Everton U21’s are out of the Premier League International Cup following a 3-0 defeat against PSV Eindhoven.
Goals from Isaac Babadi, Jenson Seelt and August Flyger were enough for Jong PSV to secure their place in the semi-finals of the competition at Goodison Park.
The visitors, competing in the second tier of Dutch football, had that extra bit of quality going forward and continue their good run in the competition.
Nathan Patterson and James Garner played the majority of the game as the duo look to make a return to Sean Dyche’s first team, but PSV dominated for large-spells.
The game started with a fast tempo and both teams had early chances to score in front of a vibrant Goodison crowd.
PSV started strongly and missed some good opportunities to make an early breakthrough. Firstly, Jason van Duiven failed to convert a header from close range following a teasing Dante Sealy delivery.
Sealy then broke through on goal but his effort sailed over the bar into the Gwladys Street end.
Everton responded well to early pressure and had chances of their own. Patterson, getting some valuable minutes under his belt, hit the post with a superb volley. Katia Kouyate did brilliantly to pick out the Scotsman, and his shot was inches away from finding the net.
Isaac Price then had an effort cleared off the line, following more strong play from Kouyate out wide.
Shortly after, the visitors took the lead in clinical style. A mistake was pounced upon by combative midfielder Simon Colyn, and the PSV number eight unselfishly teed up Isaac Babadi to tap in from close range.
The Dutch side had a spring in their step and came close to doubling the advantage. A well worked set-piece routine saw the ball fall to centre-back Jenson Seelt, and his shot from six yards was brilliantly saved by Billy Crellin.
Crellin’s influence in between the sticks grew as the contest went on, making several smart saves. He denied Mohamed Nassoh from the edge of the box shortly after the break.
There was little Crellin could do to prevent the visitors from doubling their lead, though.
Jenson Seelt, who the Blues’ keeper had previously denied from an earlier-set piece, swivelled and tucked home a low strike following a corner. Paul Tait will have been frustrated by his side’s defending from the move.
Tait then made changes to try and turn the contest with Martin Sherif, Sean McAllister and Liam Higgins all introduced. Patterson was one of the players replaced, getting 68 minutes under his belt following a return from recent injury.
The visitors took control of proceedings in the second-half, showing their quality. Despite working hard, Everton were unable to test goalkeeper Niek Schiks.
In the dying embers of the game, PSV made sure of the victory through substitute Flyger. The centre-forward clinically dispatched in front of goal to book his side’s place in the final four.
