Guess who’s back in the UEFA Women’s Champions League? For those still scratching their heads—hold your congratulations for Manchester United! The WSL giants have finally returned to the European stage after a year-long absence, having last competed in the prestigious competition during the 2023/24 campaign. While the credit goes to the collective efforts of the players, coaches, and staff, one figure stands out as a key pillar of the squad—none other than USWNT star Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
In a game where forwards take center stage with their emphatic goals, goalkeepers like Tullis-Joyce are the unsung poets of the beautiful game, crafting victories through cat-like reflexes, game-changing saves, and selfless dives. Having played over 21 games in the 22-match domestic league, she has indeed played a crucial role in helping her side secure the European spot. In fact, Phallon boasts the highest save percentage in this Barclays WSL campaign, with an impressive 83.9%.
The most recent performance came in a four-goal thriller against arch-rivals Manchester City on Sunday, May 4. Though both sides shared spoils in a 2-2 draw, credit also goes to Tullis-Joyce for making heroic saves to deny the neighbors score more than twice at Old Trafford. The USWNT goalie’s failure to keep a clean sheet saw her teammates Grace Clinton and Melvine Malard help the Reds etch a crucial comeback from a couple of strikes from City’s Laia Aleixandri and Rebecca Knaak.
While it ignited the hopes of a comeback for a potential win, disaster struck for the Red Devils just seconds after their equalizer. Aoife Mannion was caught in possession and failed to keep up with Kerolin, compelling the center-back to drag the Brazilian to the ground. Having already received a yellow card in the first half after coming on for Jayde Riviere within the opening 25 minutes, she was shown a second yellow by the referee—leaving United reduced to 10 players.
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That only made things worse for Marc Skinner and Co. as City got an undue advantage on their rivals to restore a potential lead. But talk about stepping up when needed; Phallon kept making crucial saves till the final whistle. Full-time saw all United players celebrate the single point as if they had actually clinched three points.
Honestly, we don’t blame them—securing a well-deserved European spot, and that too, for only the second time in their history. With this draw, United maintains a four-point gap behind City, which automatically guarantees them a top-three finish. In fact, they also have a golden opportunity to potentially leapfrog second-placed Arsenal, who sit just one point ahead of them.
But the job isn’t done yet for Manchester United, who still have an FA Cup final clash against current WSL champions Chelsea next week. And while they’ve rightfully secured their UWCL spot, there’s still work to be done—something Phallon Tullis-Joyce will no doubt be keen to help see through.
USWNT star has a crucial role to play for Manchester United next season
Given how Chelsea has occupied England’s automatic place in the league phase of the UWCL, all eyes are on Manchester United and Arsenal now. A third finish would see either side earn a spot in the second qualifying round, with the second finish advancing to the third qualifying stage. Hence, United will have to compete in the ‘League Path’, which is a four-team mini-tournament.
Its official draw will be out on June 16, with official matches taking place on August 27 and 30. Meanwhile, speaking of another situation, the third qualifying draw will occur on September 1. It is a two-legged tie that is scheduled for September 11 and 18. Winning this round will secure a spot in the 18-team league phase, courtesy of a new format for next season to align with the men’s Champions League.
Notably, the last time United entered the Champions League was after finishing second in the 2023/24 WSL season. As for their journey, the Red Devils faced Paris Saint-Germain. While the opening leg ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw, with Melvine Malard scoring their first-ever goal in the competition, the return leg saw them lose 3-1, resulting in an aggregate exit.
But given that they’ve received a second chance in the prestigious tournament, expectations are certainly sky-high, especially from Phallon Tullis-Joyce. The goalkeeper is expected to deliver a performance on the European stage similar to the one she has had in the WSL so far. And why wouldn’t we expect that, considering what a magical season it has been for the USWNT star? Either way, fans certainly can’t wait for the season ahead!
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