Flash Fall 5-1 to 2014 Shield Winner Seattle Reign FC
Published on April 12, 2015 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Western New York Flash News Release
Western New York Flash vs. Seattle Reign FC
(Western New York Flash)
SEATTLE (Sunday, April 12, 2015) - The Western New York Flash fell 5-1 to defending NWSL Shield Winner Seattle Reign FC on Sunday night in the opening game of the 2015 season. The game featured the professional debut of seven Flash players, including rookie goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo who totaled seven saves on the night.
With the score 2-0 in favor of the hosts, newcomer Jordan Angeli scored the first goal of the Flash's season, connecting with rookie Samantha Mewis in the 68th minute. Mewis sent the ball in from the left side and found Angeli, who was acquired in an offseason trade with the Washington Spirit. The midfielder used one touch to send a shot to the near post, past goalkeeper Hope Solo.
After Angeli cut the Seattle lead to one goal, Reign midfielder Megan Rapinoe scored her first of three goals just three minutes later to return the home team to a two-goal advantage. On a cross from Merritt Mathias, Rapinoe won an aerial challenge, heading the ball by D'Angelo. Her second goal came in similar fashion, with a rebound header after a save from the Canadian keeper D'Angelo.
The U.S. Women's National Team midfielder completed the hat trick in the 86th minute, working a give-and-go with Jessica Fishlock before capitalizing six-yards out.
D'Angelo, who was drafted No. 21 by the Flash in the 2015 College Draft, was impressive in her debut, coming up with a number of saves throughout the 90 minutes. In the 56th minute, D'Angelo parried away a shot from reigning MVP Kim Little on the left then recovered to deny Mathias on the rebound attempt, diving to the opposite side of the goal for the block.
The rookie faced her first professional penalty kick in the 37th minute, after a Flash foul in the box brought Little to the spot. However, Little, who scored six times from the penalty marker in 2014, pulled the shot wide left.
Fishlock scored Seattle's opening goal, making a run through the Flash defense before volleying in a Rapinoe cross. The game-winning goal came from Beverly Yanez in the 53rd minute, who put home a pass from Little on the right side.
All five of the Flash's 2015 draft picks saw time in the match, with Mewis, D'Angelo, Abby Dahlkemper and Jaelene Hinkle starting. Lynn Williams, who was selected No. 6 overall, entered the game in the 59th minute as a substitute for Jasmyne Spencer.
Spencer led the Flash with three shots, while Angeli tallied two shots on goal.
The Flash remain on the road for its second game, traveling to face Portland Thorns FC on Saturday at Providence Park. The game is slated to kickoff at 7 p.m. ET. Western New York opens the home season on May 2 at Sahlen's Stadium, hosting the Boston Breakers.
Tickets for all 2015 home games are available by visiting wnyflash.com, by calling the Flash at (716) 655-PLAY or by calling the Sahlen's Stadium Box Office at (585) 454-KICK.
Tickets for the 2015 Kickoff Dinner are also now on sale at wnyflash.com.
Images from this story
 Western New York Flash vs. Seattle Reign FC |
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