Emily van Egmond believes that women’s football in England is moving forward in 'such a positive way' after Old Trafford hosted Barclays FA Women's Super League action on Saturday.
West Ham United may have gone down to a 2-0 loss against Manchester United - the first time the Red Devils had featured at the Theatre of Dreams - but the Australian international appreciated the occasion.
She said: “It was brilliant to be here playing in such an iconic stadium - you just soak up all that excitement. It's disappointing to lose at Old Trafford, but it was a great occasion for both sides and a really amazing to experience playing here.
“I think that the way Women’s football is moving forward in such a positive way, especially in this country, playing in stadiums like this regularly is something that we need to continue striving towards.
“A couple of games in each season at stadiums like Old Trafford means that we would be able to have matches with large crowds a couple of times a year, which can only be good for the sport moving forward."
The Hammers made a solid start to proceedings in Manchester, creating a number of good opportunities in the first half.
However, the quality of Casey Stoney’s side eventually shone through on the day, as Lauren James and Christen Press both found the net just after the break to inflict defeat on Olli Harder’s side.
The midfielder, who is the top scorer for the Hammers this season with seven goals in all competitions, says that her teammates gave everything they could.
“Our first half performance was probably up there with our best of the season. We stayed disciplined and managed to get in at half-time with the scoreline level, so that was positive for us.
“Unfortunately, we went 2-0 down very early on in the second half and Laura [Vetterlein] was sent off, so that made it difficult to get back into the game. But I have to give credit to my teammates today, we all gave 100 per cent and I don’t think we could have given anymore as a group out there.”
Watch highlights from the clash at Old Trafford by clicking here.
