Sam Kerr hat trick helps Chelsea’s women retain League Cup

<p>WATFORD, England &mdash; Sam Kerr scored a hat trick as Chelsea’s women retained the League Cup with a 6-0 victory over Bristol City on Sunday, giving Emma Hayes her eighth major trophy as manager.</p>
<p>Kerr grabbed the opening two goals inside the opening 10 minutes of the final — both assisted by Fran Kirby — before the England forward’s brace put Chelsea 4-0 ahead at the break.</p>
<p>Kerr completed her treble in the 48th minute before Guro Reiten rounded off the rout for the Women’s Super League leaders.</p>
<p>The game ended on a concerning note for Chelsea after defender Maren Mjelde went down after a challenge from Bristol’s Aimee Palmer with 15 minutes to go. The Norway captain was carried off the pitch on a stretcher, with gas and air administered by paramedics.</p>
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