📝 WSL returns with Liverpool narrowly beating Brighton | OneFootball

The Women's Super League returned with the first game of 2025 as Liverpool beat Brighton 2-1 on Friday.

Scorers: Smith 31', Carabalí 82' (OG)'; Parris 66'

The star names eventually delivered the goods at St. Helens Stadium during a cagey, low-scoring affair.

With neither side registering a shot until about the half-hour mark, this clash was a battle for possession in midfield during the first half.

The deadlock eventually broke when Liverpool's leading goalscorer this season Olivia Smith found the net once again.

The Canadian received the ball in her own half on the right wing and beat Guro Bergsvand for pace before finishing into the top left corner inside the box.

The second half continued to be a tense affair, with genuine scoring chances scarce. Brighton only registered one shot on target until they struck a bit of luck.

Former Everton and Manchester United player Nikita Parris found the equaliser before celebrating emphatically. Her strike took a deflection and looped over goalkeeper Teagan Micah for 1-1.

The final 10 minutes of the match then featured a little bit of luck for the Reds thanks to sustained pressure. An own-goal from Jorelyn Carabali went past Sophie Baggaley and Liverpool held on for the victory.

Looking at the table, Liverpool sit sixth and Brighton fifth. The two clubs are separated by five points.

📸 Lewis Storey - 2025 Getty Images