Alyssa Thompson scored a goal of exceptional beauty in her first ever Champions League match. She fueled Chelsea to a dominant 4-0 win over Paris FC. It was a fine way for the 20-year-old USA international to open her account for Chelsea. She demonstrated her incredible quickness and fantastic technical ability with the ball at her feet. Her creativity and poise helped them get to that point, and the result was a Chelsea team bursting with confidence, producing a resounding performance at Stamford Bridge.
From start to finish, Thompson showcased her ability to beat defenders and produce goal opportunities. She sent an inch-perfect cross on the run to help create Chelsea’s second goal. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd equalized soon after with a gorgeous arcing header. Thompson found the back netting again just a few minutes later, putting Chelsea up 3-0. She slotted it home at the back post, announcing herself in this game. This performance marks her first Champions League goal for the club, underlining her potential as a key player for Chelsea.
A Record Signing Making Waves
Thompson’s arrival at Chelsea as a club-record signing has sent waves of excitement through the squad and #CFC family. Her pace and ability to glide with the ball at her feet make her an imposing attacking weapon. Millie Bright, Chelsea’s captain, expressed admiration for Thompson’s approach to the game, stating, “Alyssa Thompson takes risks and attacks the defender one vs one. She can go inside, outside. It is really difficult to defend against her.”
Sonia Bompastor, Thompson’s head coach for the North Carolina Courage, noted her versatility and ability to change the game. Alyssa adds a ton of pace up top, but she’s dynamic with her feet and is very confident on the ball. When she takes risks she’s really decisive and directly confronts the defender one vs one,” Bompastor said. The coach said the entire team played well. He especially touted the final 20 minutes of action, describing that period as a demonstration of exceptional one-touch passing and synergy.
While Thompson has come a long way since first switching to her new position, Bompastor wants to see even more from her now growing into it. “The whole game was good but especially that last 20 minutes. It was a really good way to end the block of games and send the girls off on international duty,” she observed.
Impressive Performance Amidst Tough Competition
Chelsea fought against a very strong opponent in their second Champions League match of the season. Paris FC has a great reputation for being tough, hard-nosed players. Paris FC head coach Daphne Corboz on what was a difficult task in facing Chelsea. “Today we faced a really good team. They are one of the best teams, and they are playing for the title. So it was obviously difficult. They made us run a lot,” Corboz remarked.
Although PFC did not get the result they wanted, they fought hard for 90+ mins and that’s what matters – @parisfc. In the end, the variety of attacking threats the Blues possessed on the pitch combined with their purposeful but quick execution was overwhelming. The Blues took their chances extremely well. Cuthbert scored the fourth in what was originally given as an ‘own goal’ on Sam Kerr, but it was very much a result of the depth and talent Chelsea has on their roster.
Thompson also had a spectacular skill, one that’s underappreciated today—accurate, arcing crosses from the wings. He further proved his scoring prowess from either side of the field in this game. She’s extremely versatile and never ceases to be the problem solver. That makes her an irreplaceable piece as Chelsea looks to continue their domestic and budding European dominance.
Celebrating a Milestone
Thompson’s first goal for Chelsea was a special moment not just for her personally, but for the club with which she now shared the scene. After the game, her happiness was apparent. From the start, she was passionate about measuring what she was doing and how it would translate into her career.
The young star’s immediate impact on the pitch suggests bright prospects for her future with Chelsea and within the league. As she continues to refine her skills and adapt to the demands of top-level football, fans eagerly await what more she will bring to the team.
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