Everton fell to a 2-0 defeat against Manchester United at Walton Hall Park in their second Group A clash of the Women’s League Cup.
An uncharacteristic error from Courtney Brosnan gifted Manchester United the lead in the 15th minute, as relentless pressure from Melvin Mallard forced a fumble that sent the ball into the back of the net.
Maya Le Tissier then extinguished any hopes of an Everton turnaround with a strike from the edge of the area, late in the second half.
The opening five minutes served as a warning of what was to come for the Toffees as a series of corners saw the home side under pressure, while Brosnan was put to work early to deny Hinata Miyazawa’s first shot on goal.
Eventually, the intensity became too overwhelming as another Hayley Ladd corner left Everton trailing shortly into the first half when Brosnan spilled the ball she appeared to have gathered initially, allowing it to be bundled over the line.
Ladd thought she had doubled United’s lead after being put in an excellent striking position when Rachel Williams laid the ball off to her on the edge of the box. However, Brosnan got a slight touch to tip the effort onto the crossbar, and it was eventually cleared away by her defence.
Despite struggling to pose much of an attacking threat, the hosts had a few promising moments, nearing the break. Toni Payne found herself in a one-on-one position with Phallon Tullis-Joyce, but to her frustration, referee Phoebe Cross judged that she had fouled Millie Turner in the build-up.
A Veatriki Sarri free kick in a promising position offered another hopeful opportunity, but she failed to threaten the goal, sending her effort wide.
Returning from the break, Everton managed to regroup, reclaiming some of their defensive resilience as they sat deep, making it harder for the Reds to break them down.
But the top-tier side showcased their quality, maintaining their dominance as a driving shot from Lad failed to match the promise of the attack, with Williams and Geyse combining well on the right wing for the Brazilian to deliver a dangerous cross into the box.
Emma Bissell came close to an equaliser for the Merseyside team with a shot from outside the box, but it was saved at the bottom-left corner.
However, before the Blues could create another opportunity, they were undone once again as Marc Skinners side continued to hassle from set pieces, with Le Tissier volleying a powerful effort past Brosnan in the 77thminute, leaving Everton defeated and unable to conjure a response.
The result marks Everton’s first loss in the competition as their focus shifts to Liverpool, hoping to finish the group stages on a positive note.
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