Sam Kerr made history by becoming Chelsea’s all-time leading WSL goalscorer as the Blues secured Champions League football for next season with a 3-1 victory over bottom side Leicester at the King Power Stadium on Sunday.

The Australian striker’s early header took her tally to 64 goals in the top flight, surpassing the previous club record.

Kerr gave Chelsea the perfect start after just 13 minutes when she rose to nod home Niamh Charles’ cross, etching her name into the club’s history books. The 32-year-old, who has been heavily linked with a move to NWSL expansion team Denver Summit this summer, admitted the achievement would probably sink in years down the line when she retires from playing.

Lauren James Produces Moment of Magic

If Kerr does depart west London, Chelsea will not be short of goals with Lauren James at her brilliant best to add the second and third before halftime.

The England winger first took a touch 20 yards out before bending a stunning strike beyond goalkeeper Katie Keane, then six minutes later beat the youngster again with an unstoppable free kick from inside the D, which cannoned in off the crossbar.

James joked about her run-up afterwards, saying she was looking where the keeper was positioned before picking her spot in the top corner.

Leicester Pull One Back Before Break

The game threatened to become another rout following Leicester’s 7-0 hammering at Arsenal on Wednesday, until Shannon O’Brien intercepted Lucy Bronze’s blind backpass and finished smartly past Livia Peng before halftime.

However, the Foxes failed to seriously test the Chelsea goalkeeper after the interval as Sonia Bompastor’s side ran out comfortable winners to cement a top-three finish.

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Chelsea defender and England international Millie Bright has announced her retirement from professional football after a glittering 17-year career that saw her win 19 trophies at club and international level. The 32-year-old will go down as one of the most influential figures in the history of women’s football following her exploits with both Chelsea and the Lionesses.

Bright became synonymous with Emma Hayes’ all-conquering Chelsea side that dominated English women’s football for over a decade, winning eight WSL titles and 10 domestic cup competitions during her time at Stamford Bridge. The defender also captained the Blues on numerous occasions and established herself as one of the finest centre-backs in world football.

Instrumental in England Euro Triumphs

For many supporters, Bright will be remembered most fondly for her performances with England as the Lionesses claimed back-to-back European Championship titles in 2022 and 2025. The defender started all six matches during the first triumph under Sarina Wiegman and also captained England throughout the 2023 World Cup campaign in Leah Williamson’s absence, helping the team reach the final before losing narrowly to Spain.

Bright earned 88 caps for her country across her international career, cementing her status as an England legend. Wiegman paid tribute to the retiring star, stating it’s hard to put into words the impact she has had on the women’s game.

Sheffield Roots Shaped Success

Born in Chesterfield, Bright began playing football aged nine at local side Killamarsh Dynamos before being scouted by Sheffield United women as a teenager. She spent time with The Blades until age 16 before moving to Doncaster Belles in 2009.

Bright will remain at Chelsea in two off-pitch roles as a foundation trustee and club ambassador.

Also read: Daphne van Domselaar Insists Arsenal Want to Defend Champions League Title After Progressing Past Chelsea Despite Stamford Bridge Defeat

Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar has declared she’s looking forward to facing Lyon in the Champions League semi-finals after the Gunners progressed past Chelsea in the quarter-finals.

The Dutch international spoke ahead of Sunday’s first leg at the Emirates Stadium, revealing her excitement at getting another crack at the French champions following last season’s semi-final clash.

Van Domselaar reflected positively on her recent international break with the Netherlands, where they took four points from two matches against France to move top of their 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying group. The goalkeeper was pleased with how the team performed despite being down several players through injury.

Positive Memories From Last Season’s Lyon Tie

The 24-year-old recalled fond memories from Arsenal’s semi-final victory over Lyon last season, though she watched the first leg from the stands due to injury before returning for the second leg in France. “Being able to put on such a good performance when we needed it was something I loved,” van Domselaar explained.

She added that the atmosphere in Lyon was excellent and creating positive memories during that tie gives Arsenal confidence heading into this year’s semi-final. The Gunners will be hoping to use home advantage in the first leg before travelling to France for the return fixture.

Busy End to Season Ahead

Van Domselaar acknowledged Arsenal face a hectic schedule between now and the end of May, with seven matches still to play plus a potential final if they progress past Lyon. “We’ve got important games in the league as well, and being able to play for the final in the Champions League is a big thing,” she stated.

The goalkeeper also won the Barclays WSL Save of the Month award for March.

Also read: Leah Williamson Makes England Return From Injury as Arsenal Captain Starts World Cup Qualifier in Iceland Before Being Subbed at Halftime