Moments before the Boston Breakers were about to celebrate a victory, Western New York Flash’s 72nd minute substitute Jodi-Ann Robinson netted an equalizer in extra time.
Boston Breakers vs Western New York Flash: Final Score 2-2, Boston ends WNYF’s win streak
Despite taking an early lead midway through the opening half, the Flash could not contain Lianne Sanderson and Heather O’Reilly, who helped Boston equalize and grab a lead. The Flash went on to steal a point late.
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Possession was equally distributed in the opening half between Boston and WNYF as neither team dominated the field for a great stretch of time. Until Abby Wambach’s headed goal in the 27th minute, both teams struggled to break through the midfield despite the occasional runs being made down the flanks from both sides.
Sydney Leroux had her first crack at net in the 6th minute but Adrianna Franch knocked the ball out of danger. Wambach had an opportunity to open the scoring in the 17th minute when she ran onto a pass and got by the Boston defense. Her powerful strike ricocheted off the crossbar to keep the game scoreless. Ten minutes later, she directed a Samantha Kerr cross with her head to loop the ball over Ashley Phillips, earning the Flash a 1-0 lead.
Kerr and Wambach attempted to duplicate their earlier connection a bit later, but Kerr’s pass came too soon for Wambach. Carli Lloyd had a powerful shot on target shortly before Sanderson found the equalizer, but Phillips knocked it away. Sanderson’s equalizer for Boston, which came just moments before the end of the first half, was assisted by Heather O’Reilly.
The second half was tense as both sides looked to break the tie. The Flash dominated possession early providing Wambach with two attempts on goal, including another strike that hit the crossbar in the 52nd minute. Boston’s Mariah Nogueira was cautioned for tripping Lloyd minutes before Leroux scored her fifth goal of the season, putting the home side up 2-1.
Boston maintained consistent possession after taking the lead, which frustrated the Flash defense. The Breakers had a few promising attempts on goal including two free kicks but could not expand their lead.
Three minutes of time was added and in the final minute the Flash’s second half sub Robinson converted a header drawn from a corner kick.
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