Western New York Flash took on the Boston Breakers on Saturday night in their final regular season match, and with a spot in the playoffs on the line.  The Flash needed this win in order to secure their position in fourth place and block the Seattle Reign from advancing out of fifth.  They scored early and often, and managed to pull out a 4-0 victory.

Three first half goals all but secure Flash victory

The game began aggressively, with both teams fighting for possession, but a Flash goal by Jessica McDonald in the second minute gave them a very early lead. Boston nearly answered in the tenth minute, with a ball from Angela Salem that went right in front of Natasha Dowie, but she was unable to get a touch on it and it rolled out. Western New York continued to get multiple chances throughout the half. Both teams attempted to connect passes, but the Flash made it hard on Boston by pressing every pass.

A dangerous header by Lynn Williams was saved by Libby Stout. A free kick for Boston in the 19th minute almost resulted in a chance, but WNY was quick to counter. A free kick from just outside of the 18 for Boston forced the Flash to make a save in the 23rd minute.  Stout had to jump to tip another Williams header over the bar in the 24th minute. A minute later, a lot of confusion in the box resulted in another Flash goal, bringing the score to 2-0. A final goal from Samantha Mewis in the 43rd minute ended the half at 3-0.

Boston's Kyah Simon against the Flash | @BostonBreakers

A more even second half, but still no goals for Boston

Not a team to be discouraged, the Breakers brought more energy in the second half and were largely able to hold off the Flash.  Dowie was able to get another chance in the 53rd minute, and the team’s intensity remained high, but a penalty awarded to the Flash in the 68th minute added to their already large deficit. Converted by Abby Dahlkemper, the penalty brought the score up to 4-0. Although no more goals were scored after that, the game remained physical, as Boston did not want to lose their last game of the season in front of a nearly sold-out home crowd, resulting in multiple yellow cards for each team.  Although there were more chances, none were finished and the result held, securing the Flash in the final playoff spot.

It has not yet been decided who they will face in the playoffs, but the other teams they will be competing with are the Washington Spirit, Portland Thorns, and Chicago Red Stars. Those games will take place next weekend, and the winner of each of the matchups will compete in the NWSL Final in Houston, Texas on October 9th. Both playoff matches and the final will be aired on Fox Sports 1.

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About the author
Alexandra Grant
Student and writer based in Philadelphia