Yes, that was indeed the Western New York Flash opening the National Women’s Soccer preseason slate of games on Saturday against West Virginia University. It just may have taken a moment to realize it, with coach Aaran Lines rolling out almost a brand-new roster.
Eight new players started for the Flash in the 4-0 victory and not just because it is preseason. Western New York’s roster features only five remaining players from last season’s team, which finished a disappointing seventh and failed to make a league final for the first time in five years.
#WNYF Starting XI: D'Angelo; Edmonds, Taylor, Dahlkemper, Hinkle; Angeli, Brooks, Mewis, Edwards; Spencer, Williams #WATMWNY
— WNY Flash (@WNYFlash) March 14, 2015
“I’m excited about the group’s chemistry; we created a lot of opportunities,” Lines said. “I thought our young players came in there and did a very good job in their first outing – especially considering they’ve only been here for five days. These are early days, but there were a lot of encouraging signs that will give us confidence as we build toward the opening day of the season.”
[PHOTOS: Washington Spirit unveil new red and blue primary kit]
No. 4 overall draft pick Sam Mewis scored the first goal of preseason on this free kick:
Here's @sammymewy's set piece goal that made it 1-0 Flash today! pic.twitter.com/eyx2ThnYy9
— WNY Flash (@WNYFlash) March 14, 2015
Elsewhere, Sky Blue FC defeated St. John’s University, 3-0 behind a goal and an assist from midfielder Katy Freels. Maya Hayes and 2015 No. 2 overall draft pick Sarah Killion also scored.
#SBFC Starting XI: Cameron, Breton, Cutshall, Grubka, Morris, Stanton, Killion, Freels, Wagner, Gordon, Hayes #SBFCvSJU
— Sky Blue FC (@SkyBlueFC) March 14, 2015
The Washington Spirit and Houston Dash also held intra-squad scrimmages.
UPDATE: FC Kansas City rolled to an 8-1 win over Nebraska on Sunday.
Scoring summary:
Erika Tymark-13' 45'
Shea Groom-18'
Sarah Hagen- 23' 35'
Becca Moros- 31'
Jaycie Johnson-41' (PK)
Kim DeCesare-71'— FC Kansas City (@FCKansasCity) March 15, 2015
LINEUP: Barnhart; Lisenby (Richardson), Moros, Tymrak (Clark), Buczkowski, Robinson, Groom (Silva), Hagen, Bogus (Kastor), Averbuch (DeCesare), LePeilbet.
