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1 month agoSan Jose Soccer Star Naomi Girma Returns Home | KQED
Naomi Girma's achievements highlight the growth of women's soccer in the U.S., particularly through her impact in the NWSL and international competitions.
Chelsea had started brightly in a strong first half, with Phallon Tullis-Joyce making some fine saves to keep the scoreline level. Girma also saw an effort cleared off the line before the break, but the Blues finally found the breakthrough in the 78th minute as Sam Kerr came off the bench to turn in Veerle Buurman's knockdown. However, United were back on level terms just three minutes later as substitute Simi Awujo arrived at the back post to profit during a scramble in the box.
A 99th-minute winner from Naomi Girma sent holders Chelsea through to the Women's FA Cup quarter-finals as they saw off a stubborn Manchester United 2-1. In a competitive encounter at Kingsmeadow, Sonia Bompastor's side needed extra time to keep their Cup defence alive after Simi Awujo had cancelled out Sam Kerr's opener in normal time. I am really pleased because this competition is really special for us, Bompastor said. We want to go as far as possible.
Defender Naomi Girma will return to the United States national team for the first time in nearly five months for a pair of upcoming friendly matches against Italy. USWNT coach Emma Hayes named her 26-player roster on Wednesday. It included two first-time call-ups and several other returning players, but it does not feature forward Trinity Rodman, who just returned to the field briefly on Saturday for the Washington Spirit after spraining the MCL in her right knee in October.