Kang was in the stands for yesterday’s 1-1 draw against Newcastle United, alongside several prominent figures in women’s football, including Nikki Doucet, CEO of Women’s Professional Leagues Limited. Kang has invested heavily in the Lionesses, funding a new elite training facility in Kent and bringing in several high-profile transfers. Her ambitions are twofold: to win the WSL and to demonstrate that women’s sports are not just a cause but a viable business.
Both teams boasted significant talent, with a combined 468 international caps between them, adding to the excitement of the match. Newcastle, fresh off their second straight promotion, fielded Euro 2022 winner Demi Stokes, making her debut at left-back. In the crowd, a family with two yapping sausage dogs added a charming touch to the day’s atmosphere. Despite that, the 1,781 fans in attendance set a record for a league fixture for the Lionesses, boosted by Newcastle’s enthusiastic traveling supporters.
The event had its own unique elements, including a pop-up shop from Foudys, a women’s football kit retailer, and a halftime dance performance. But on the pitch, the game was fiercely competitive, with both teams vying for the league’s sole promotion spot. Newcastle struck first with a close-range goal from Jamaica’s Shania Hayles, but London City responded with a brilliant finish from Kosovare Asllani, their marquee summer signing from Real Madrid. Asllani, a 188-time capped Sweden international, praised Kang’s vision after the match, saying, “She’ll give us everything we need to build a successful team. The coolest part is that it’s a woman investing. I want to help her achieve this dream.”
London City continued building their squad by signing Isobel Goodwin from Sheffield United the day before the match. Goodwin, who scored 15 goals in 19 league appearances last season, is taking a big step, moving out of her parents’ house for the first time to join the club. Reflecting on her transfer, she said, “I’m absolutely buzzing. Kang’s plans are amazing, and I’m excited to be a part of it. This is the best place for me to score more goals.”
Goodwin made her debut in the second half, showcasing her athleticism and strength. Both teams eventually settled for a point, and Newcastle’s head coach, Becky Langley, praised the quality and intensity of the game, saying, “It’s fantastic to see this level of investment in the Championship, and hopefully other clubs follow.”
London City’s new head coach, Jocelyn Prêcheur, who was hired from Paris Saint-Germain, added: “As I told my players, this isn’t just a new chapter, it’s a whole new book. We’re creating history, and this was the first page. I hope this journey will be long and beautiful.”
