Flash Fall 3-0, Despite Strong Showing
April 29, 2016 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Western New York Flash News Release
ELMA, N.Y. - The Western New York Flash dropped their home opener on Friday night at Sahlen's Stadium to the undefeated Washington Spirit, despite a strong showing by the young. The Flash outshot the Spirit 16-7 and also had 11 corner kicks compared to Washington's two. But the Spirit came away with the win after managing to score three goals.
The Spirit opened scoring in the fourth minute when a Crystal Dunn cross found Diana Matheson early in the first half. The Flash showed resilience when shortly after Sam Mewis fired a long-ranged rocket that Labbe managed to tip over the bar for one of the many Western New York corner kicks.
The Flash came out in the second half hungry for an equalizer with another Mewis shot that sailed just over the crossbar int he 48th minute. Shortly after, the Spirit was called for a foul in the box after a tough collision. Mewis, who at the time was the only player in the league to convert a penalty so far this season, stepped up to take the shot and hit the post. Only minutes later, forward Taylor Smith managed to do the same, as the Spirit maintained its narrow 1-0 lead.
In the 71st minute, the referee pointed to the spot again, this time agains the Flash. Matheson put a shot right down the middle to beat her Canadian National teammate Sabrina D'Angelo to add to the score. The final goal of the night came off a deflected free kick in the 81st minute when Flash defender Liz Eddy was shown a yellow card after a hard collision with Alyssa Kleiner. The Spirit managed to hold on in the final minutes to keep the 3-0 lead.
The Flash will be back in action as they travel to New Jersey for a matchup with Sky Blue FC. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 7th.
• Discuss this story on the National Women's Soccer League message board...
National Women's Soccer League Stories from April 29, 2016
- Dash Held to Scoreless Draw by Sky Blue FC - Houston Dash
- Sky Blue FC Extends Unbeaten Road Streak to Six Games - Sky Blue FC
- Flash Fall 3-0, Despite Strong Showing - Western New York Flash
- Spirit Remains Undefeated After 3-0 Win over Western New York Flash - Washington Spirit
- Reign FC to Host FC Kansas City in Rematch of NWSL Championship this Sunday - Seattle Reign FC
- Orlando Pride Aims for Back-To-Back Wins; Travels to Chicago on Sunday - Orlando Pride
- Red Stars Face Morgan's Orlando, Look to Win Second Straight - Chicago Stars FC
- Dash Host Sky Blue FC at BBVA Compass Stadium Tonight at 7:30 p.m. - Houston Dash
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.
