Amber Tysiak’s 50th appearance for West Ham United women’s team was made even more memorable by the fact her side secured an impressive 2-1 win against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Subway® Women's League Cup at Chigwell Construction Stadium.
The Belgium international played all 90 minutes of the encounter in east London, and watched Seraina Piubel level proceedings with a clinical finish into the roof of the net following Carla Camacho’s goal earlier in the first half.
Tysiak’s landmark appearance was then crowned with three points when Caitlin Hayes’ clearance came back off Riko Ueki and into the path of Shekiera Martinez, who produced a cultured finish across goal with 15 minutes to play.
Twenty-five-year-old Tysiak joined the Club in January 2023 and has become an important leader in Rehanne Skinner’s side, shown in how she donned the captain’s armband in the second half after vice-captain Shelina Zadorsky was substituted at half-time.
“I'm very honoured to have played 50 games for this Club,” said Tysiak. “I'm really happy to be here and it's just nice to end this with a win.
“It's like a dream for me [to wear the captain’s armband]. It's so nice and it’s a privilege to lead the team out.”
The victory sees the Hammers remain at the top of Group C, but extend our gap at the summit to three points ahead of our final group-stage fixtures.
The result will only benefit the Irons ahead of our Barclays Women’s Super League fixture at London City Lionesses on Sunday.
“We really enjoyed it,” she continued. “I think it was a great game and I'm so happy with the win.
“I think if you saw the last couple of games, it was difficult for us to score, so I'm so happy that we could score against Brighton because they’re a good side and I think we did brilliantly.
“I think this one was a really good team performance. I think everyone who started, who came off the bench, who was on the bench, we all did it together.
“I think this win will give us a lot of confidence. I think we needed this one and because it was a team performance, I think it will be good for us for the weekend.”
