The Eagles made the brighter start and had several early opportunities whilst keeping the hosts at bay, but two quickfire goals towards the end of the first-half from Antoine Semenyo and Omar Marmoush gave Pep Guardiola’s side a measure of comfort.

Palace often looked the more likely side to score in the second-half, but a late effort from Savinho saw Oliver Glasner’s side depart the Etihad empty-handed.

### Summary:

- Four changes for Palace as Lerma, Hughes, Pino and Mateta all start.
- **2:** Johnson runs through and squares for Mateta – the flag goes up late.
- **12:** Pino’s effort deflects narrowly wide, moments before Richards heads over from Hughes’ corner.
- **20:** Ait-Nouri makes inroads from the left for City but strikes into the side-netting.
- **32 – Goal:** City take the lead as Semenyo finishes from Foden’s back-heel.  
- **33:** Mitchell’s effort is turned away by Donnarumma as Palace look to hit back.
- **40 – Goal:** Marmoush spins and slams City into a two-goal lead.
- **43:** Henderson makes a stunning save from Gvardiol’s goalbound header.
- **HT: Man City 2-0 Palace**
- **60:** Both teams make heavy changes on the hour, as Wharton, Sarr and Strand Larsen all come on for Palace.
- **63:** Sarr seizes onto Bernardo Silva’s poor backpass, but he can’t truly test Donnarumma.
- **83:** Wharton’s delightful dink frees Strand Larsen, but his finish clears the crossbar.
- **84 – Goal:** Savinho wraps up the scoring for City.
- **90+5:** Kamada’s late curler threatens for Palace, but Stones deflects it behind.
- **FT: Man City 3-0 Palace**

Match Action: Manchester City 3-0 Crystal Palace

With Oliver Glasner challenging his players to keep their performances level high in the build-up to – and, more importantly, keep improving their levels towards – the UEFA Conference League Final, the Manager made four changes to his side.

Jean-Philippe Mateta made his 199th appearance in all competitions for the Eagles, returning to the starting XI, and was supported by Brennan Johnson and the returning Yéremy Pino in attack. The midfield engine room was also rotated, with both Will Hughes and Jefferson Lerma starting.

Although hosts City were the pre-match favourites as they sought to rival Arsenal for the Premier League title, Palace undoubtedly made the brighter start.

Inside two minutes, a diagonal ball from Pino found Johnson running in behind and, as he shaped to shoot, the Wales international instead played the ball across goal for Mateta to strike. Gianluigi Donnarumma somehow saved – and then the flag went up anyhow.

Palace’s sharp counters were proving the only real attacks of note, and amidst the Manchester downpour, some wonderful hold-up play by Mateta saw Tyrick Mitchell break down the left side. His pull-back found Pino, who side-footed goalwards – only for Josko Gvardiol to make a crucial intervention for the hosts.

There was another opportunity moments later as Hughes’ corner found Chris Richards but, having beaten his former teammate Marc Guéhi – playing against Palace for the first time since his January switch to the Citizens – to the ball, the American headed over.

For all their possession, the hosts were struggling to break down Palace’s well-drilled defence in the opening quarter of the game – Rayan Ait-Nouri having the only real opportunity, snatching at his effort and hitting the side-netting.

In truth, at a rather muted Etihad Stadium, it was a fairly flat first half-an-hour – particularly given that City needed to win to prevent Arsenal from having the opportunity to clinch the league title at the weekend.

But then, on 32 minutes, their quality came to the fore: a delightful Phil Foden back-heel gave Semenyo space to shoot inside the box, and his low, early finish across the goalkeeper gave Dean Henderson little chance to keep the ball out.

Palace, as they so often have done this season, looked to respond immediately, and some sharp passing around the City box saw Mateta square for Mitchell; his first-time effort had plenty of swerve on it, but was turned round the post by Donnarumma.

Chances were beginning to flow in the game, and two minutes after Maxence Lacroix had made a goal-saving challenge on Omar Marmoush, the hosts made it two.

