Arsenal Ladies Fall In First IWCC Final

Arsenal Ladies 0 - 2 Sao Jose (Rosana 4', Giovania 71')

Starting XI: Chamberlain, Scott, Mitchell, Stoney, Fahey, Averbuch, Nobbs, Williamson, Ohno, Carter, Sanderson

Subs: Weir for Ohno 67', Ayisi for Willamson 67'

Unused Subs: Brown-Finnis, Bailey, Sampson, Kinga, Murray, Humphrey

After a 2-0 win over Okayama  in their semifinal match, the Arsenal Ladies found themselves in their first ever International Women's Club Cup Final. Their opponent was South American champion Sao Jose, a team that has its fair share of Brazilian talent.

One such talent is Rosana, and she struck in the opening five minutes of the match to put Sao Jose ahead of the Gunners. While Arsenal was able to create a few chances, notably Danielle Carter hitting the crossbar in the second half, they could never really find a way through an organized Sao Jose defense. The South American side eventually put the game out of reach with a penalty kick late in the second half, after Sio Chamberlain was called for a foul in the box.

It wasn't the best performance for the Ladies, but all in all it was a relatively successful trip to Japan. It will be interesting to see what happens with guest players Yael Averbuch and Rachel Brown-Finnis. Averbuch is locked up on a contract with FC Kansas City of the NWSL, and Brown-Finnis is currently with Everton it seems unlikely that either player would officially join the club.

As for what's next, that would be a whole lotta nothing. Obviously if anything breaks we'll keep you updated right here as always.