Academy Graduate Secures Quarter-Final Victory
Academy graduate Zara Shaw scored a stoppage-time winner in the quarter-finals, keeping Liverpool's hopes alive in the Women's FA Cup.
Season Overview and Upcoming Semi-Final
Liverpool's season has largely not gone according to plan, but the Women's Super League side is potentially two wins away from securing a major trophy. Gareth Taylor's team face Brighton in the Women's FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday at 12:15 BST.
The Reds currently sit second from bottom in the WSL with one game remaining, having won only four of their 21 league matches. Taylor's late appointment in the summer contributed to recruitment challenges following the departure of key players, resulting in a difficult start to the campaign.
All four WSL victories have come in the new year, following the arrival of new players in January, which has helped improve their league standing and distance them from relegation threats.
This resurgence has revitalised the team as they pursue a place in their fourth Women's FA Cup final. Liverpool previously lost three consecutive finals between 1994 and 1996, the first of which was when the club was known as Knowsley United.
Manager Gareth Taylor expressed the club's ambition to reward their supporters by reaching the final at Wembley.
"We want to give the fans the reward they deserve by reaching the final at Wembley," Taylor said.
Top scorer Beata Olsson shared her perspective with :
"It's an aspiration of the club. Playing for Liverpool, you always want to get titles.
We've had a tough season in many ways, but this type of ending would be incredible. A lot of people talked about us as performing poorly and that we didn't really have what it takes.
I can agree with that in parts, but now I don't hear so many people saying that. We really trusted ourselves and this would be a way to prove it even more."
How Have They Turned It Around?
Liverpool endured a difficult start to the season, securing only two points from their first 10 WSL matches. Key players Olivia Smith and vice-captain Taylor Hinds were sold to Arsenal in the summer, with Smith's transfer setting a record at £1 million.
Manager Gareth Taylor was appointed just four weeks before the season began, leaving the club behind in recruitment efforts. The team made several signings on deadline day to bolster the squad.
Injuries also impacted the squad, with striker Sophie Roman Haug and playmaker Marie Hobinger both suffering anterior cruciate ligament knee injuries.
The club faced additional challenges off the pitch, including the sudden deaths of former manager Matt Beard and kit man Jonathan Humble, as well as the passing of men's team forward Diogo Jota during the summer.
"It was difficult in the first part of the season. There's no doubts we encountered a lot on and off the pitch," Taylor told .
"The FA Cup, and how far we've gone, is something that's really inspiring for everyone because you don't always get rewards in football.
Football's not fair, life's not fair - it doesn't work that way. But this group of players have behaved exceptionally well in the difficult moments.
They have really stood together as a team and that is what has got us to this point."
Taylor credits the new signings in January as a significant factor in Liverpool's improved form. Midfielder Denise O'Sullivan has made 11 appearances since joining, while Alice Bergstrom scored three goals in her first three matches.
Swedish goalkeeper Jennifer Falk, on loan, has become a fan favourite and was the only winter signing to start in Liverpool's notable 3-2 victory over Everton in March. Taylor also highlighted that increased competition for places in training has elevated the overall team performance.
Players have noticed a positive shift in mentality and team spirit.
"The club has been through a rollercoaster season, with some tough times," said O'Sullivan.
"I think bringing players in to add depth and strengthen the team has made an impact. Everyone's contributing to the success.
The mentality of the team has changed. Every game we're going into now, we're looking to win and we're settling for nothing less."
Potential Impact of an FA Cup Victory
Having established a foundation for the next season, Liverpool hope that reaching Wembley can serve as a catalyst for a stronger 2026-27 campaign.
It has been four years since Liverpool last won a trophy, securing the Women's Championship title in 2022. The club has never won the Women's FA Cup.
Once dominant with back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014, Liverpool has experienced a significant decline, but O'Sullivan remains confident in the team's potential for success.
"It would mean a lot. It's an amazing club with a lot of history and I think Liverpool should be up there, winning trophies," said O'Sullivan.
"That's what we want to do, so to be in a semi-final of the FA Cup is a credit to everyone who has got us there. We will give it everything."
Olsson, who joined from Swedish club Kristianstads DFF last year, expressed that playing in cup finals at Wembley is where Liverpool "should be."
"Looking at our season right now, and if we could end it in that way, it sends a really good signal for next year," said Olsson.
"We already have a good feeling that we can do so much more next year. But ending it like that would be a really cool thing."
On the other side of the draw, WSL powerhouses Chelsea face recently crowned league champions Manchester City.
Liverpool manager Taylor cautions against underestimating an in-form Brighton side, who have remained unbeaten in their last six games and carry significant momentum.
Brighton have achieved impressive WSL draws against Manchester United and Arsenal, a 3-2 win over Manchester City, and a 2-0 victory against Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
"There's three teams alongside us who are all dreaming the same thing," said Taylor.
"Our form has been really good and our games against Brighton have been tight. We know we're really close. We are two games away from lifting a trophy."
Ben Haines, Ellen White, and Jen Beattie continue their coverage with the Women's Football Weekly podcast. New episodes are released every Tuesday on , featuring interviews and additional content from the Women's Super League and beyond.