Gvardiol scooped the ball over the backline, Foden guided it into the six-yard box, and Marmoush spun his man before slamming home – despite Henderson getting a leg to it.

And City could have been out of sight seconds before half-time, were it not for an outstanding clawing save – at full stretch – by Henderson from Gvardiol’s header, Foden again the architect.

Work, then, for Palace to do in the second-half – but City’s attack is never easy to keep quiet, and only a solid block tackle from Lacroix denied Marmoush the chance to shoot after some sharp one-touch passing after the restart.

On the hour mark, both teams made significant changes; with Glasner having admitted ahead of the game that he would be judicious in his sharing of minutes ahead of the Final, Adam Wharton, Ismaïla Sarr and Jørgen Strand Larsen all came on after 60 minutes.

The two attackers were immediately involved; seconds after Strand Larsen had tested Donnarumma’s handling from a tight angle, Sarr seized onto a poor backpass by Bernardo Silva, but could not generate enough power to beat the Italian ‘keeper on his left foot.

With City dominant in possession and managing the half, there were a few half-opportunities for the Eagles to get back into the contest whenever passing at the back did go awry – substitute Daichi Kamada perhaps having the best of them.

Strand Larsen perhaps had Palace’s best chance of the half after Wharton’s wonderful outside-of-the-boot pass let the striker run in behind – yet the Norway forward, taking it early, cleared the bar with a powerful effort.

And moments later, City’s scoring concluded as Rayan Cherki advanced on the Palace box and slipped in Savinho with a well-weighted pass; the Brazilian duly finished across Henderson, the points staying in Manchester.

**Palace:** Henderson (GK), Richards, Lacroix, Canvot, Muñoz (Clyne, 82), Hughes (Wharton, 60), Lerma, Mitchell, Pino (Sarr, 60), Johnson (Kamada, 75), Mateta (Strand Larsen, 60).

**Subs:** Benítez (GK), Riad, Cardines, Devenny.

**Man City:** Donnarumma (GK), Nunes (Ake, 58), Khusanov, Guehi, Gvardiol (Doku, 58), Ait-Nouri, Silva (Kovacic, 79), Foden (Stones, 82), Semenyo, Savinho, Marmoush (Cherki, 79).

**Subs:** Trafford (GK), Dias, Reijnders, Haaland.

### As It Happened

Crystal Palace competed well but ultimately suffered a 3-0 defeat to Premier League challengers Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Report & Highlights: Palace suffer defeat at Manchester City

Manchester City v Crystal Palace (2026-05-13)

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#### **JUNE - Potter joins Palace**

The 2024/25 season had had its high points, but it was ultimately disappointing for the Eagles.

Our maiden campaign in the topflight of English Women's football had ended in relegation to the second-tier, and morale was low amongst the squad.

Former Lioness and Rangers boss Jo Potter was appointed on the 24th June, with assistant coach Remi Allen joining the team a few weeks later.

Former Palace captain Annabel Johnson was also added to the first-team coaching staff with the objective clear - win promotion back to the WSL.

With the revamped format of the WSL and the newly-named Women's Super League 2 now allowing up to three teams to earn promotion - that objective was made easier.

The top two teams would earn automatic promotion, whilst the third-place WSL2 team would contest a playoff game against the bottom team in the WSL.

Jo Potter: First Interview

#### **JULY & AUGUST - More New Faces**

There were new some faces on the pitch, as well as in the dugout.

Defender Jamie-Lee Napier was the first to join on a permanent deal, and she was followed by midfielder Justine Vanhaevermaet, forward Kirsty Howat, and veteran midfielder Ruesha Littlejohn.

Teenage talents Lola Brown and Emma Watson also joined on loan, as Potter looked to bolster her squad ahead of the WSL2 campaign.

Palace now had a new-look team, with a new Manager at the helm.

#### **SEPTEMBER - Molly makes history**

Palace had a gruelling September to start the season - five games, and a curtain raiser away to Charlton Athletic.

We began the campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Charlton, before a 4-4 thriller at home to Southampton.

