The Washington Spirit and Western New York Flash got the NWSL final off to an electric start at Houston's BBVA Compass Stadium, with a pair of U.S. women's national team players scoring early goals in the chase for the title.
The league's 2015 MVP, Crystal Dunn, opened the scoring in the ninth minute with an impressive finish from a tight angle. After running onto a long ball over the top, she beat the onrushing goalkeeper to the ball, with the touch taking her wide and to the right. She managed to whip her right leg around and put a shot on target into the vacant net while falling to the ground, giving the Spirit the 1-0 lead.
GOAL! Crystal Dunn strikes first for the Washington Spirit and they're up 1-0 over WNY. #NWSLChampionship #WASvWNY https://t.co/TUrlrvd3JE
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) October 9, 2016
It was short lived. Samantha Mewis, laced a low shot from over 20 yards inside the far post to level the score in the 14th minute. Mewis took a pass from 2016 MVP Lynn Williams, cut back on a defender and let her attempt go, making it 1-1.
GOAL! Samantha Mewis answers back quickly for the Flash and we're even at 1-1! We got a game on our hands! #WASvWNY https://t.co/W4QyeO7HqL
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) October 9, 2016
Dunn, Mewis and Williams were all called in by Jill Ellis as part of a new-look USWNT for friendlies against Switzerland later this month.
Stay tuned for more highlights and goals from this title match.
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