Experienced Rolfö was recruited to Manchester United earlier this summer. However, the Swede is still struggling with the foot injury that prevented her from playing fully in the European Championship in Switzerland and was not on the pitch at the 3 arena in Stockholm where the Champions League qualifying match is being decided.
Teammates in United, including Swedes Anna Sandberg and Julia Ziggiotti Olme, had no problem winning over PSV in what is technically a semifinal before Saturday's expected qualifying final against Hammarby.
It was nice for the self-confidence, says Zigiotti Olme to the Swedish journalists after the match.
Empty of audience
Norwegian Elisabeth Terland took advantage of sloppiness in the PSV defense after just seven minutes. Zigiotti Olme then had a shot against the post and a pass to 2–0 that was waved off for offside.
Instead, it was via a cross from Anna Sandberg in the 32nd minute that United increased their lead. The ball fell to Ella Toone who shot and Celin Bizet Dønnum scored the rebound.
In the second half, striker Terland was able to score her second and third goals of the day in front of the 387 spectators at the arena that has room for just under 32,000.
It's clear that it's a bit special on such a big arena when there are so few people. But it was fun that those who came came, says Zigiotti Olme after the match.
It becomes like that when both teams play away. It's hard to get fans here. I think, however, that those we have here from Manchester do very well and make as much noise as they can, she continues about the match that kicked off at 12.00.
Continued qualifying
Manchester United will now face the winner between Hammarby and FC Metalist 1925, that match is decided tonight with a start at 19.00. Hammarby is a clear favorite against the Ukrainians.
The winner in Saturday's qualifying final is clear for the final qualifying stage to the Champions League.
Corrected: In an earlier version, there was an error regarding the qualification for the Champions League.
