City lose third-place play-off to PSG | OneFootball

City’s World Sevens tournament has ended in defeat after a 3-1 third-place play-off loss to PSG.

The Blues started brightly and deservedly took the lead on nine minutes through Jess Park, but the French side replied with three unanswered goals to clinch third spot.

In a much-improved display from our 2-0 loss to Manchester United, City showed immediate intent.

Naomi Layzell carried the ball two thirds of the pitch before seeing her low shot pushed around the post by the keeper.

Lily Murphy went even closer on three minutes with another a low shot that struck the outside of the post.

Brazilian forward Kerolin was next to threaten the PSG keeper with a mazy run and shot that went narrowly wide.

It felt like a goal was inevitable for Nick Cushing’s side – and a minute later, Jess Park tucked the ball home after good work by Aoba Fujino.

PSG had been largely outplayed, but a defensive slip-up led to a cross that Traore tucked home from close range on 12 minutes.

Murphy then gave Poppy Pritchard the chance to immediately restore our lead, but the youngster was denied by the keeper from six yards out.

PSG were much-improved after the break and two goals in five minutes on 19 and 24 minutes from Geyoro and'Hurtré effectively ended the contest.

Park had a couple of late efforts saved in a late rally but the 30 minutes time limit meant the Blues simply ran out of time.

How we lined-up

City started with a young side, bringing on more experience as the game progressed.

Rolling subs, as had been used throughout, were in operation again.

City: Keating, Layzell, Thomas, Prior, Pritchard, Oyama, Murphy

Subs: Blindkilde Brown, Park, Fujino, Kerolin Nicoli, Wienroither, Davies, Coombs

WHAT IT MEANS

City have finished fourth of the eight teams who have taken part.

It was a largely enjoyable exercise and one that we competed well in after a tiring campaign.

WHAT’S NEXT

City will now take time to rest and recuperate before pre-season begins later this summer.