Everton's Women's FA Cup campaign came to an end on Sunday afternoon as the Blues were beaten 1-0 by Chelsea in the quarter-finals.
It was an excellent showing from Brian Sorensen's side who dominated in large portions against the reigning FA Cup champions, but a second-half strike from Catarina Macario condemned the Toffees to defeat.
Brian Sorensen made two changes from the defeat at Manchester City. Megan Finnigan returned from illness to replace Lucy Hope in defence with Martina Piemonte preferred to Rikke Madsen in attack.
Sunday's fixture was a repeat of the 2020 quarter-final where the Blues beat Chelsea 2-1 at Goodison Park.
Chelsea came closest in the early stages as former Everton defender Nathalie Björn’s header crashed off the woodwork.
Everton responded positively when Kathrine Kühl found space before striking an ambitious effort, which took a deflection. The visitors cleared the ensuing corner despite a scramble in the penalty area.
The pressure continued from the Denmark international, who shot from range, stinging the palms of Zećira Mušović scrambling to her right.
After a period of Everton dominance, the visitors dealt with a flurry of Everton corners before starting a rare first-half attack. Sophie Ingle looped a speculative effort which was tipped away thanks to the heroics of Courtney Brosnan.
The Londoners almost capitalised from a corner before half-time when Jess Carter created a yard of space before her shot floated inches over the bar.
Chelsea failed to capitalise on a promising opportunity shortly before the break. Johanna Kaneryd bolted down the touchline, releasing Jelena Čanković, who cut inside, curling a shot inches wide of the post.
Early in the second half, Emma Hayes’ side nearly capitalised on an Everton mistake; counter-attacking at pace through Fran Kirby, whose pass found Erin Cuthbert. The Chelsea skipper fired a tame effort towards goal, but Brosnan saved with ease.
As the game stretched, Everton responded with an onslaught of their own; Hanna Bennison exchanged passes with Aurora Galli before Bennison fired into the hands of Mušović.
The home side went close minutes later; Carter gave a free-kick away 30 yards from goal. Elise Stenevik struck a dipping shot which kissed the crossbar.
Against the run of play, Chelsea led on 66 minutes.
Former Everton loanee Aggie Beever-Jones charged down the right. Here cutback found Macario who finished from close range moments after coming on.
The Toffees fought back and almost had their reward through Piemonte. The Italian latched onto Madsen’s ball before feeding an inviting cross towards goal, but Chelsea were resolute in defence and managed to clear.
Moments later, Madsen was causing problems again, threading a ball towards Katja Snoeijs, who was inches from converting.
Despite a late push, Everton were unable to secure a deserved equaliser as Chelsea progressed into the semi-finals.
Everton return to Walton Hall Park next weekend to face Aston Villa on Saturday 16 March (1pm GMT).
By Luke Davies
