Shaw off target, but Man City one win away from WSL title

MANCHESTER, England (CMC):

Jamaican international Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw failed to get on the scoresheet, but Manchester City still escaped with a 1-0 victory over Liverpool on Sunday at the Joie Stadium to inch closer to a Women’s Super League (WSL) title.

Rebecca Knaak’s stoppage-time winner rescued City’s hopes of the title and ensured that winning the WSL remained in their hands.

Knaak scored a last-gasp header past Liverpool goalkeeper Jennifer Falk to snatch victory and move City 11 points clear of Arsenal, having played three games more.

The result means that City will lift the title on May 16 if they defeat West Ham United in their last match, regardless of the outcome of Arsenal’s remaining games.

City spent much of the game on the back foot with a poor first-half showing resulting in just one effort on target from City as Shaw was denied from close range.

The home side finally found their groove in the second half after weathering the storm, with Kerolin and Shaw among the players to have efforts denied by Liverpool goalkeeper Jennifer Falk.

Liverpool’s opportunities in the second half were limited as City seized the momentum.

The visitors were unable to cope with City’s relentless late attacks, and Knaak managed to squeeze her headed effort into the back of the net, albeit with a significant helping hand from Falk, who got down to the ball but was unable to hold it.

Caption: Manchester City Women huddle ahead of their Women’s Super League football game against Liverpool at the Joie Stadium in Manchester, England, on Sunday.