The Western New York Flash got their first win of the 2015 NWSL season during their home opener against the Boston Breakers on Saturday in the last match where both teams would have their USWNT players. Sam Mewis, Becky Edwards and Sydney Leroux were the goal scorers for the Flash, while Morgan Marlborough scored for the Breakers.
The revamped Flash kicked off their 2015 campaign with a tough 5-1 loss to Seattle. It was clear during that match that the team had a lot of growing pains to work through and would need a lot of development moving forward through the season. The team’s second match against Portland was better, however there were still defensive concerns and the Flash just could not finish any of the many scoring opportunities they had.
Having a bye last week gave the Flash an opportunity to get more quality training in and to work on not only team dynamics, but areas that had been concerns on both sides of the ball in previous matches. The extra week between matches really seemed to work in the team’s favor as they not only got their first win of the season, they looked very much improved in doing so.
The Flash found themselves down a goal early on as Morgan Marlborough scored her first for the Breakers after being traded from FC Kansas City in the off season. Stephanie McCaffery received a well placed through ball just outside the box and was able to beat defender Brittany Taylor before taking it near the end line and passing it over to Marlborough who was wide open in front of the goal.
Despite the early deficit, the Flash maintained their composure and hit back almost immediately. Sydney Leroux received a long cross on the left side and flew down the flank before passing it over to Mewis who teed up a solid shot , but Alyssa Naeher was able to get her hands on it. Jasmyne Spencer was quick for a follow up, but Naeher was able to block her shot too.
Shortly after that, the Flash were awarded a free kick after a foul. Becky Edwards took the kick and sent a curling ball in that found Mewis who was able to head it past Naeher to level the score and net her first professional goal.
After that first goal, the Flash were hungry for more and were relentless in bombarding the Boston defense in an attempt to take the lead before the half. Kristen Edmonds found the feet of Spencer who sent a great cross and was nearly able to find the head of a teammate. Edmonds also found a wide open Kristen Hamilton on a near perfect through ball, but Naeher came out to smother if before she got a shot off. Leroux had a go of her own as she received the ball on the edge of the box from Edwards, but her chip attempt went just high.
The Flash showed great possession in the second half which allowed for the beautiful set up and scoring of their second goal of the match. Whitney Engen sent the ball down the middle of the field to Edwards who slyly flicked it over to Lynn Williams. Williams took it towards the goal, drawing two defenders before sliding it back over to Edwards who made it 2-1 Flash.
Leroux, who had several opportunities throughout the evening, finally was able to put one away in the later stages of the match. King gave the ball away to Abby Dahlkemper who passed to Leroux who’s was wide open on the left side. Leroux dribbled toward the goal and around a defender before putting it on her right foot and giving the Flash a 3-1 lead, securing the victory and scoring her first goal for the club in the process.
This was by far the best and most complete performance of the young Flash team all season. A lot of the glaring issues of the first few matches have been addressed and the team chemistry and dynamics seem to have made great strides over the last few weeks. Not only have the individuals on the team, especially the rookies, been able to gain valuable experience since the start of the season, but the team as a whole has too. Communication, possession, quality of passing have all improved greatly and were key elements in the team earning the victory.
The Flash forwards have shown they are a speedy force to be reckoned with. Even with Leroux leaving for international duty, Williams, Spencer, Fields; who was able to get some minutes in after just being signed Friday, and Camilla Kur are all able to cause a lot of problems for future opponents.
Edwards, Mewis and Edmonds all put in outstanding performances, either creating or converting some really excellent opportunities. Dahlkemper as well put in a solid performance on both sides of the ball as well. Hopefully the Flash can take the momentum from this match into their next as they face defending NWSL champions FC Kansas City. FCKC had a bit of a slow start of their own this season, but have won their last two matches and have shown that while they are missing four prominent players for USWNT camp and the World Cup, they can still score goals and get the job done.
The Flash take on FC Kansas City Friday May 8, 2015 at 7pm ET at Sahlen’s Stadium in Rochester, NY.
