The much changed Western New York Flash opened their season on the road with a 5-1 loss to Seattle Reign FC at Memorial Stadium in Seattle, WA. Jordan Angeli scored the lone goal for the Flash in the 68′ minute. Megan Rapinoe scored a hat trick for the Seattle with Jessica Fishlock and Beverly Yanez providing the other two goals for the Reign.
There were some noticeable differences between the teams even before the first whistle as the Reign started 10 of 11 of the same starters that featured in their lineups from 2014. For the Flash? 2. Brittany Taylor, who it appears will captain the Flash in 2015, and Jasmyne Spencer were the only starters who played for the Flash in 2014; in fact, they are only two of the three players to return to the Flash this year (Kristen Edmonds being the third).
Additionally, the starting XI for the Flash featured four players; Samantha Mewis, Abby Dahlkemper, Jaelene Hinkle and Sabrina D’Angelo, making their professional debut. Though the Flash performed well in their preseason matches, opening the season against a little changed, full strength Seattle Reign was always going to be a challenge.
The start of the match was fairly even. Both the Flash and Reign did well to keep possession and move the ball around seemingly attempting to test the waters before mounting any dangerous attacks. The Flash sent several unsuccessful long balls toward Sydney Leroux while the Reign’s first attempt was easily saved by D’Angelo.
It wasn’t long before the Reign turned up the heat and started to really pressure the Flash; maintaining the majority of possession and getting numbers into the box. The Flash did well defensively to force the Reign to keep the ball moving, but the back line exposed themselves to some quick runs that were just offside.
The Reign got it right in the 25th minute though as Fishlock slipped past the back line seemingly unnoticed and received a great cross from Rapinoe which she plucked right out of the air and volleyed far post past D’Angelo to give the Reign an early lead. The Reign had a chance to double that lead in the 37th minute when they were awarded a penalty, but Kim Little missed wide from the spot.
Beverly Yanez put the Reign up 2-0 in the 53rd minute as Little tore through the Flash midfield before passing it to Yanez who was streaking down the right side. D’Angelo made a good attempt to come out and block the shot, but Yanez was able to put it past and give the Reign a 2-0 lead
The Flash got one back in the 68th minute as Mewis brought the ball down the left flank before finding Jordan Angeli who cooly hit it near post with the inside of her left foot.
This was one of two opportunities where possession and movement on the ground created better opportunities for the Flash; the other was a similar set up, but the centering pass missed everyone in the middle.
While that was the end of the scoring for the Flash, it certainly was not for the Reign. Rapinoe found herself with a hat trick including two off her head, as she scored in the 70th, 74th and 87th minute.
The first goal came off a cross from Merritt Mathias from the right side that Rapinoe head past D’Angelo to make it 3-1. Rapinoe’s second header came as she was able to pick up the rebound from Fishlock’s shot and put it in. Her third goal came as she was streaking toward the goal. Fishlock sent a perfect pass that Rapinoe was able to pick up in stride and complete the hat trick.
The Reign were looking solid as expected and pretty much picked off where they left off last season as the speed, versatility and skill of the team were evident once again. Even with players eventually leaving on international duty, the remaining Reign team features many solid players that should lead them to success through those absences for the World Cup.
One particular standout of the night for the Flash was that of rookie goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo who, despite the scoreline, was outstanding and made some incredible saves throughout the match.
Overall, the Flash had some bright moments that showed the promise and potential that the team has, but there are a lot of things to work on both offensively and defensively. If the team can do that, and find the ability to gel and be more cohesive, the potential is there for a successful season.
The Western New York Flash take on the Portland Thorns at 7 p.m. ET from Providence Park while Seattle Reign FC take on Chicago Red Stars at 8 p.m. ET from Village of Lisle – Benedictine University Stadium. Both matches can be seen on the on YouTube.
Feature photo courtesy of National Women’s Soccer League NWSLsoccer.com
