BY CANDY PARKER
Lesbian.com
Opening weekend action continued in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) on Sunday with two contests.
In the first, the Western New York Flash easily handled Washington, downing the Spirit 3-1 in front of a hometown crowd of 2,306.
Rookie Vicky Losada, an FC Barcelona transplant who signed with the Flash during the off-season, played a key role in the victory scoring two goals and tallying one assist for her new team. Losada’s offensive punch was welcomed with Abby Wambach sidelined with an orbital bone fracture.
After entering the half down 1-0, the Spirit tied the score five minutes into the second half when Midfielder Christine Nairn bent the ball through the Flash defense and past goalkeeper Lydia Williams on a great individual effort following a corner kick. But the 2013 regular season champion Flash responded quickly, netting a go-ahead goal from Brittany Taylor just four minutes later. Losada sealed the victory with her second goal at the 67′ mark.
Western New York Flash vs. Washington Spirit Highlights
On the other side of the country, Seattle Reign FC shut out the Boston Breakers 3-0 as Scottish international Kim Little scored a penalty kick in the 49th minute and added a second goal in the 54th minute. Megan Rapinoe capped the scoring in the 88th minute to give the hosts the victory.
Boston’s offensive efforts were thwarted by Hope Solo who had a little help from the crossbar early on when the Breakers looked to take the lead on a Heather O’Reilly cross to Joanna Lohman. Lohman’s half volley struck the crossbar and went straight to the ground, inches away from crossing the line.
Boston Breakers vs. Seattle Reign FC highlights
Action in the NWSL continues this weekend with the following match-ups:
Saturday, April 19
FC Kansas City at Washington Spirit
Western New York Flash at Chicago Red Stars
Portland Thorns FC at Sky Blue FC
Sunday, April 20
Houston Dash at Boston Breakers