Potter bagged her first win as Palace boss in the subsequent game away at newly-promoted Nottingham Forest with summer signings Kirsty Howat and Justine Vanhaevermaet both scoring at the City Ground.

Women's match highlights: Forest 1-2 Palace

A home defeat to London City Lionesses in the Subway Women's League Cup followed, where Palace were desperately unlucky not to pick up a result.

History was then made in the North East, as Molly-Mae Sharpe became the first-ever player in Palace Women's professional era to reach 100 appearances.

She commemorated it in typical style, assisting Elise Hughes in the sixth minute of added-time to rescue a point for Palace.

On her 100th appearance, she said: "It's hard to put into words. It's been an honour to wear this shirt.

"I'm proud of where we have come and I am even more excited for what's next."

#### **OCTOBER & NOVEMBER - Ups and Downs**

Potter's side opened October with two frustrating draws at home to Newcastle and Sunderland, before narrowly beating Ipswich Town in the League Cup on the 19th October.

Whilst Potter's side were scoring regularly, a persistent theme remained - they struggled to keep the ball out of the Palace net.

No game better summed up Palace's start than the clash against Newcastle, where the Eagles led 2-0 until the 87th minute, and ended up drawing the game 2-2.

Potter said after the game: “It's extremely frustrating, we're seriously disappointed because it's a similar tale to last week."

They began November with a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Portsmouth, a result that saw Palace closer to relegation than promotion.

After a subsequent defeat at home to Sheffield United - Palace needed a spark, and fast.

Next up was an away trip to Ipswich Town, and it was here that it all changed for Potter's side.

Ipswich were 1-0 up at the break, courtesy of Sophie Peskett - and the Eagles were looking at a third-straight defeat.

An honest discussion at half-time had the Eagles come out with something to prove, and Palace had their leveller on 60 minutes - courtesy of a fantastic Ashleigh Weerden strike.

Abbie Larkin won it with another stunner on 83 minutes, firing Palace to their first league win since September.

Speaking after the game, Weerden said: "We really needed this. We know it's very tight and one game can change a lot."

The truth of that statement was about to become very clear.

Palace closed out November with a trip to WSL-side Leicester City in the Subway Women's League Cup.

Not only did Palace need a win, they also needed to better Leicester's goal difference to get through to the quarter-finals.

What followed was the best performance of the season so far, as the Eagles put three past the Foxes to book a place in the quarter-final against Arsenal.

With consecutive victories now under their belt, Potter’s side had rediscovered something crucial: the unmistakable feeling of winning.

Women's match highlights: Leicester City 0-3 Palace

#### **DECEMBER - Four in a row**

Palace opened December with their most difficult league fixture yet - a home clash against high-flying Birmingham City.

The game could have proved a step too far for Potter's side, but it instead proved to be a pivotal part of Palace's season.

Goals from Molly-Mae Sharpe, Annabel Blanchard, and Shanade Hopcroft saw Palace smash the Blues 3-0.

The Eagles had their first home win in the league, and had take three points off a major promotion rival.

An away FA Cup win at Lewes followed, before another stunning away victory in the league - this time at Ashton Gate.

In one of the games of the season, Elise Hughes, Howat and Larkin all scored under the lights to seal a swashbuckling 3-2 win over the Robins.

Whilst the win streak came to an end against reigning Champions League winners Arsenal in the League Cup - it seemed like Palace had turned their form around.

Jo Potter was awarded the WSL2 Manager of the Month award, and the Eagles were back in the promotion conversation.

#### **JANUARY - Ladd lights up the league**

The January transfer window saw Shanade Hopcroft, Emma Watson, and Isabella Sibley depart the club, whilst three new faces came through the door in South London.

Kelly Brady joined after a prolific spell in Ireland, Lucy Newell joined on loan from Manchester United, and Hayley Ladd signed from Everton.

Ladd was given her first appearance the day after signing, and it proved to be the debut of dreams for the Wales international.

With 86 minutes on the clock and 0-0 on the scoreboard - Palace were being held by a disciplined Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Howat was fouled on the edge of the box, and up stepped Ladd to take the free-kick.

