Heads-up! Flash Salvage Tie With Late Goal

Nov. 2, 2019 -- In a game that continued a season-long trend of close, hard-fought matches, the Flash scored off a header from Ezana to come back and tie Penn Fusion 1-1 on a brisk fall morning at Delacy Soccer Complex in West Chester.

The first half was fairly even, with action at both ends of the pitch. Penn Fusion held the advantage in number of scoring chances, although their offense was plagued by numerous offsides infractions. Meanwhile, the Flash defense, with Aidan in goal, was able to neutralize the Penn Fusion attack. Ezana stepped up from defense multiple times to clear the ball, including a play near the end of the half where he pinched in at midfield and hit a long shot that went wide. On another occasion, Will was able to get a foot on a ball in the box and direct it out of play before Penn Fusion could get a shot.

Penn Fusion nearly got the game's first goal in the opening minutes of the second half, when their corner kick brushed the far post. They continued to apply pressure, but Kenny made several saves to keep them off the board. However, Penn Fusion finally broke the scoreless tie at the 40-minute mark to take a 1-0 lead. They nearly added a second goal, but Kenny made a diving save on a ball that changed direction on its way toward the net.

The Flash picked up their offensive intensity after they fell behind. They were led by Colin, who had a flurry of shots on goal, including a chance off a good centering pass by Avinh. Charlie and Aidan exchanged good passes to work the ball up the left side, resulting in a corner. Aidan took the kick and sent a nice ball into the box for Christian, whose hard shot went just wide left. When Penn Fusion came back on a breakaway, the Flash answered with great hustle, as Aidan ran shoulder-to-shoulder with the attacker all the way down the field and cleared the ball before he could get a shot.

With the clock winding down and under four minutes left in the game, the Flash refused to give up. After some sustained pressure, Charlie's shot was deflected out of bounds for a corner. Christian took the kick and sent a beautiful ball into the box. Ezana jumped high and headed the ball with authority up and under the cross bar for a goal that earned the Flash the tie.

The Flash (3-3-2 Central League) play their final game of the fall season Nov. 9 at home against Marple Newtown.