

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      AYAKA YAMASHITA is hungry to make a trophy-winning mark at Manchester City after sealing a three-year move to the WSL giants.And the goalkeeper is relishing being the first pro City female player to have the same shirt number as the club’s Prem stopper Ederson.Ayaka Yamashita has become the fourth Japan international player to join Manchester CityYamashita’s arrival follows the goalkeeper competing with Japan in the women’s football contest at the Paris OlympicsCredit: AlamyToday the Cityzens unveiled Yamashita, who began her senior career atJapanese side Tokyo Beleza in, as their newest signing in this summer’s transfer window.The deal for the shot stopper, who won six top tier titles in her country will run until the summer of 2027. Last year she was named as Japan’s Women’s Football League’s most outstanding player.This summer Man City, who hope to end their title dry spell with their last win coming in 2016, have boosted their attacking and midfield options.  Read More Football Stories Ex-Arsenal ace Vivianne Miedema and Japan forward Aoba Fujino are among the stars who have joined the side before the WSL’s returns in September.Yamashita’s switch from Japanese side INAC Kobe Leonessa sees her reunited at club level with her pal and City midfielder Yui Hasegawa.The keeper, who was part of the Japan side beaten 1-0 by Emma Hayes’ USA side at the Paris Olympics quarter-finals, will don the number 31 shirt.Like Ederson, who has lifted 17 major trophies with City including six Prem titles whilst wearing that number, Yamashita hopes to win big. Most read in FootballThe City keeper said: “During my time at Beleza, I used to play with Yui Hasegawa, who is here now, so she is very encouraging. “I’m really looking forward to playing with her again.”It’s also exciting to join a team with Ederson, whom I admire, and to wear the same shirt.”Last season was really close, I thought that while watching the games from Japan. “I want to support the team in winning titles and contribute to the team.”Because of my personality, I am very hungry. “I’ve won various trophies in Asia, but to level up myself, I felt the need to take on a challenge.”This is a famous club that everyone knows, and even now, it feels unbelievable to me.”Man City women’s managing director Charlotte O’Neill said: “Ayaka is an impressive goalkeeper and serial winner with an even more impressive number of domestic trophies to her name.”It has been a pleasure watching her on the world stage during her second Olympics these last few weeks”As we continue to evolve, having a player with attributes like Ayaka’s will help us challenge for honours for years to come.”Yamashita’s move comes three months after City were beaten to last season’s title on goal difference by Chelsea in Hayes’ final season at the Blues helm.Under Taylor the Manchester giants have taken battles for WSL supremacy to the wire last season and in 2021.Having won the FA and League Cups under their boss the team are eager to end their wait to win the title for the first time since 2016.Khiara Keating shone in goal for Man City last seasonCredit: PAYamashita joining the ranks will see highly-rated stopper Khiara Keating face competition for a starting spot in Taylor’s side.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe young Lioness has established herself as City’s number one between the sticks having impressed for the team last season Last term Keating won the WSL’s Golden Glove award by keeping nine clean sheets in 22 appearances. More