WNY Flash Look to Bounce Back
May 6, 2016 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Western New York Flash News Release
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - The Western New York Flash (1-2-0) take on Sky Blue FC (1-1-1) this season on Saturday, May 7 at 7:00 p.m. in Picataway, N.J.
The Flash are looking for their second win on the season, coming off of their home opener against the undefeated Washington Spirit. The Flash took 16 shots and forced 11 corner kicks, while holding the Spirit to seven shots and two corners.
Washington opened scoring early in the game when forward Crystal Dunn found Diana Matheson in the fourth minute. The Flash retaliated with strong offensive pressure and play, having a multitude of opportunities including a moment where midfielder Halimatu Ayinde saw an open Spirit net but put it high and a Sam Mewis rocket from almost 35 yards out.
In the second half, Washington took advantage of some favorable calls. In the 71st minute, Jaelene Hinkle was called for a foul in the box, which Matheson converted from the spot. Ten minutes later, a well taken free kick near the edge of the box caused a slight jumbled in the box that ended with a finish from Spirit forward Katie Stengel. The Flash couldn't get on the board, with Mewis hitting the post on a penalty and Taylor Smith being denied by the frame as well only minutes later.
The team has no problem creating opportunities and putting pressure on team's in their own half. Western New York currently leads the league in both shots (47) and corner kicks (21) so far this season. The next step for Paul Riley and his team in order to produce winning results? Finishing.
"Overall we are pleased with the effort and ability of the team to create chances," said Riley. "Obviously the final step of scoring goals is important, and we have been working diligently to get it right."
Sky Blue FC is coming off a 0-0 draw with Houston Dash. Sky Blue FC spent most of the match defending but still allowed the Dash to take 20 shots, while only taking 6 themselves. Goalkeeper Caroline Stanley came up big with some big saves to help her team come away with a point.
The Western New York Flash will travel to Orlando next to take on Alex Morgan and the new Orlando Pride on Saturday, May 14 at Camping World Stadium at 7:00 p.m.
The Flash return home on Saturday, May 21, when they host Sky Blue FC at Sahlen's Stadium in Rochester, N.Y., at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available at wnyflash.com/tickets.
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National Women's Soccer League Stories from May 6, 2016
- Hampton Inn & Suites Presenting Sponsor of Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns Game Tomorrow - Washington Spirit
- Seattle Looks to Bring Home Third Win of the Season - Seattle Reign FC
- Midfielder Jen Buczkowski to Retire, Focus on School - FC Kansas City
- WNY Flash Look to Bounce Back - Western New York Flash
- FC Kansas City to Host Houston Dash Saturday - FC Kansas City
- Red Stars Eager to Extend Win Streak in Boston - Chicago Stars FC
- After Record-Setting Home Opener, Pride Returns to Orlando to Host Seattle on Sunday - Orlando Pride
- Perfect Washington Spirit to Defend NWSL Lead against Undefeated Portland Thorns Saturday - Washington Spirit
- Sky Blue FC Returns Home to Host Flash on Saturday Night - Sky Blue FC
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