Florida Cup 2021 Friendly: Everton Secure Narrow 1-0 Win Over U.N.A.M. Pumas
Everton took the win against the Pumas during the Florida Cup at Camping World Stadium. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Everton continue their winning ways this preseason in the Rafa Benitez era with a comfortable 1-0 win over U.N.A.M. Pumas at Camping World Stadium. Orlando played host to a preseason-friendly tournament that saw Everton come away with the Florida Cup crown in their win over Millonarios on Sunday.
Match Recap
Despite the slim margin of victory, this game showed a lot more promise for the English side. Everton looked much fresher on and off the ball in this encounter against Pumas. The first half saw a litany of strikes parried away by Julio Jose Gonzalez.
The persistent attack paid off in minute ’19 as Moise Kean rebounded his own blocked shot and scored. Although that strike was the only goal of the night, both goalkeepers remained busy. Begovic had a few saves to make before the end of the half that kept him earnest before half-time.
Pumas returned with a bit more edge to their game as they forced Everton’s reserves into compromising positions. Joao Virginia, a Benfica-turned-Arsenal youth product, made some important saves to keep a clean sheet for the Toffees.
The young attacking trident of Nathan Broadhead, Anthony Gordon, and Abdoulaye Doucoure performed admirably despite not finding the net. James Rodriguez also featured in the second half, delighting the fans in Orlando eager to see Colombian talent on display. Despite some frustrating yellow cards towards the end of the second half by Digne and Doucoure — Everton walked away from this encounter unscathed.
The Toffees have one more friendly match on their schedule before the start of the EPL season. They face Manchester United on August 7 at Old Trafford. The Red Devils could feature new signings Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane in this encounter.
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Nicolas Vera is a sports reporter for Florida National News, part of the FNN News Network. | sports@floridanationalnews.com