MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia University women’s soccer team dropped a 3-0 decision to the Western New York Flash in its spring season opener, today, at Sahlen Sports Park, in Elma, New York.

 

Playing with a full roster, including their National Team athletes, the Flash, members of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), connected on three second-half chances today and denied the Mountaineers four great looks, including two from sophomore forward Michaela Abam.

 

Of note, the Mountaineers played without juniors Kadeisha Buchanan and Ashley Lawrence, who are currently training with the Canadian National Team, as well as classmate Carly Black and sophomore Yulie Lopez, who continue to rehabilitate from season-ending injuries suffered during the fall season.

 

“We had four chances, and they were legitimate opportunities, but we just couldn’t connect,” Mountaineer coach Nikki Izzo-Brown said. “The score could have been closer, but I wanted each of the athletes to get time and experience today, and that’s what happens.

 

“I thought our ball movement was good this afternoon. The Flash’s speed of play was fast for us to see and hard to adapt to, but we had good movements in the game and translated a lot of what we’ve been training into the game. I’m not happy with a loss, but I’m pleased with moments in the game.”

 

Knotted at 0-0 after 45 minutes of action, the Flash scored just 52 seconds into the second half. The squad added goals in the 78th and 79th minutes.

 

Prior to the Flash’s two quick goals late in the game, the Mountaineers had their best chance, a quick one-touch shot by sophomore forward Michaela Abam in the 71st minute, but she could not connect. Solid build out of the back led to Abam’s chance.

 

The Mountaineers had a few chances in the first half, including an opportunity for freshman forward Nia Gordon off a ball from sophomore midfielder Carla Portillo in the 11th minute. Sophomore forward Heather Kaleiohi also had a chance in the 36th minute after beating defender Jaelene Hinkle one-on-one on the sideline, but Kaleiohi could not get a finish she liked.

 

Defensively, sophomore Michelle Newhouse played all 90 minutes in net for the Mountaineers. Among her many saves included a push over the net in the 14th minute and a save on a cross from the right late in the first half.

 

Of note, freshmen Bianca St. Georges and Easther Mayi Kith played center back for the team today. Additionally, junior Ashley Woolpert earned all 90 minutes at outside right back, and freshman Vanessa Flores earned the start at defensive center midfield.

 

The Mountaineers return to action at Pitt on Sunday, April 3, with first kick set for 3 p.m.