Flash Rally in Rochester
May 27, 2016 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Western New York Flash News Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -The Western New York Flash (4-3-0) kept their offense rolling in a 4-0 victory over the Boston Breakers (1-6-0) on Friday evening. Lynn Williams led the effort with a 60-second brace with Taylor Smith and Abby Dahlkemper adding goals to give Flash a total of nine goals in two games.
The Flash saw major changes in the lineup against Boston, highlighted by rookie goalkeeper Britt Eckerstrom recording her first professional start and clean sheet. Western New York were also without Jaelene Hinkle and Sam Mewis, both of whom were traveling to Denver to train with the United States Women's National Team. Captain Abby Erceg started in the midfield for the first time this season, in addition to Taylor Smith making her first start as a defender.
Smith opened the scoring in the fifteenth minute by firing a shot through numerous defenders, past goalkeeper Jami Kranich, and into the back of Boston's net. The ball initially came from a Flash corner kick and bounced between a few players before Smith picked it up, turned and hit a low strike. The tally - Smith's first professional goal - remained the difference in the opening half as the teams entered halftime.
Boston came out of the break looking for a goal and pressing early on, but the Flash were first to strike in the second half. Jessica McDonald started the play as she evaded two defenders with a nice nutmeg before passing it to Michaela Hahn, who one-touched it over to the waiting foot of Lynn Williams. The Flash were up by two, but went up by three goals just a minute later as Williams took a long pass from rookie Meredith Speck and squeezed the ball past the left hand of Kranich.
Jeon Ga-Eul, in only her second appearance with the Flash, drew a penalty in the box in the 78th minute. Abby Dahlkemper stepped up to the spot and recorded her first professional goal after she converted the penalty kick to put the Flash up 4-0. With five goals in last Saturday's match against Sky Blue FC, the Flash have now scored nine goals in the past two games and now lead the league with 12 goals total. Eckerstrom was credited with the win against Boston, as she made two saves to preserve the shutout.
The Flash will not play in Week 8 of National Women's Soccer League action, but they will continue their homestretch in Week 9 as they play host to U.S. National Team members and former Flash players Ashlyn Harris and Alex Morgan and the Orlando Pride. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET. Tickets for the match are available at wnyflash.com/tickets.
National Women's Soccer League Stories from May 27, 2016
- Flash Rally in Rochester - Western New York Flash
- Sky Blue FC Waives Midfielder Ashley Nick - Sky Blue FC
- Tonight's Houston Dash vs Washington Spirit Match Postponed - Washington Spirit
- Dash-Washington Spirit Match Postponed to a Later Date - Houston Dash
- Seattle Reign FC to Face Portland Thorns FC at Providence Park on Sunday Afternoon - Seattle Reign FC
- Fishlock, Little and Corsie Will Compete in EURO 2017 Qualifiers; Solo in USA vs. Japan Friendlies - Seattle Reign FC
- Flash Announce Season Long Charity Contest - Western New York Flash
- Red-Hot Red Stars Host Sky Blue FC on Sunday - Chicago Stars FC
- NWSL Announces Amateur Player Call-Ups for Week 7 - NWSL
- Match Preview: Orlando Pride Look to Continue Road Trip Success Saturday in Kansas City - Orlando Pride
- Sky Blue FC Calls up Midfielder Theresa Diederich - Sky Blue FC
- Fishlock Returns to Pitch for 32 Minutes Following Tibia Fracture in Week 2 - Seattle Reign FC
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