Flash Battle But Fall Late to Penn Fusion

Sept. 7, 2019 -- The Flash dropped their season opener 2-1 to Penn Fusion at Heebner Park in a very even game that was there for the taking.

Kenny stood on his head in goal in the first half, shutting out Penn Fusion while making upwards of 10 saves. In one sequence, he made a leaping save to knock the ball over the net, and then dove to get a piece of a corner kick to tip the ball wide. He made another leaping save just before halftime.

The Flash's best first half chance came when a long punt by Kenny found Aidan speeding downfield. Aidan gathered the ball and put a good shot on goal. Christian also made a couple good runs and had a hard shot on goal. On defense, Will and Ezana turned in strong efforts, getting involved in the attack and then hustling to get back on defense.

Penn Fusion eventually scored 12 minutes into the second half to take a 1-0 lead. The Flash looked to have evened the score a few minutes later, after a high kick foul resulted in an indirect kick just outside the box. Aidan hit a great shot into the net, but the goal was waived off because no other player touched the ball.

The Flash had plenty of other chances, but were unable to finish. Jackson sent a good ball ahead to Christian for a great chance that went off the post, and Christian had another shot that went just wide. Meanwhile, Avinash battled 2-on-1 against Penn Fusion players in both the offensive and defensive zones and both times came out the other side with the ball.

Proving that good things happen when you put the ball on net, the Flash finally got on the board in the 56th minute when Ezana hit a shot from outside the 18 that found its way past the goalie. However, Penn Fusion answered just two minutes later to earn the 2-1 win.

The Flash will go on the road for the second game Sept. 14 against the Marple Newtown Gunners.