Tough WSL start for Super Falcons forward as Everton thrashed 4-0 by Brighton in season opener

Super Falcons forward Toni Payne made her competitive debut for Everton as the Toffees were thrashed 4-0 by Brighton & Hove in their Women's Super League opener on the South Coast on Saturday. 

Toni Payne ended her six-year association with Sevilla in Spain to become the first signing of the summer transfer window for Brian Sorensen’s side.

Sporting Everton's number 9 shirt, the 2024 Olympian started and was in action for 57 minutes before making way for 
Karoline Olesen, with the scoreboard reading 2-0.

In the third minute, Payne attempted to find Katja Snoeijs with a cross but he Seagulls defenders cleared the danger.

Japanese forward Kiko Seike, on her debut, opened the scoring in the 29th minute with an audacious chip.

In the 38th minute, Toni Payne maneuvered down the right-hand side and floated a ball into the box, only for it to be cleared as Everton searched for an equalizer.  

The former Ajax Amsterdam star was poised to take a shot from close range in the 55th minute, but a crucial tackle from Guro Bergsvand prevented her from taking the shot.

Seike doubled the advantage in the 56th minute,  Fran Kirby converted from the spot to make it 3-0 in the 68th minute before the Japan international completed her hat-trick with fifteen minutes remaining.

Things don't get easier for Payne and her teammates as they welcome Manchester United to Walton Hall Park (Liverpool) in their next WSL game.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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