Everton fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat in the WSL against Brighton and Hove Albion at Broadfield Stadium.
Michelle Agyemang netted the only goal of the afternoon following a dangerous delivery from Fran Kirby. The Blues battled hard to find an equaliser but were ultimately beaten by Dario Vidosic’s side.
The hosts registered the first opportunity of the afternoon, forcing Emily Ramsey into a strong save to deny a curling effort from Rosa Kafaji towards the bottom right corner.
Everton stood resilient, and positive signs followed when Yuka Momiki’s defensive intervention in the area sparked a decent spell of possession for the Blues, highlighting Maz Pacheco’s threat down the left flank.
Pacheco’s influence prevailed, creating the best chance so far inside 25 minutes as she swung the ball into the area. It fell to Rosa Van Hool, whose shot from the edge of the box was saved.
However, only a minute later, some quality from Fran Kirby down the left flank provided a dangerous cross. Kafaji couldn’t turn it goalwards and the ball fell for Agyemang, who bundled the effort home.
Determined to find a response, the Blues enjoyed a spell of possession and carved out chances. Honoka Hayashi’s strike from 25 yards narrowly missed the target, the first attempt after the setback.
Ornella Vignola delivered a strong cross in the 40th minute, but Pachecho couldn’t find enough contact to direct it goalwards.
The Seagulls reminded Everton of their threat just before the break, with an important save from Ramsey to deny Keko Seike’s strike from just inside the area – the last action of the first half.
On the 50-minute mark, Pacheco came close to an equaliser for the Blues, seeing her strike from distance drift slightly wide of the left post.
Shortly after, substitute Karen Holmgaard offered a teasing cross, but the pace was too much for anyone to connect.
Everton had a massive let-off inside 60 minutes as Kirby’s pressure forced a turnover in possession and she drove at goal. Fortunately, her shot lacked power and Ramsey gathered comfortably.
As the game wore on, the visitors sensed the chance to snatch an equaliser, with Brighton’s nerves growing late on. However, Brian Sorensen’s side were unable to create a chance of note, and Brighton defended resolutely to hold on and take all three points.
This result leaves the Blues 7th in the table, with 8th place Leicester City their next contest when they travel to King Power Stadium on Sunday.
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