Flash Earn Three Points in Houston; Move to Third Place in Standings
Published on July 5, 2014 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Western New York Flash News Release
HOUSTON, TX - The Western New York Flash picked up three important points on Saturday night, defeating the Houston Dash 4-1 at BBVA Compass Stadium. The win marked the Flash's first ever victory over the expansion team but, more importantly, bumps the team up into third place in the National Women's Soccer League standings.
The Flash, now tied with the Washington Spirit in third place, sits at 7-8-2 (23 points) on the year, while the Dash fall to 4-10-1 (13 points).
"I thought the team was lightning tonight. We know, having played them twice, that they are an aggressive team at times. We dealt with that really well, we won individual battles," said Flash General Manager and Head Coach Aaran Lines. "I thought our midfield today was the key. We were very good in the midfield and we defended well. The front two [Samantha Kerr and Jasmyne Spencer], 20 and 23 years of age, were great to see. It was a very good overall team performance and that's what we need at this point in the season."
The Flash, for the fifth-straight game opened the scoring, this time in the 13th minute. After Teigen Allen blocked Houston's attempt at a long ball, the defender passed to her Australian counterpart Kerr who, following another blocked clear, sent Spencer past the Dash defense with a quick chip. The forward calmly flipped the ball over Erin McLeod who came out to defend, putting the Flash up 1-0.
Kerr doubled the Western New York lead in the 28th minute, capitalizing on a long outlet pass from Carli Lloyd. From a step behind the midfield line, Lloyd picked out Kerr on a streaking run through the Dash defense. Kerr took one touch at the top of the penalty area then slotted the ball past McLeod who came off her line to attempt the breakaway save.
After coming into the match in the 74th minute, Sonia Bermudez put the Flash up by three goals with her second goal of the season. After some offensive pressure from the visiting side, McCall Zerboni was able to pick out Sonia between Dash defenders. The Spaniard took a quick touch to get around the goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the net with her favored left foot.
Western New York's final goal came with just a minute to play in regulation on an own goal by Becky Edwards. Second-half substitute Kristen Edmonds sent a low cross to the near post, looking for Kerr. Both Kerr and Edwards slid toward the ball, with the Dash midfielder deflecting it into her own net.
Houston's lone goal came just one minute after Sonia's score, with Jordan Jackson tipping in a pass from Kealia Ohai. The home team, however, would not be able to find the back of the net again.
The Flash posted 17 shots in the game, with all but four on target. Houston also totaled double-digit shots, 14, but Western New York was able to hold the home team to just one goal in the game.
"Our pressure was really good, and we had excellent sequences. Our goals were quality with great finishes," Lines added. "It was nice to see Spencer coming up with a goal off a pass from Sam. Then Carli to Sam, McCall to Bermudez and Edmonds creating that last goal. Plus, Lydia [Williams] had some great saves today. It was a great overall performance on both sides of the ball; a great team win."
The Flash appeared to quickly double its lead in the 16th minute when Lloyd volleyed in a Vicky Losada set piece, but the midfielder was ruled offside. Houston responded with a flurry of chances in the Western New York penalty area but was unable to get a shot through to Williams.
Twenty minutes in, Williams denied Kaylyn Kyle her first goal of the season with a stop on the doorstep after Kyle quickly deflected a cross by Ohai. Williams came up with a big, full-extension save 10 minutes later to deny Tiffany McCarty who was running hard at the net.
After strong play from Zerboni to maintain possession and draw a foul, Vicky whipped in a set piece from the left side that found the head of Kerr, but her 25th minute attempt went wide right.
McLeod kept the Flash lead to just two goals in the 32nd minute, coming up with a fingertip save on Lloyd. The U.S. National Team allocation found herself alone in front of McLeod and, after faking to the right, McLeod was able to block down Lloyd's shot at an open net. The allocated goalkeeper came up with another big save for the Dash in the second half, with a sliding clear at the top of the 18 to deny Spencer a one-on-one at the goal.
Just two minutes into the second half, Kerr rocketed a shot off the crossbar, holding off a brace for the Matilda. In the 60th minute, the forward again found herself behind the Dash backline, collecting a lofted pass from Lloyd. However, McLeod ended the opportunity when she forced Kerr to kick the ball wide by applying quick pressure.
Houston nearly added a second goal in extra time, but Jackson's shot was kept out by the right goal post.
The Flash will return to Rochester on July 12, kicking off a three-game homestand. Western New York will first welcome the Spirit in an important game for the NWSL rankings, as both teams sit in the third spot in the table. The game will kickoff at 7 p.m. ET with tickets available at wnyflash.com or by phone at (585) 454-KICK.
National Women's Soccer League Stories from July 5, 2014
- Flash Earn Three Points in Houston; Move to Third Place in Standings - Western New York Flash
- Breakers at Seattle Reign FC this Sunday - Boston Breakers
- Sky Blue FC Hosts FC Kansas City on July 6 - Sky Blue FC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
