Mary Fowler sparks comeback as Brighton reaches FA Cup final

Sometimes the most exciting moments happen when hope seems lost, and two Women's FA Cup semifinals just delivered that magic in spectacular fashion.

Mary Fowler stepped off the bench in the 86th minute with her Manchester City team trailing Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. Within seconds, the Australian midfielder fired home a stunning 20-meter strike that reignited what seemed like an impossible dream. Star striker Khadija Shaw then completed the comeback with two goals in extra time, sealing a remarkable 3-2 victory.

The match had looked comfortably in Chelsea's control after Matildas captain Sam Kerr scored to make it 2-0 on the hour mark. Kerr had already endured frustration with two earlier goals ruled out, one incorrectly when the referee thought the ball had gone out of play. Despite her 19 goals in 17 FA Cup career matches, she'll miss a potential Wembley finale if her rumored move to Denver's NWSL happens this summer.

Fowler's goal marked her first for City since February 2025, making the timing even sweeter. The substitute appearance turned into a game-changing moment that will be replayed for years.

Why This Inspires

Brighton's comeback in the other semifinal proved even more dramatic. Former Socceroo Dario Vidošić watched his team fall behind 2-0 to Liverpool after just 22 minutes, facing what looked like certain defeat.

But Brighton clawed back through Manuela Vanegas and Madison Haley before Dutch midfielder Nadine Noordam delivered the knockout blow. The substitute smashed home her first goal for the club in the 95th minute, sending Brighton to Wembley with a 3-2 win.

Vidošić, who won the A-League Women championship with Melbourne City before moving to England, is now one match away from becoming the first Australian manager to win an FA Cup. The 39-year-old has already guided Brighton to their highest ever league finish and victories over both the WSL champions and European champions this season.

"It is a nice feeling when almost the last kick of the game hits the back of the net and sends us to Wembley," Vidošić said after the match. His message to the team reflected his ambitious vision: they want to finish the season undefeated.

The final on May 31 pits Fowler's Manchester City against Vidošić's Brighton in a matchup nobody predicted. Both teams proved that fighting spirit and belief can overcome any deficit, giving fans a Wembley showdown that promises more drama.

Two incredible comebacks in one day remind us why we love sports.