She curled the ball into the top right corner and beyond the diving Sian Rogers - winning it for Palace in Yorkshire.

It was a goal worthy of promotion, and it duly won the LOADED Goal of the Month for January.

Palace then bowed out of the FA Cup after an all too familiar trip to Kingsmeadow to face Chelsea. 

They bounced back with a 4-0 demolition of Durham at the VBS, a result that saw the Eagles win a fifth consecutive league game, and climb to fourth in the table.

Hayley Ladd wins Goal of the month for January

#### **FEBRUARY - A bump in the road**

The Eagles were stopped in the tracks by Southampton on the 1st February, as an Ellie Brazil hattrick consigned them to a 3-1 away defeat at St Mary's.

Whilst there was frustration that the win streak had ended, it would eventually prove to be Palace's final defeat of the season.

Up next in the league were the two teams Palace had faced in December - Bristol City and Birmingham.

The results mirrored December's events as well, as Potter's side beat Bristol 2-1 at home, before travelling away to St Andrews and winning 3-1 there.

Weerden was awarded the TEN and the WSL2 Player of the Month awards, after making a goal contribution in every game.

Palace had now taken 12 points off of two teams vying for promotion, and suddenly a return to the topflight looked more likely...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Two awards in one month ❤️💙 <a href="https://t.co/7AqgiL5kLF">https://t.co/7AqgiL5kLF</a> <a href="https://t.co/qYjdT6meDf">pic.twitter.com/qYjdT6meDf</a></p>&mdash; Crystal Palace F.C. Women (@cpfc_w) <a href="https://twitter.com/cpfc_w/status/2031782042380194137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

#### **MARCH - The Selhurst Showdown**

March was always going to be pivotal for Palace. 

They started the month by hosting Forest, followed by an away trip to Newcastle, and ended the month with a titanic clash against Charlton at Selhurst Park.

Aimee Everett proved to be the hero against Forest, as her header proved to be the difference in a 1-0 home win on Mother's Day.

The captain would later be awarded the WSL Player of the Month for March, as Palace had back-to-back award wins.

A trip to promotion-chasing Newcastle proved tricky for Palace, and Potter's side returned home slightly disappointed after having drawn 0-0, despite creating a number of chances on Tyneside.

This was all before the Selhurst Showdown on the 29th March - where nearly 4000 people turned out to watch third-place Palace take on first-place Charlton Athletic at Selhurst Park.

It's safe to say that the Palace faithful were treated to a classic in SE25.

Charlton were the first to break the deadlock on 39 minutes, but a super finish from Ladd had the teams level at the break.

Palace moved up the gears in the second-half, and Howat put Palace ahead on 56 minutes, before Larkin added a third on 76 minutes.

An Emma Bissell penalty on 80 minutes proved not to be enough for the Addicks, and Palace Women had their first win at Selhurst since March 2024.

Not only did Palace get one over on their rivals at Selhurst - they also kept themselves firmly in the promotion race.

Charlton, who had spent the majority of the campaign at the summit of the table, had now lost three of their four league games in March - whilst Palace had only dropped points in two games since November.

What had seemed improbable earlier in the season, now seemed more likely than ever with just three league games to go.

Women's Highlights | Palace 3-2 Charlton

#### **APRIL - Taking care of business**

Palace's task in April was very simple - win the games against Ipswich and Sunderland and hope first-place Charlton and second-place Birmingham drop points.

A new-look Ipswich battling for survival posed a significant challenge to Palace, but a first-half strike from Howat was enough to seal a vital 1-0 win at home.

She was assisted by Weerden, who had equalled Kosovare Asllani's WSL2 record of nine assists, set in the 2024/25 season.

Focus then turned to the Stadium of Light and Sunderland, with the Eagles needing a win to guarantee a third-place promotion playoff spot and keep the automatic promotion dream alive.

A scintillating first-half display saw Palace 2-0 up, courtesy of finishes from Blanchard and Weerden - and Palace held on to win 2-1 in the North East.

