Flash Add Important Three Points with Shutout over Washington
Published on July 31, 2013 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Western New York Flash News Release
Rochester, N.Y. (Wednesday, July 31, 2013) - The Western New York Flash improved to 6-1-1 on their home field with a 3-0 victory over the Washington Spirit on Wednesday night. With their sixth shutout of the season, the Flash upped their season point total to 30, giving themselves a seven-point cushion over the Boston Breakers, who are one place behind the fourth-seeded Flash.
The Flash controlled the game on all aspects, including commanding the shot column 23-1. Washington's lone shot came in the 85th minute on a header that was easily corralled in by Flash goalkeeper Adrianna Franch.
"I thought we were brilliant from the first minute to the 90th minute," said Flash head coach Aaran Lines. "It was a good performance that the team can take confidence from."
From the first whistle, the Flash were aggressive on the ball and caused a number of turnovers in Washington's back half. Two minutes in, after Samantha Kerr cleared a Washington set piece, Carli Lloyd tracked down the clear and took off towards goal. However, she was sandwiched by defenders and unable to get off a clean shot.
The high pressure ultimately paid off for the Flash in the 35th when Adriana Martin put her team on the board. Deep in the offensive zone, Lloyd threaded a pass through to Kerr for an uncontested shot on Harris, who came up with the initial save. But the Australian international, rather than letting the ball roll out for a corner, chased it down on the by line and crossed over to Adriana who was wide open on the far post. It was the third goal of the year for the Spanish international, who returned to Western New York on Wednesday after missing the last seven games while participating in the Euro Championship.
Adriana entered the game just 25 minutes in when Alex Sahlen suffered a foot injury.
The two nearly teamed up minutes later with Adriana again open on the far post but her volley went off the side netting.
Kerr had the favor returned to her in the 59th minute when she received a well-placed feed from Katherine Reynolds to make the score 2-0. Reynold's waist-high cross took a bounce six yards away from the goal where Kerr was able strike it past Harris for her fifth goal of the season.
Lloyd was all over the field, generating numerous chances in the first half. Five minutes in, after Abby Wambach showed some fancy footwork, she laid it off to Lloyd who aimed for the upper right corner about twenty yards out. Spirit, and former Flash, goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris tipped the ball above the bar to keep the game scoreless at that point.
Eleven minutes later, another Washington turnover pitted Lloyd one-on-one with defender Stephanie Ochs. After a fake shot, her actual attempt was high.
After hunting 68 minutes for a score, Lloyd was finally able to break through and add some insurance to the Flash lead. After Ingrid Wells saw her shot blocked by a Spirit defender, Lloyd collected the loose ball and put it at the 3-0 final.
After 19 shots in the first half the Flash held just a 1-0 lead after the first 45 minutes, but there were a number of chances for the home team. On an 18th minute free kick Lloyd made a short pass to McCall Zerboni who chipped it to Kerr running through the line. But Harris was able to make a kick save on the trick play.
Lloyd and Kerr worked a give-and-go later in the half, with Kerr laying a quick wall pass to her teammate. The pass led to one of Lloyd's game-high nine shots but it sailed high.
The Flash have their final road game on Saturday, traveling to face the Boston Breakers in a 6 p.m. contest that will prove pivotal for the playoff picture.
National Women's Soccer League Stories from July 31, 2013
- Flash Add Important Three Points with Shutout over Washington - Western New York Flash
- Spirit Blanked 3-0 at Western New York - Washington Spirit
- Thorns FC Sign Defender Tina Ellertson - Portland Thorns FC
- FC Kansas City Signs Jaime French - FC Kansas City
- Shannon Boxx to Lead Walk to End Lupus Now⢠in Naperville Aug 10 - Chicago Stars FC
- Boston Breakers 2014 season tickets are on sale Aug. 1 - Boston Breakers
- Flash Set to Take On Spirit at Sahlen's Stadium - Western New York Flash
- Washington Spirit Sign Defender Marisa Abegg on NWSL Roster Freeze - Washington Spirit
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