Brighton reach Women’s FA Cup final after 3-2 comeback, Vidosic: ‘We want to be historic’ | OneFootball

Brighton reached the Women’s FA Cup final for the first time as substitute Nadim Noordam struck in stoppage time to cap a 3-2 comeback against Liverpool. NY Times reports the win secured Wembley and sparked celebrations.

Liverpool surged 2-0 up inside 23 minutes. A minute later Manuela Vanegas replied from a corner to restore belief.

Brighton were transformed after the break, Madison Haley headed the equaliser on 54 minutes. A tense finish followed, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie made three saves before Noordam converted after Mia Enderby conceded a free kick.

Head coach Dario Vidosic urged his side to move on quickly from each moment and felt momentum was theirs late on, he believed the winner was coming. He also gestured to the sky for his father Rado, the club’s former head of coaching for women and girls, who died in January.

Since his July 2024 appointment, Vidosic has given Brighton clarity and a high-energy identity, delivering a fifth-place finish with 28 points last season after earlier instability. In 2023 they fell 3-2 to Manchester United in the semi-finals to an 89th-minute Rachel Williams goal.

This surge has included knocking out Arsenal, a 3-2 league win over Manchester City, then draws with Arsenal and Manchester United that shook up the title race. Last month the club revealed plans for Europe’s first purpose-built women’s stadium from 2030-31. Beating Tottenham Hotspur this weekend could top last season’s points, and Wembley now presents a plausible first major trophy. Vidosic said, 'We want to be historic.'

Source: NY Times