Olivia Smith hits historic milestone in Liverpool Women draw v West Ham United
Olivia Smith became the youngest Canadian international to score in the Women’s Super League in Liverpool Women’s 1-1 draw against West Ham United.
The Reds drew their second consecutive WSL match at the Chigwell Construction Stadium on Sunday [29 September] after Riko Ueki salvaged a point for the hosts in the final five minutes.
As shared by One Football [29 September], Smith’s seventh-minute strike marked a historic milestone for the forward as she became the youngest player from Canada to score in the WSL.
The 20-year-old is off the mark for the Reds after only two appearances following her club-record move from Sporting CP this summer.
Liverpool Women need to rely on Olivia Smith
Matt Beard will be scratching his head at Liverpool after two draws in the opening two matches, his side are already off the pace in the WSL.
The Reds recorded a remarkable fourth-placed finish last season and were expected to challenge Chelsea, Manchester City, and Arsenal this term but the start hasn’t panned out as hoped.
Liverpool are reverting to old habits, scoring one goal a piece in their matches despite recording 24 shots on goal, 12 in each, and are massively underperforming in front of goal.
The lack of clinical edge is exactly what Beard set out to address throughout the summer with the signings of Cornelia Kapocs and Smith, the latter has pulled her weight with her strike against West Ham whereas Kapocs is yet to start a match for the Reds since her move.
Liverpool are creating chances in abundance but lacks the composure to capitalise, Beard must select both Kapocs and Smith to start against Manchester United on Wednesday [2 October] and place his faith in the pair to fire the side to victory.
Last season was a remarkable achievement for the Reds however, the best sides do not sit still and Beard must address the lack of goals now before his side find themselves chasing the pack at the top of the WSL all season.
In other Liverpool news, here’s how the Reds men’s side rated v Wolves.
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