Symonds strikes from a free-kick as Albion draw with PSG

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Skipper came off the bench to equalise as Albion fielded two different XIs in pre-season friendly.

2026-08-09T14:45+01:00

Maisie Symonds levels for Albion against PSG with a free-kick. 📷Kyle Hemsley

Albion came from behind to draw 1-1 with PSG in Sunday’s pre-season friendly at the Amex.

Manager Dario Vidosic used the clash to showcase his new-look squad, naming summer arrivals Lia Walti, Emilie Joramo, Olivia Garcia, and Emily Murphy in a strong starting XI before changing the entire team in the second half.

There was some high-energy build-up from both sides in the scorching Falmer sunshine but it was PSG who broke the deadlock at 37 minutes.

Olga Groenen sped past Caitlin Hayes on the left flank before finding Alyssa Charlier at the back post, and she pinged a high shot into the top corner.

Albion almost answered back instantly. Joramo showed dazzling footwork to dance through the PSG defence at the edge of the box and slide a clever ball toward Fran Kirby, but she couldn't quite connect at full stretch.

Maisie Symonds (right) celebrates with Manuela Vanegas after making it 1-1. 📷Kyle Hemsley

Heading out for the second 45, Vidosic opted for a completely fresh XI, with skipper Maisie Symonds leading the side onto the pitch to a warm reception from the Albion faithful.

New arrival Sophie Peskett linked up brilliantly with Madison Haley, causing instant chaos in the PSG box. Peskett turned her marker to carve out space and deliver a dangerous ball into the six-yard box, but Haley's shot narrowly drifted past the post.

PSG cranked up the intensity in response, with substitute Tara Elimbi Gilbert using her pace to blaze past the Brighton backline. She fired a dangerous cross into the box, but Jelena Cankovic was equal to it and made a swift turn to clear the danger.

Moments later, Cankovic made way for Gabby George, who was greeted by a resounding ovation from the home supporters as the club's latest summer signing stepped onto the pitch for her Albion debut.

Albion continued to press for a way back into the game as Peskett, Haley and Olaug Tvedten combined neatly to threaten the PSG goal. The pressure paid off when Peskett was brought down on the edge of the box, forcing the referee to award a dangerous free kick.

Symonds stepped over the set-piece and delivered a moment of magic, bending a strike past Kiedrzynek Katarzyna to tie the match at 1-1.