Sam Kerr celebrated 150 Chelsea appearance with a goal against Manchester United in the Women's FA Cup 💪

 Chelsea FC Women today proudly celebrated a significant milestone as star striker Sam Kerr marked her 150th appearance for the club in style, scoring a crucial goal in a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup fifth round.

The match, played at Kingsmeadow, served as a thrilling preview to the upcoming League Cup final between the two sides. Kerr, who had been presented with a commemorative shirt before kick-off to honor her achievement, entered the game as a second-half substitute and transformed the contest.

With Chelsea pushing for a breakthrough in a tightly contested encounter, Kerr struck in the 78th minute. Receiving a headed flick-on from Veerle Buurman’s nod across goal following Ellie Carpenter’s curling cross, the Australian international swept a low, composed finish across goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce and into the bottom corner. The goal, her ninth in 10 career appearances against Manchester United, gave Chelsea a vital lead and perfectly encapsulated Kerr’s enduring impact since joining the club in January 2020.

Though Manchester United equalized shortly after through Simi Awujo to force extra time, Naomi Girma’s extra-time winner secured Chelsea’s progression to the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Kerr’s milestone comes after overcoming a challenging 22-month absence due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained in January 2024. Her return to form has been evident, and this goal on her 150th outing underscored her status as one of the most prolific forwards in the women’s game.

Chelsea FC Head Coach Sonia Bompastor praised Kerr’s influence: “Sam is a special player and a huge part of what we do. To reach 150 appearances and score in such an important match against a top rival is testament to her quality, mentality, and dedication. Moments like this inspire the team and our fans.”

Kerr, who has contributed immensely to Chelsea’s trophy haul—including multiple Women’s Super League titles, FA Cups, and Continental Cups—expressed her delight post-match: “150 games for this incredible club means so much to me. Scoring today in front of our supporters was the perfect way to celebrate. We’re building something special here, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

Chelsea now look ahead to the FA Cup quarter-finals and their League Cup final against Manchester United on March 15, where Kerr’s experience and goal-scoring prowess will be key once again.