Portland Thorns FC Edge Western New York Flash 1-0 in Game Two
April 18, 2015 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Western New York Flash News Release
PORTLAND, ORE ( Saturday, April 18, 2015 ) - The Western New York Flash wrapped up a two-game West Coast trip on Saturday, falling 1-0 to Portland Thorns FC in front of 13,148 fans at Providence Park. With the loss, the Flash fall to 0-2-0 (0 points) while the Thorns improve to 2-0-0 (6 points) overall.
For the second-straight game, the Flash entered the locker room facing a 1-0 deficit after 45 minutes. That lone Thorns' goal proved to be the game-winner, as neither team was able to find the back of the net in the second half.
Though down a goal at half, the Flash had the edge on paper, totaling six shots compared to just two from the host Thorns.
Allie Long scored what proved to be the decisive goal in the 22nd minute, beating Flash goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo to a Sinead Farrelly cross. D'Angelo, in her second professional start between the pipes, came off her line to grab the serve, but Long was able to get a head on the ball and directed it just inside the left post.
The Flash, who totaled eight shots in the match, had some equalizer opportunities in the remaining minutes but was unable to beat 2013 FIFA Women's World Player of the Year Nadine Angerer.
In the 54th minute, Jasmyne Spencer tested the Thorns defense and ultimately won a free kick for her team at the top of the box. Rookie Samantha Mewis stepped up to take the set piece and bent it around the Thorns' four-player wall, but it sailed just over the crossbar.
Pressing to level the game late in the second half, the Flash won its first corner kick of the match. Midfielder Becky Edwards sent the ball into the penalty area and it was free for a moment, but Angerer was fouled, taking away the Flash's shooting chance.
Minutes later, Edwards sent the ball across the goalmouth on a headed pass to Jordan Angeli but she was unable to connect at the doorstep.
Mewis led the Flash with six shots, while rookie Lynn Williams totaled two in her first start for the red and yellow. D'Angelo finished with two saves.
The Flash, who begin a 14-day break, do not take the field again until May 2 when it faces the Boston Breakers at Sahlen's Stadium. That game will be the home opener for Western New York and kicks off at 7 p.m. ET.
Tickets are available online at wnyflash.com, by calling the Flash at (716) 655-PLAY or by calling the Sahlen's Stadium Box Office at (585) 454-KICK.
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