Flash, Blues Battle to Point in Kansas City
Published on May 14, 2015 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Western New York Flash News Release
KANSAS CITY, MO (Thursday, May 14, 2015) - The Western New York Flash picked up its fourth point of the season, posting a 0-0 draw against FC Kansas City in a physical battle at Swope Soccer Village. The match closed out a home-and-home series with the Blues, as the two teams also faced each other last Friday at Sahlen's Stadium in Rochester. Kansas City won the previous meeting by a 1-0 score.
"I thought it was a tremendous effort on behalf of the team tonight," said Flash general manager and head coach Aaran Lines. "I thought we were very good in the second half, the first half was relatively even, but I thought we were the better team in the second half and created two clear opportunities. It's very encouraging with a clean sheet from backline."
The Flash (1-3-1, 4 points) had to go to its bench early in the match after goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo was injured in a collision in the 13th minute. Off a free kick from Yael Averbuch, D'Angelo came off her line to intercept the cross but fell hard, bringing Chantel Jones in to take over between the pipes.
After posting 11 shots during the first half of last Friday's game, the Flash had only two shots in the first 45 minutes of Thursday's contest, with one on goal.
Midway through the first half, Jamia Fields nearly picked out Jasmyne Spencer on the goal line but the cross was too high and sailed over the head of the open forward.
Ten minutes into the second half, Lynn Williams had the best chance for either team at that point, after being sent through the Blues' defense by Spencer. Williams legged out a run, beating her defender and getting a close-range shot on Katelyn Rowland, but the rookie goalkeeper came up with a big save to keep the game scoreless.
Rowland came up with another big stop for her team in the 86th minute, denying former UCLA teammate Samantha Mewis from 10 yards out.
The game saw a total of seven yellow cards over the 90 minutes, as the Flash picked up a franchise-high five in the match while Kansas City (3-2-1, 10 points) earned two cautions.
Western New York will return home for two games before the 12-day break for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. Next up, the Flash welcome the Washington Spirit to Sahlen's Stadium at 7 p.m. ET on May 23.
"There are lots of positives to take out of this game," Lines added. "It could have been three points but we will take the point on the road and move on to the next one."
Tickets for all Flash home matches 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.
National Women's Soccer League Stories from May 14, 2015
- FC Kansas City and the Western New York Flash Settle for a 0-0 Tie - FC Kansas City
- Flash, Blues Battle to Point in Kansas City - Western New York Flash
- Houston Dash Host Chicago Red Stars Tomorrow at BBVA Compass Stadium - Houston Dash
- Boston Breakers Sign Defender Lauren Lazo - Boston Breakers
- NWSL-Leading Chicago Travels to Houston for Friday Clash - Chicago Stars FC
- Timbers, Thorns FC Form Partnership with Idaho Youth Soccer Association - Portland Thorns FC
- Boston Breakers Call up Goalkeeper Che Brown - Boston Breakers
- Extra-Time and Penalty Shootout Wins Highlight Results in First Round of 2015 U.S. Open Cup - NWSL
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