Everton Ladies begin Continental Cup with a disappointing loss

Everton Ladies started their Continental Cup campaign off on the wrong foot on Sunday, going down 1-0 to Durham. The Blue Girls started brightly but found themselves behind early in the first half when Wildcats forward Zoe Ness was able to capitalize on a defensive mistake by Everton and scored the lone goal.

Durham City finished in fourth place in the second tier of women’s football last season and are a semi-professional side. While this is certainly concerning, it bears mentioning that Everton were without Megan Finnigan, Taylor Hinds, and top goalscorer, Chloe Kelly, with the trio getting some rest after their recent third place finish in the U-20s Women’s World Cup in France.

Two new summer signings started, Inessa Kaagman and Abbey-Leigh Stringer. Despite rumors of a second goalkeeper being signed, Everton Ladies started their Continental Cup campaign with just one goalie in the squad.

Captain Danielle Turner had a few chances on goal and Kaagman had two efforts sent over the bar and one shot saved by the Wildcats keeper.

Everton Ladies play their first league game on September 9th away against Birmingham City. Hopefully, the Cup game was a learning experience and the team will be ready to prove that they are a competitive WSL1 team once they have their full squad in September.