/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53780837/20170319_141345_Arsenal_Ladies_FC_v_Tottenham_Hotspur_Ladies_FC.0.jpg)
Tottenham Hotspur Ladies are in the middle of a historically good season, but sometimes there are fights you just can’t win. Spurs, third division minnows, ran into an Arsenal L.F.C. buzz-saw in the FA Women’s Cup Fifth Round on Sunday, losing 10-0 to the FA Cup holders and top-flight Gunners and sending Spurs to their first loss in all competitions this season. The loss broke Spurs Ladies’ 27-match unbeaten run.
FT: @ArsenalLadies 10-0 #SpursLadies. Difficult day at the office. We bow out of the @WomensFACup ending our 27-game unbeaten run. pic.twitter.com/8wxcvOaPiG
— Spurs Ladies (@ThlfcOfficial) March 19, 2017
There was a bit of a buzz about this match played at Boreham Wood, and not just because it was a North London Derby. Arsenal are currently third in the Women’s Super League top flight table, and boast numerous women’s international players on their roster, including USA international Heather O’Reilly, who started the match.
However, Spurs are cruising through the WPL Southern Division, two flights down, and are already in three cup finals this season. There was talk that maybe, just maybe, Spurs might be able to spring a surprise result against the Gunners.
Unfortunately, while Spurs are and remain a very good side, there’s still a huge gulf between them and their north London neighbors. Danielle Van de Donk netted a hat trick, Dan Carter added two, and the Gunners also got goals from Beth Meade, Kim Little, Dominique Janssen, Chloe Kelly and Katie McCabe en route to the comprehensive win.
Spurs captain Jenna Schillaci said the Ladies are disappointed by the nature of the loss, they’re ready to pick themselves up and get right back in the game.
"We'll come together and come back stronger."
— Spurs Ladies (@ThlfcOfficial) March 20, 2017
Captain, @JennaSchillaci, says the squad's focus is only on moving forward together... #COYS pic.twitter.com/j1bBkblEes
Despite the demoralizing Cup loss, Spurs are still top of the WPL South table and are looking like favorites to promote to the WSL 2 this season. The loss does nothing to diminish what they have already accomplished thus far. Their next match a home league match against Crystal Palace Ladies FC this coming Sunday at Cheshunt FC’s ground.