With Birmingham suffering a shock 3-0 home defeat to Ipswich, Palace eyes then turned to Charlton's later kick-off against Southampton.

Much to the delight of the Palace players, staff, and fans alike - the Saints equalised in the 94th minute to force a 2-2 draw, meaning a win on the final would **guarantee** promotion to the WSL.

#### **Saturday, 2nd May**

There was a nervous, yet excited feeling in the South London air on Saturday, 2nd May.

Everyone knew that a win against an already relegated Portsmouth would see Palace bounce back to the WSL at the first time of asking.

Charlton Athletic were in first, one point ahead of Palace on 42 points, whilst second-place Birmingham City were level on points with Palace with a significantly better goal difference.

Charlton played Birmingham at home, meaning that one of the two sides would drop points - allowing Palace to claim an automatic spot provided they win at the VBS.

In a sense - the final game perfectly represented Palace's season as a whole.

It was an uncharacteristically nervy first-half, and Portsmouth took the lead through Meg Hornby.

Sharpe equalised eight minutes later, and Palace went into the break level - not enough to guarantee automatic promotion.

After a half-time team talk and the introduction of Lola Brown, the Eagles took the field for what they hoped would be the final 45 minutes of their season.

Weerden crushed the initial second-half nerves within two minutes, finishing superbly from Brown's slide-rule pass.

She then made it 3-1 on 55 minutes, again assisted by Brown. 

Weerden then turned provider just two minutes later, and laid on a record-breaking tenth assist for Howat to thump home for 4-1.

Blanchard put the Eagles 5-1 up on 64 minutes before Brown got her third assist from the bench - whipping in a sensational cross for Elise Hughes to nod home for 6-1.

Much like the season, Palace had started tentatively and had gone behind early.

But after a rousing half-time team talk, Potter's side came to life and showed the form they had exhibited for six straight months.

Birmingham's win over Charlton meant that the Eagles would finish in second-place, and Charlton would drop down into the promotion playoff spot.

With the result wrapped up in emphatic style, the VBS exploded into celebration at full-time as Palace booked their place in next season's WSL.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The moments after the final whistle 🎉 <a href="https://t.co/yauzuHZpM0">pic.twitter.com/yauzuHZpM0</a></p>&mdash; Crystal Palace F.C. Women (@cpfc_w) <a href="https://twitter.com/cpfc_w/status/2050998828363346281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

After an incredible turnaround in form and fortunes, Crystal Palace Women returned to the Women's Super League at the first time of asking. This is how it happened...

Back where we belong: How Crystal Palace Women bounced back to the WSL

Crystal Palace Women v Portsmouth Women (2026-05-02)

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Visiting the VBS 

## Annabel Blanchard

> Blanchard joined Palace in 2022 off the back of a remarkable season with Blackburn Rovers in which she earned both Coaches' and Supporters' Player of the Season, and has since grown into one of English football's most exciting playmakers.

Blanchard is a young, two-footed forward capable of playing across the front line or, more regularly, as a No. 10.

Blanchard began her career aged just 16 with Liverpool, but started her time with the England youth setup the year before, and has represented the national side from Under-17-Under-19 levels.

After leaving Liverpool she joined Leicester City and then Blackburn Rovers, with whom she finished joint-top goalscorer in 21/22.

Blanchard then joined Palace in the summer of 2022 and made a strong start in South London, with four goals in 22 Championship appearances in her maiden campaign.

In 2023/24, Blanchard's brilliance shone as Palace Women claimed promotion from the Championship, the forward scoring 11 times in just 19 league games including clinical hat-tricks against both Durham and London City Lionesses.

Such form led to Blanchard not only winning both the Championship Goal and Player of the Month awards in September – as well as a nomination for the latter for November – but also the club's Player of the Month awards for October and March to boot.

At the start of Palace's first-ever top-flight season, Blanchard became our inaugural Women's Super League goalscorer, netting a brace in our first win against Leicester City – 2-0 at the King Power Stadium – in October 2024.

