Everton succumbed to a narrow 3-2 defeat away to Manchester City to conclude their WSL campaign.
Prior to the match it was confirmed that the Blues could do no better or worse than finishing in 6th place in the league table.
Izzy Christiansen, the club captain, led her team out for the final time on an emotional day as she announced her retirement from a distinguished career. It seemed appropriate that Christiansen’s final game in professional football be played between two teams to which she had longstanding ties.
Although Manchester City had the better openings, the Toffee’s were able to withstand the pressure of any balls blasted into their box from either wing to ensure that no shots were fired.
The Blue’s had a couple decent opportunities to go through on goal, including one after a strong attack in which the ball was placed at the feet of Katja Snoeijs, but the flag was raised. Elise Stenevik took a corner kick beautifully, however the ball skimmed the crossbar of Manchester City’s goal.
Another fantastic goal scoring opportunity came for Nicoline Sørensen, the Danish International cut in from the left and curled the ball just shy of the far post and out for a Manchester City goal kick.
The Toffee’s went into the second half level with City.
Despite having the stronger start to the second half of the match, it was Manchester City that got the breakthrough. On the 52nd minute Khadija Shaw sent the ball past Courtney Brosnan and into the back of the net.
Lauren Hemp’s shot from the edge of the box that went in off the bar and into the goal giving City their second, just a matter of eight minutes later.
Khadija Shaw’s close-range shot in the 68th minute helped the home team add a third goal —her second of the game— as they continued to apply pressure to the Toffee’s.
The deficit was reduced through Lucy Hope, who tapped the ball into the back of the City net directly in front of the travelling fans.
The Toffee’s gained a second in the final moments of the game. Substitute, Leonie Maier, scored on Lucy Hope’s rebounded strike after Khiara Keating saved her initial attempt. An incredible way to end her 2 year stint at Everton.
Positive position going into next season with a few quality additions, we should be hopefully taking the next step to challenge for the top 4.
Would like to take the time to say a huge thank you to Rikke Sevecke, Leonie Maier and Izzy Christiansen for their time with Everton. Wishing them all the very best with the next steps of their careers both on and off the pitch.
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