The Western New York Flash lifted the 2016 NWSL Championship trophy at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston after goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo made three saves from some poor spot kicks to hepl her team to a 3-2 victory over the Washington Spirit. It was the first penalty shootout in league history, following a 2-2 draw aet.
In a game of big moments from a pair of NWSL MVPs, Spirit forward and 2015 MVP Crystal Dunn turned in a two-goal performance – handing her team the lead with the opening goal of the match, with a fine finish from an acute angle, in the 9th minute as well as in the first-minute of extra time.
Coach Paul Riley was watching from the stands as he served a suspension after being ejected from the semifinals, and saw his Western New York side do what they’d done so often this season, as they fought their way back into the match. Firstly midfielder Samantha Mewis levelled the match in the 14th minute – and then 2016 MVP and Flash forward Lynn Williams netted the equaliser in the 124th minute, just seconds before the final whistle.
The Flash become the first No. 4 seed to win the NWSL Championship after they sealed their place in 2016 postseason with a win in their final game of the regular season that snapped a seven-game winless streak.
(Image: Brad Smith/isiphotos.com)
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