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EXPLORE PALACE WOMEN

Renew your Season Ticket here!

To thank our loyal fans for their incredible support, we are pleased to confirm that Season Ticket prices have been frozen for existing holders on a pro-rata basis.

The total cost accounts for the two additional home fixtures and so the price-per-game remains exactly the same as last season.

After a stunning run of form, where the team won 12 of the last 14 league games, Jo Potter’s side have returned to the WSL at the first time of asking.

Palace fans can now look forward to the visits of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and others to South London, as the Eagles take on the best of the best.

A 26/27 Women’s Season Ticket covers all 13 home Women’s Super League games, regardless of stadium – meaning any matches at Selhurst Park are also included.

*Supporters should note that Subway Women’s League Cup and FA Cup ties are not covered by 26/27 Season Tickets.*

#### **What does a 2026/27 Women’s Season Ticket include?**

- Ticket for every WSL home fixture
- Priority booking / reservations for every Palace Women fixture at Selhurst Park
- Priority windows for away tickets
- Loyalty Points credited with your purchase
- The option to spread payments via Direct Debit

#### **Ticket Prices**

For existing holders, Seated Season Tickets will cost **£106** and Standing Season Tickets will cost **£85**.

Tickets for Men’s Season Ticket Holders are priced at **£78**, with Junior Tickets priced at **£47**.

The renewal window opens at **10:00am on Friday, 8th May** and will close at **17:00 on Thursday, 21st May**.

Renewals will be **online only until 10:00am on Monday, 11th May**.

Season Tickets will then **go on General Sale from 10:00am on Friday, 22nd May**.

#### **26/27 Palace Women’s Season Ticket Renewal prices:**

- **Adult (Seated):** £106
- **Adult (Standing):** £85
- **Men’s Season Ticket Holders:** £78
- **U16s:** £47

**Check out the tables below for more information.**


| **RENEWALS (10:00 Fri 8th May - 17:00 Thu 21st May)** | **Season Ticket Price** | **Price per Game** |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------- | ------------------ |
| Adult - Seated                                        | £106                    | £8.18              |
| Adult - Standing                                      | £85                     | £6.55              |
| Junior (U16)                                          | £47                     | £3.64              |
| Men’s Season Ticket Holder (Seated or Standing)       | £78                     | £6.00              |


| **NEW (From 10:00 Fri 22nd May)**         | **Season Ticket Price** | **Price per Game** |
| ----------------------------------------- | ----------------------- | ------------------ |
| Adult - Seated                            | £125                    | £9.62              |
| Adult - Standing                          | £90                     | £6.92              |
| Junior (U16)                              | £50                     | £3.85              |
| Concession (over 65 and 17-21) - Seated   | £90                     | £6.92              |
| Concession (over 65 and 17-21) - Standing | £70                     | £5.38              |

#### **How to renew your ticket**

Season Ticket Holders looking to renew their seats can do so by following the step-by-step guide below:

1. Log in to [the Ticketing section](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc?utm_source=website&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=WebsiteStory-StockportTickets-12.12.24) of the website.
2. Click the **‘My Account’ icon** in the top-right hand corner of the screen.
3. Click the notification that confirms you can renew your 26/27 Season Ticket.
4. The next page will display all the Season Ticket’s you are able to renew. You can only renew Friends and Family’s Season Tickets if you have a strong relationship registered on the ticketing system. [Click here to find out how to do this.](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/how-to-use-palace-app-and-website/)
5. Click **‘ADD TO BASKET’** in the top-right of the screen and then follow the remaining on-screen instructions to checkout.

Season Ticket Holders who wish to purchase their own seats should note that they will be **unable to change the age band** of their usual ticket.

For example, if your Season Ticket was purchased as an Adult, you can only purchase your reserved ticket as an Adult.

#### **Receiving Your Match Tickets**

Your digital ticket for each home fixture will arrive no later than **72 hours before kick-off**.

For matches played at Selhurst Park, Season Ticket holders must book a seat of their choice, free of charge, during the priority window. We’ll email you full instructions ahead of each game.

