Gallant Everton and Hayley Raso defeated in Women's FA Cup Final

Despite a gutsy team performance, Hayley Raso and her Everton side were defeated by Manchester City 3 - 1  in the Women's FA Cup Final. 

Raso became the first Westfield Matilda to start in an Women's FA Cup Final as she lined up for Everton at Wembley Stadium.  

Join our journey thin banner 2023


Everton started slowly against City, with the defending champions controlling possession and the tempo of the match in the opening half hour.  


Against the run of play, Raso sparked a chance for the Toffees with her trademark pressure forcing Steph Houghton into a mistake. 

Pouncing, Raso was almost clear on goal when she was brought down by Lucy Bronze, earning a free kick for Everton and a caution for Bronze.  

FA Cup Final - Raso


It was one of the few first half chances for Everton as in the 40th minute the dam wall finally broke. From an Alex Greenwood corner, Sam Mewis rose highest to nod home the opening goal and given City a 1 - 0 lead at the break.  

It was a different Blues outfit in the second half with the Everton finding a spark and self belief to start to take control of the match.  

Raso again was in the action as she and Valerie Gauvin asked questions of the City defence.  On the hour mark Everton were level as Gauvin nodded home a near post equaliser.  

The Toffees looked like they might take the lead 10 minutes later as Gauvin launched herself onto a cross only to guide it just wide.  

Raso was substituted in the 75 minute in her first Wembley appearance, as City slowly wrestled away control of the match again.  

Although Everton took the Final to extra time, the gallant Blues were unable to counter the fresh legs of Manchester City as they netted two goals late to defend their Women's FA Cup title.  

Visit page
This article was originally published on the CommBank Matildas website.
Close