LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Sam Kerr's hopes for a dream comeback in the Champions League have been dashed as Caitlin Foord delivered a crushing defeat to her Matildas teammate, Ellie Carpenter, during a knockout tie.
Arsenal faced the challenge of overturning a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Lyon.
Foord played a crucial role in Arsenal's remarkable comeback, consistently troubling Carpenter down the wing throughout the match.
Carpenter, seeking her third Champions League trophy with the dominant Lyon side, faced a difficult night as her defense was repeatedly exploited.
Lyon's Australian coach, Joe Montemurro, confronted an unexpected collapse from his team, highlighted by an early mistake from goalkeeper Christiane Endler, who misjudged a corner, allowing the ball to bounce off her back and into the net just five minutes into the match.
The situation worsened when Mariona Caldentey scored to make it 2-0.
Shortly after halftime, Alessio Russo capitalized on Lyon's defensive errors, netting a goal just 30 seconds into the second half.
Foord added to Lyon's woes by scoring in the 63rd minute after Lyon center back Vanessa Gilles slipped, sealing Arsenal's victory with a 4-1 scoreline that propelled them into the Champions League final.
Foord expressed her astonishment at the turnaround, stating, "I mean it is incredible.
To come into the game a goal down, it didn't phase us.
We thought we played really well at home...
We just knew if we played the game we could do it.
I didn't expect it to be like that, but I will take that.
I think we came out well and started fast and you get rewarded when you get the momentum...it built the confidence more and more."