Flash Pick up Third Win of Preseason; Defeat Penn State 5-0
Published on April 4, 2015 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Western New York Flash News Release
ALTOONA, PA. ( Saturday, April 4, 2015 ) - The Western New York Flash ended the 2015 preseason with a perfect 3-0 record on Saturday, picking up a 5-0 win over Penn State University on a gusty day in Altoona, Pa.
Holding possession for much of the game half, the Flash opened the scoring in the 27th minute on a goal from Danish international Camilla Kur. From beyond the midline, center back Brittany Taylor sent a long ball into the box that the Penn State goalkeeper came out to contest, but could not reach before Kur. The forward poked the ball around the keeper before comfortably slotting it home.
After an opening 45 minutes that didn't have many clear chances on goal, the second half was a different story for the Flash as they put in four more goals.
Both trialist Kristen Hamilton, who entered the game in the first half, and Samantha Mewis scored twice over the final 45. Three of the goals came off of Flash corner kick opportunities.
Hamilton capitalized first on a 60th-minute corner kick, sent in from teammate Becky Edwards. The Denver product leaped high and headed the ball low and by Penn State's Britt Eckerstrom.
Hamilton scored her second goal with 15 minutes left, after Eckerstrom was unable to secure the ball on the goal line. The play started with Edwards laying a short corner to Jordan Angeli, who crossed it in toward the PSU goal. Eckerstrom attempted to grab the ball, but it fell to the feet of Hamilton who was waiting right at the doorstep to tap it in.
The two Hamilton goals bookended Mewis' first tally, after she was able to block a clear attempt by Penn State six-yards out. After a small scramble in the box, the ball deflected off of Mewis, hit the right post and went in.
The midfielder then scored her fifth goal of the preseason, and the game's final goal with three minutes to play. Ajara Nchout Njoya won possession for the Flash on the left side and passed it over to Hamilton who was cutting through the middle. Hamilton drew the last PSU defender before slotting it through to Mewis was running unmarked on the right. Mewis was able to capitalize, calmly sending it around Eckerstrom to make it 5-0.
The Flash will now turn attention to its first opponent of the 2015 regular season, Seattle Reign FC. The Flash travel to Seattle for a 7 p.m. ET game on April 12 for the season opener. The team will remain on the road to face Portland Thorns FC on April 18, before returning for the club's home opener on May 2 against the Boston Breakers.
Tickets for all Flash home games, including the 7 p.m. ET home opener, are now on sale at wnyflash.com or by calling the Flash at (716) 655-PLAY or Sahlen's Stadium at (585) 454-KICK. Season, Mini and Flex-8 ticket packages are also available for purchase.
National Women's Soccer League Stories from April 4, 2015
- : Boston Breakers Cap Preseason with 3-1 Win - Boston Breakers
- Reign FC Shutout University of Washington in Preseason Match - Seattle Reign FC
- Chicago Downs Missouri 6-0, Iowa State 3-0 in 45-Minute Games - Chicago Stars FC
- Blues Wrap up 2015 Preseason with Two Victories in St. Louis - FC Kansas City
- Flash Pick up Third Win of Preseason; Defeat Penn State 5-0 - Western New York Flash
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.
