Liverpool Women ace Olivia Smith shines for Canada at U20 World Cup
Liverpool Women’s forward Olivia Smith started her U20 World Cup campaign for Canada in a 3-3 draw with France on Saturday [31 August].
The 20-year-old assisted her country’s second goal of the match with Zoe Markesini converting her corner to restore Canada’s lead.
France took the lead in the 67 minute with a corner of their own with a Hillary Gnonko Diaz header converted past a stranded Faith Fenwick.
The Canucks equalised in the final ten minutes when Annabelle Chukwu unleashed a curling effort past Feerine Belhadj, with Smith’s side sharing the points on the day.
Olivia Smith showing Liverpool Women what she can do for Canada
Smith will return to Liverpool after her U20 World Cup campaign with Canada with it all to prove in their maiden season in the Women’s Super League.
Fenway Sports Group splashed the cash on her acquisition paying her £210,000 release clause from Sporting CP for a club-record fee [BBC Sport].
Matt Beard is eager to increase the goal output in his side. Smith scored 13 goals in 18 Liga BPI appearances last season, whereas second forward signing Cornelia Kapocs notched 18 goals last term for Linkoping FC in her native Sweden.
With 19-year-old Mia Enderby enjoying an impressive U19 European Championship campaign with England, scoring three goals in three outings, Beard is blessed with attacking options heading into the 2024/25 WSL season.
Departed duo Melissa Lawley and Shanice van de Sanden managed one league goal each last term, while Sophie Roman Haug finished as the Reds’ top goal scorer with a return of seven goals, 14 behind WSL golden boot winner Khadija Shaw of Manchester City.
The Reds now looked positioned to challenge Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal at the WSL summit this year and improve on last season’s impressive fourth-placed finish.
In other Liverpool news, Mohammed Salah drops exit hint after Manchester United heroics.
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