Everton vs. Valencia: Score, Grades and Post-Match Reaction

Valencia soared to a 1-0 victory over Everton to capture fifth place in the 2013 International Champions Cup on Tuesday at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

As early as the sixth minute, things got physical. Everton's Bryan Oviedo was upended by Antonio Barragan. Darron Gibson's ensuing free-kick was blocked and cleared by Valencia.

In the ninth minute, Valencia threatened, with Jonathan Viera weaving his way through the Everton defense, but Dani Parejo flubbed the layoff.

Valencia goalkeeper Vicente Guaita was given his first test of the night in the 13th minute, but it wasn't much of a test at all. Ross Barkley's mild shot was easily corralled in front of net.

In the 16th minute, Everton showed some energy on a counter-attack off a Valencia corner kick. Barkley got help from Gerard Deulofeu and Gibson down the pitch, but the exchange was ultimately mishandled by Barkley. Marouane Fellaini's attempt to get something out of it was blocked.

In the 24th minute, things got dangerous for Everton. Valencia's corner kick was blocked by Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles, but it bounced to the feet of Parejo. Fortunately for Everton, Parejo's attempt sailed high.

For the next few minutes, the Spaniards continued to threaten but always seemed to botch things up on the last ball, keeping Robles active but not producing any serious shots on goal.

In the 34th minute, it was Everton with the opportunity. Oviedo produced a dangerous ball for Steven Naismith, but Naismith's effort was saved by Guaita's fingertips and Valencia breathed a sigh of relief.

Everton had a chance to score with a pair of corner kicks around the 40th minute, but Valencia's defense withstood the challenge.

Everton continued to apply pressure at the end. In the 44th minute, Victor Anichebe weaved his way through the Valencia defense but ultimately flubbed the ball away harmlessly near the net.

On a counter-attack, Mathieu was set up by Fellaini, but his attempt sailed over the crossbar.

After one half, the match was scoreless, although there had been plenty of chances to find net from both clubs.

Fox Soccer quipped at the half:

After some back and forth in the second half, it was Valencia that struck first on Tuesday.

In the 52nd minute, substitute Michel corralled a ball by Aly Cissokho, then drilled the ball into the corner of the net with Robles standing stunned. It was a sudden and swift score by the Spaniards after an entire half of threatening.

Valencia continued to pressure Everton with its subs. Juan Bernat caused some trouble in the 64th minute after coming onto the pitch. Bernat has some space, but his attempt toward goal was expertly deflected by Phil Jagielka.

Everton had somewhat of an opportunity in the 66th minute, but sub Seamus Coleman crossed too fierce and sub Kevin Mirallas couldn't reach the ball. 

Everton continued its slide moments later, as Robert had a clear chance at goal in the 70th minute. But Robles, who found himself pressured more and more as the match wore on, did well to push away the attempt.

Fellaini was determined to score, but his efforts were turned down countless times. He started a break in the 77th minute, but a bit of hesitation near goal gave the aware Ruiz an opportunity to knock the ball away. 

In the end, it was a frustrating loss for Everton and a well-deserved win for Valencia. Both clubs had their chances, but it was the Spaniards who took advantage.

Grades

Everton Team Grades

Player	Grade
Joel Robles	C+
John Stones	C
Sylvain Distin	C
Phil Jagielka	C+
Bryan Oviedo	B
Gerard Deulofeu	C
Darron Gibson	C
Steven Naismith	C-
Ross Barkley	C-
Marouane Fellaini	C+
Victor Anichebe	C-
Key Substitutes
Seamus Coleman	C
Kevin Mirallas	C
Nikica Jelavic	C

Valencia Team Grades

Player	Grade
Vicente Guaita	B-
Jeremy Mathieu	C
Victor Ruiz	B-
Antonio Barragan	C-
Aly Cissokho	B-
Oriol Romeu	C
Dani Parejo	C-
Robert	C
Jonathan Viera	C+
Salva Ruiz	C
Jonas	C
Key Substitutes
Michel	A
Juan Bernat	C+
Ever Banega	C+