In a stunning performance in the Women’s Champions League, United States forward Lily Yohannes capped the scoring for OL Lyonnes in their 3-0 win against St. Pölten, executing a remarkable long-range lob on Wednesday.
The record eight-time champions also saw goals from Jule Brand and captain Ada Hegerberg, the all-time leading scorer in the tournament.
The 18-year-old Yohannes caught goalkeeper Carina Schlüter off her line in the 52nd minute and launched a right-footed shot from near the center circle that sailed over Schlüter’s head and into the net.
“Honestly, I just saw the keeper out and thought I’d give it a try,” Yohannes stated. She also expressed gratitude for being selected in Emma Hayes’ U.S. squad for the upcoming October friendlies. “I’ve done something similar at Ajax, so I thought, ‘Why not?’ I’m thrilled it went in.” She added, “Everyone has been so welcoming, which helps me feel comfortable and play my game. I have so many talented teammates who elevate my performance.”
Brand was the first to score, netting just before the half-hour mark after finishing off a brilliant team move by tapping in a cross from Vicki Bècho.
Hegerberg extended her record tally to 67 with a header just before halftime, bringing Lyonnes ahead.
In terms of chances, Lyonnes dominated with 44 attempts compared to just six from St. Pölten. Coach Jonatan Giráldez fielded an entirely different starting lineup from the one that won 2-1 against defending champions Arsenal one week earlier.
St. Pölten had just suffered a 6-0 defeat to Atlético last week.
The revamped Champions League format features an 18-team league phase that concludes in December. The top four teams will advance to the quarterfinals, while those ranked fifth to twelfth will enter a knockout playoff round, and the bottom six will be eliminated.
In other matches on Wednesday, two-time champions Wolfsburg secured a 2-1 victory over Vålerenga, thanks to a penalty by Janina Minge in stoppage time. Lineth Beerensteyn opened the scoring for Wolfsburg with a low shot past goalkeeper Tove Enblom in the 57th minute following a defensive mistake.
Sara Hørte equalized just three minutes later with a header.
Wolfsburg previously defeated Paris Saint-Germain 4-0 last week, while Vålerenga lost 1-0 to Manchester United.
In this year’s Champions League format, the 18-team league phase concludes in December. The top four teams will qualify for the quarterfinals, teams ranked fifth to twelfth will compete in the knockout playoff round, and the bottom six teams will be eliminated.
This story includes information from The Associated Press.