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Post by Everton News. on May 28, 2023 6:18:13 GMT
Everton concluded their Women's Super League season with a narrow 3-2 defeat to Manchester City.
With a top-six finish confirmed prior to kick-off, the focus was on finishing the campaign with a performance to be proud of, and Brian Sorensen's Blues did just that.
A day full of emotion as Club Captain Izzy Christiansen led her side out for the final time as she calls time on a stellar career.
It was fitting for Christiansen's last game in professional football to be between two teams she has strong connections to during her career.
A glorious sunny afternoon at the City Football Academy stadium was the background to a highly competitive match between the two sides.
City started with the better chances, but the visitors were able to absorb the pressure of any balls being whipped into their box from both sides to make sure that nothing came of any shots.
Everton had a few positive chances, with one coming from a good attack with the ball being slipped to Katja Snoeijs, but the flag was raised.
Everton then skimmed the crossbar from a corner taken well by Elise Stenevik.
City played another whipped ball into the box this time pushed away emphatically by Everton keeper Courtney Brosnan who took a knock to the head for her troubles.
Nicoline Sorensen had a great opportunity, taking the ball herself and cuts in left but curls the shot away from the far post and out for a goal kick.
Close call came at the end of the first half for City with Filippa Angeldal’s shot from just outside of the box deflected just wide of the goal.
Following a goalless first half, Everton started strongest in the second 45.
A curling shot from Sorensen looked goal bound, but the City goalkeeper was able to nullify her dangerous effort.
Despite the impressive display from Everton, it was City who struck first on 52 minutes.
Build up play produced by Lauren Kemp and Chloe Kelly eventually found by Khadija Shaw who tucked the ball home.
City had their second eight minutes as Hemp curled an effort from the edge off the box onto the bar and in.
On 62 minutes, Izzy Christiansen left the field for the final time.
The entirety of the Academy Stadium crowd rose to their feet to applaud Christiansen as she signs off from an outstanding career.
City kept the pressure on Everton and as a result scored a third in the 68th minute with a close range shot from Shaw, her second of the afternoon.
At 72 minutes Stenevik came off to give Rikke Sevecke a final appearance for the Blues.
Lucy Hope was able to reduce the deficit when she tapped home on 79 minutes in front of the travelling Toffees who were in fine voice throughout the afternoon.
A Women's Super League debut came five minutes before time as Academy graduate Abby Clarke entered the field.
In the dying seconds of the match, Everton had a second.
After Lucy Hope's initial effort was parried away by Khiara Keating, substitute Leonie Maier struck the rebound. A fitting end to her Everton career.
A performance Everton should be immensely proud of as they look to excel even further next season.
Everton FC
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