Liverpool Women Lose to Aston Villa in Friendly

Liverpool FC Women faced Aston Villa in a friendly match at the AXA Melwood Training Centre, but it ended in a disappointing 1-0 loss.

The only goal of the game came in the second half from Ebony Salmon, as Liverpool continued their preparations for the 2024-25 Barclays Women’s Super League season.

Matt Beard, the team’s coach, included new signings Gemma Evans and Cornelia Kapocs in the starting line-up. Liverpool saw their first chance on goal when Mia Enderby broke down the left, but her shot was blocked by a defender.

Villa responded with a chance of their own when Jordan Nobbs played a pass over the top for Rachel Daly, but her attempt was easily dealt with by Liverpool’s Rachael Laws.

Yana Daniels was active defensively, making a crucial header to clear a threatening corner from Marie Höbinger. Just ten minutes later, another set-piece from Höbinger found Sofie Lundgaard, but her flicked header was collected by the Villa goalkeeper.

Missy Bo Kearns, who recently moved to Villa, returned to Melwood seeking to make an impact, though her shot went wide after a good play from Kirsty Hanson.

Olivia Smith, a summer signing, nearly scored just before halftime with a fierce shot that challenged Villa’s keeper, following a smart pass from Höbinger.

After halftime, Zara Shaw replaced Kapocs as planned, but it was Villa who struck first when a backpass was intercepted by Hanson. However, her shot curled wide.

The match turned in Villa’s favor eight minutes into the second half when Kearns’ shot was blocked, allowing Salmon to score with the follow-up.

Beard’s side pushed for an equalizer, with a deep free-kick from Smith just missing debutant Evans at the back post after a deflection from Lucy Staniforth. Despite strong appeals for a penalty from Enderby, the match finished 1-0 in favor of the visitors.

Next up for Liverpool is a pre-season match against Manchester United next Sunday.