Canada's Janine Beckie helps Manchester City win back-to-back FA Cup titles
The Associated Press | Posted: November 1, 2020 6:06 PM | Last Updated: November 3, 2020
Forward, 26, scores in win over Everton after signing 2-year extension in April
Canada's Janine Beckie scored in an FA Cup final for Manchester City as the defending champions beat Everton 3-1 after extra time on Sunday in London.
Sam Mewis and Georgia Stanway also scored in Manchester City's win.
Everton goalkeeper Sandy MacIver thwarted City's pursuit of a winner before substitute Stanway found a way past her at the near post in the 111th minute.
And with the final touch of the game, another substitute, Beckie, wrapped up the victory with a low finish after being set up by Stanway, becoming the first Canadian player to score in the Women's FA Cup.
The 26-year-old forward, a dual citizen raised in Colorado by her Canadian parents, signed a two-year extension with Man City in April.
WATCH | Janine Beckie goal seals victory for Man City:
Mewis, whose goal in the semifinal secured the trip to Wembley Stadium, headed in the opener in the 40th minute of the 50th Women's FA Cup final.
The routine she worked on at Manchester City with teammate Alex Greenwood in the days before the FA Cup final finally came off.
"Obviously I kept missing in practice, so it felt great to put one away," Mewis said after heading into the net against Everton from Greenwood's corner.
3rd triumph in 4 seasons
"It was tough on the legs. But everyone got through it. I am really proud of the group. It was a tough grind and the subs that came on did great.
"There are girls who played in the FA Cup last year to get us to this point."
This was City's third Women's FA Cup triumph in four seasons — a winning streak that began with another American, Carli Lloyd, netting in the 2017 victory over Birmingham.
And this was a double American triumph under the Wembley arch with Rose Lavelle also picking up the trophy after a successful introduction to English soccer.
Mewis wasn't the first American to score in a pandemic-delayed FA Cup final at Wembley in 2020. Christian Pulisic also netted for Chelsea's men.
Pulisic had nothing to celebrate as he came off injured and Chelsea was beaten by Arsenal.
Mewis had a day to remember, but one with limited celebrations due to the pandemic keeping fans out of Wembley.