Everton rounded off their 2025/26 Women’s Super League campaign with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Leicester City Women at Goodison Park, as Maz Pacheco struck a last-gasp winner deep into stoppage time.
With nothing separating the sides heading into added time, Pacheco shifted the narrative for the Blues in the 96th minute, tapping home from close range to ensure Everton ended the season on a high in front of their home supporters.
The hosts began brightly, with Toni Payne charging down the right flank in the eighth minute before lofting a dangerous cross towards goal that Katie Keane was forced to tip over the crossbar.
Yuka Momiki continued Everton’s early momentum moments later when her direct free-kick narrowly drifted wide of the near post.
Despite Everton’s strong opening, they still needed to stay alert defensively. Courtney Brosnan produced an outstanding reaction save to push Shannon O’Brien’s close-range strike onto the post before Momiki managed to fully clear the danger.
Everton’s best opportunity of the first half fell to Zara Kramžar, whose effort from the edge of the area looked destined for the far corner, only to agonisingly strike the bar five minutes before the interval.
The Blues resumed the second half in similarly commanding fashion. Ornella Vignola forced an early stop from Keane after cutting inside from the left and weaving past several pink shirts. The Spaniard then tested the goalkeeper again moments later with a powerful drive towards the bottom corner, though Keane remained equal to it.
Substitute Clare Wheeler was next to threaten after capitalising on pressure from Momiki to collect a loose ball in the visitors’ half, but the midfielder’s strike from the edge of the box was deflected behind by Sari Kees.
At the other end, Brosnan was forced into action after an uncharacteristically loose goal kick allowed Sam Tierney to catch Everton’s defence off guard. The goalkeeper recovered sharply to deny Tierney before tipping Olivia McLoughlin’s long-range effort over the crossbar.
With seven minutes of additional time announced, Everton pushed forward in search of a winner. Ruby Mace pulled the ball back into the area for Katja Snoeijs, whose effort towards goal was turned in by Pacheco at the death to seal all three points for the Blues.
This result sees Everton end the season 8th in the table, with the WorldSevens tournament to look forward to later this month.
About The Author
Leave a Reply