Flash Ride Strong Defense to Third Straight Shutout Win

Oct. 5, 2019 -- Keeping your opponent off the scoreboard is a good recipe for success, as the Flash have been proving lately. They won their third consecutive contest with an exciting 1-0 win over the Rose Tree Thunder at Heebner Park, extending their team shutout streak to 194 minutes in the process.

After a very even first half that featured chances at both ends of the pitch, the Flash got the game's only goal with under a minute remaining before the break. Kenny crossed to Tyler, whose shot bounced to Colin. Colin passed to Owen, and Owen buried the shot for his second goal in as many games.

The Flash's strong defense, anchored by Will, Ezana and Aidan, was on display throughout the game, along with solid goaltending from Charlie and Kenny, who combined for the clean sheet. In the early minutes, Charlie came out of the net to challenge a breakaway, slowing the attacker and getting a piece of the ball. The ball continued rolling towards the net, and Aidan was able to hustle back to clear it out of harm's way. Later, Charlie again came out of the net to clear the ball before Rose Tree could get a breakaway. On another play, Will hustled back on defense to prevent a 2-on-1, allowing Aidan time to clear the ball out of the box. Ezana stepped up on multiple occasions to stop attacks by Rose Tree. In the second half, Kenny made several good saves in net, catching the ball multiple times on shots lofted high by the Rose Tree attackers. He also used strong punts to transition the ball to the offensive zone.

The Flash were active on the attack throughout the game. Colin and Kenny both had shots early on. Tyler sent a corner kick to Avinash, who lofted a high shot that was saved by the keeper. Aidan sent a cross from the left side that bounced around the box and out to Gio, who sent a strong shot on goal. Another corner by Tyler found Chase on the far side. Chase's shot was saved by the keeper, and the rebound came out to Gio, who put another shot on goal. After a strong cross from Colin to Gio, the Rose Tree keeper had to make a leaping save to deflect Gio's shot off the crossbar. Chase and Jackson had a couple good chances in the second half, applying pressure that lead to a corner kick, and another shot on goal.

The Flash (3-2 Central League) have continued to improve each game, and are now riding high on a 3-game winning streak heading into this weekend's Jack Walsh Memorial tournament.