Everton manager Willie Kirk believes that Sandy MacIver proved that she is the best English goalkeeper after she picked up the Player of the Match award in The Blue Girls’ 3-1 defeat in the 2019/2020 Vitality Women’s FA Cup final this afternoon.
The 22-year-old pulled off a string of wonderful saves to keep Everton in the tie right until the final kick at Wembley, earning herself widespread plaudits.
MacIver dived bravely at the feet of Sam Mewis to deny the United States international in the first half before sprawling across her goal to push Chloe Kelly’s effort over the bar in the second period. That world class save was equalled during the first period of extra-time with the Everton keeper pushing a Steph Houghton header onto the post at full-stretch.
Speaking in the post-match press conference in which FA Women’s Super League Full-Time were present, Everton boss Kirk hailed the performance of his goalkeeper.
“From start to finish, she was outstanding” said Kirk.
“She took knocks, she did everything that she could to keep the ball out of the back of the net.
“Sometimes it wasn’t pretty, somethings it was a punch or it was a slap at times, there was one cross where she just had to get something on it.
“I thought that she was outstanding today and very much shown that she is England number one.”
Prior to conceding their second goal, Everton were well and truly in the tie and Kirk admitted that he was proud of his side and couldn’t have asked any more from them.
He added “They have given absolutely everything that they had in the tank.
“I’m very, very proud of them, there has to be a loser and you never want to be that loser.
“They did what we asked of them on the pitch and I am immensely proud of the players, the staff and the club in terms of the support that they have given us.
“We couldn’t have done much more today but that will inspire us to come back.”
There is little time for Everton to dwell on their Vitality Women’s FA Cup final defeat. Kirk’s side are back in action on Wednesday evening when they take on Manchester United in the FA Women’s Continental League Cup at Walton Hall Park.
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