Everton started their Women’s Super League campaign with a 2-1 loss against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
Elisabeth Terland’s early double was a difficult test for Brian Sorensen’s team to overcome.
Despite a spirited comeback effort, including a goal from skipper Megan Finnigan, the Seagulls took all three points.
Everton fell behind after only four minutes.
Katie Robinson hit the crossbar with a long-range shot. It came into contact with Terland, who raced by Emily Ramsey to give the visitors an early lead.
Brighton’s lead was extended five minutes later.
Robinson passed the ball into Terland’s path, who tucked it beyond Ramsey for her second goal of the afternoon.
Despite the early setback, the Blues surged into the game and came within a goal of equalizing through Nicoline Sorensen.
On 24 minutes, the Danish international had a double chance, with her second effort bouncing off the crossbar.
The Blues continued to improve and earned a goal in the second half.
Hanna Bennison whipped the ball in from the corner flag, which fell into Captain Finnigan’s path. On 65 minutes, the Everton defender took a touch before smashing the ball into the bottom left corner.
The Toffees pushed on into the final half-hour, but a tenacious Brighton defense denied the hosts an equalizer.
Brian Sorensen’s team will travel to the King Power Stadium to face Leicester City on Sunday, October 8 (3pm BST).
