Flash Defeat Atlanta 2-0 Behind A Brace from Brazilian Striker Marta
Published on August 7, 2011 under Women's Professional Soccer (WPS)
Western New York Flash News Release
KENNESAW, Ga. -With the club's second highest home attendance of the season, theAtlanta Beat (1-11-4) of Women's Professional Soccer attracted 7,112 fans for PUMA Project Pink night but fell 2-0 to the Western New York Flash (10-2-3) at KSU Soccer Stadium after Marta scored two first half goals.
The match began with a couple early half-chances from both sides before Western New York took the advantage in the ninth minute. Flash midfielder Yael Averbuch advanced up the right side and sent a ballon the ground across the box. The pass landed at Marta's feet, and the Brazilian took a prep before shooting a pacey, low ball into the right side netting for the first goal of the match.
The home side earned it's best chance in the 31st minute after a quick string of passes found Beat forward Kelly Parker at the top of the 18 yard box. Parker slid a quick, square ball to midfielder Kylie Wright who struck a hard, driving ball to the right. The shot hit the inside of the right post and bounced back into play. Western New York was able to clear for a corner. Western New York regained momentum heading into the half when Marta struck again in the 41st minute. The Flash's forward Christine Sinclair sped down the left side of the field and sent the ball across frame for a nearly identical Marta finish. Whitworth was there for the initial save, but the ball bounced out and Marta was there for the finishing touch.
Despite a few substitutions, the 2-0 halftime scoreline would stand for the remaining 45 minutes. The Beat brought in forward Meghan Lenczyk for midfielder Kacey White while the Flash's Caroline Seger replaced Becky Edwards. Lenczyk came off with an injury within the first eight minutes after Seger blasted a point-blank shot into Lenczyk's head. Lenczyk was able to walk off the pitch and was replaced by Bianca D'Agostino in the 53rd.
Other second half substitutes included the Beat's Megan Jesolva replacing Carli Lloyd in the 80thin addition to Western New York's Alex Morgan in for Christine Sinclair in the 64th and Gemma Davison replacing Marta in the 69th. This win catapults the Flash into first place, ahead of Philadelphia. The Flash have two remaining games and will head to Boca Raton, Florida to face Abby Wambach's magicJack on Wednesday evening at 7 pm. The Flash will then return home to play their final regular season match against Atlanta on Sunday, August 14th at 6 pm. The game will be televised live on FOX Soccer Channel.
Women's Professional Soccer Stories from August 7, 2011
- Sky Blue FC Suffers Heartbreaker in Philadelphia - Sky Blue FC
- Beat Fans Embrace Project Pink , Beat Fall 2-0 - Atlanta Beat
- Flash Defeat Atlanta 2-0 Behind A Brace from Brazilian Striker Marta - Western New York Flash
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