#### **Need Help?**

Our Box Office team is here to assist with new purchases, Direct Debit set-up, and accessibility requirements. 

Call [**0333 360 1861**] (Mon-Fri, 9:00am-5:30pm) or email **[boxoffice@cpfc.co.uk](mailto:boxoffice@cpfc.co.uk)**.

Back the Eagles in their return to the WSL – Season Ticket prices have been frozen for Crystal Palace Women’s return to the topflight.

One week to go! Renew your Palace Women Season Ticket for 2026/27!

Yañez has just finished her second full season between the posts for the Eagles, a campaign which saw Palace return to the Women's Super League at the first time of asking. 

She played every minute of every game in the WSL2, keeping six clean sheets.

She spoke about how her relationship with the game began.

Yañez’s Spanish heritage ensured that football was a constant feature of her childhood in Georgia.

She said: "I started playing football around the age of four. I guess what you would call here grassroots, we call it recreation or whatever. 

"But my dad was a huge part of that - he's from Spain, so it was engrained in the culture and I feel like it was just always part of me to play football."

Yañez with her father at the Palace v Portsmouth game

Like many living in America and across the world, Yañez would spent her youth watching the Premier League.

Reflecting on those earlier years, she said: "I remember that we would always watch the Premier League together at the weekend.

"I think that was a huge influence in my life and I guess in my career as well.

"My team has changed now, but when I was growing up my dad was a Manchester City fan, so I just decided to go to the opposite end and support Manchester United. 

"I really liked David De Gea growing up, he was one of my favourite goalkeepers."

That exposure to the English game was a key reason behind Yañez's decision to cross the Atlantic.

The Palace stopper joined London City Lionesses in 2020 after coming through the University of Tennessee's college system.

"When I first came over here, I really liked it and I liked the lifestyle, liked the culture. So that's something that I always wanted to be a part of.

"When I was growing up, I was always watching the Prem on TV and that's something I wanted to be a part of and now I'm able to do that. 

"I think I was always interested in going overseas to play football. Just because it's so different over here and football is such a main sport. 

"Since I've been here, the women's game has grown so much, especially with England winning the Euros. 

"I think even that has just grown even more, which is great to see and I think that's across Europe and the US," she said.

Yañez had two spells in the NWSL either side of a three-year stint at London City Lionesses, before she joined Bristol City and then Palace in 2024.

She offered some insight into how she settled in to life in England, as well as the key differences between the American and the English game.

"When I first came over, I got made fun of for my accent and everything like that.

"I feel like it's just such a different football culture, people talk about their team playing at the weekend, whoever they support. 

"Whereas I feel like in America, we have so many sports, so people can go in many different directions. Over here, I feel like football is the main sport.

"One thing me and my teammates always speak about is the differences, even within different countries in Europe as well.

"I think the main difference is Americans are so athletic and the game can be very transitional, whereas over here I found that there was a bit more attention to detail and tactics."

She also spoke about the NWSL's recent relaxing of their salary cap, a move which allows teams to exceed the salary cap by up to $1m to help attract and retain star players.

Speaking on the effect that could have on the English game, Yañez said: "I think that could have a huge influence. 

"From when I first started playing professionally to where I am now, the difference in salary as well as the difference in investment is crazy, like opposite ends of the spectrum. 

"It's really great to see that, the NWSL in terms of marketing and the league itself is so good, and I think both the WSL and NWSL are probably the top leagues in the world. 

"It's just all about investment and giving players opportunities to fulfil their dreams."

As the Barclays Women's Super League 2 draws to a conclusion, we sat down with Palace goalkeeper Shae Yañez to discuss her career and journey so far. 


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Shae Yañez on football in the US, the NWSL, and what team she grew up supporting

17Annabel
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Features

Features

Back where we belong: How Crystal Palace Women bounced back to the WSL

Latest News

One week to go! Renew your Palace Women Season Ticket for 2026/27!

Shae Yañez on football in the US, the NWSL, and what team she grew up supporting

17AnnabelBlanchard

17Annabel
Blanchard