Glasgow City suffer extra-time loss to Sporting

Glasgow City’s Europa Cup run was ended by Sporting Club’s two extra-time goals in Lisbon.

Late in the first half, Nicole Kozlova had given the visitors a 2-1 overall lead.

After Carla Armengol set Sporting up for a quarter-final against Hammarby or Ajax, Telma Encarnacao’s clever finish extended the game by an additional 30 minutes and the home striker added another.

In the opening period, City goalkeeper Lee Gibson was busy, and the Portuguese side did a strong start and finish.

The SWPL leaders started to find some rhythm after being beaten by the hosts four minutes before the break when they took the lead.

Kimberley Smit assisted Kozlova in finishing from close range with a powerful free-kick from Lisa Evans.

Before the break, the Ukrainian international threatened once more, and City did so with two excellent first half goals from Linda Motlhalo.

Sporting then regained control of the game as they pressed for an equalizer.

A straight ball over the top broke City’s resistance as Telma swiveld to score a first-time strike against Gibson.

The Portuguese forward, who also scored in the opening leg, then fired a fierce free kick into the post after 87 minutes, slamming the rebound inches wide.

Claudia Neto also succeeded in holding City’s hand in vain.

When Telma stole between the visiting center-halves to nod home, an Ashley Barron header looped over as Sporting continued its attacking momentum into extra-time.

I’m just really proud of the work we put in every single player in the squad and the accomplishments we’ve made along the way.