Michelle Heyman was a factor in the Flash’s season closing victory. (Photo Courtesy Mark Novak/WNY Flash)
The Flash jumped on a flat Thorns side early and had the lead in the sixth minute. Samantha Mewis collected the ball after a Thorns throw-in failed to connect and worked a one-touch, give-and-go with Michelle Heyman. After receiving the ball back Mewis marched into the box and found Halimatu Ayinde at the mouth of the goal for an easy tap-in and her first NWSL goal.
Two minutes later the Flash doubled the lead. Mewis sent a long ball to Heyman and Thorns keeper Michelle Betos came out of her penalty area to challenge. Heyman was able to touch the ball over Betos to Jasmyne Spencer who tapped it forward and in.
The third goal came in the 24th minute with Mewis getting the goal. Emerging from a 50/50 ball against Kat Williamson Mewis beat Betos with a low shot to make it 3-0.
The Thorns struck back quickly with some slick work from Alex Morgan who found herself on the ball after a Tobin Heath pass took a forward bounce off Brittany Taylor. Without a shooting angle Morgan took the ball wide left and put a perfect cross in for Jodie Taylor who made it 3-1 in the 29th minute.
The Thorns were better from that point on but could not find a way to get a second goal until second half stoppage time. Mana Shim got off a shot in the box that Chantel Jones got a hand on but spilled a juicy rebound that went right to Allie Long who made it 3-2.
With the result the final order of finish for the non-playoff teams has been established:
5. Houston Dash
6. Portland Thorns FC
7. Western New York Flash
8. Sky Blue FC
9. Boston Breakers
