The Western New York Flash had to settle for their first tie of the WPSL Elite season on Sunday night, playing to a 0-0 draw with the NY Fury at Hofstra Stadium.

It was evident that the match was going to be a physical one right from the opening whistle. Both teams had excellent chance in an exciting match, but neither was able to capitalize as each goalkeeper came up with a big save to preserve the double clean sheet.

In the first half, the home side appeared to have the upper hand creating the most chances. In the 33rd minute, striker Merritt Mathias found Meghan Lenczyk, but she could not connect on her shot. Kim Yokers, who scored two goals in Thursday's 3-0 win over Philadelphia, missed just wide of the post in the 39th minute. The Flash continued to attack down the flanks, but their crosses were either cut out by Fury keeper Michelle Betos, or cleared away by the stalwart defending of the NY back four. 

The Flash started the second half out strong, and had several opportunities off of corner kicks which they were unable to convert. A nice combination in the 56th minute almost led to a Fury goal, but goalkeeper Ali Lipsher got her fingertips on Lenczyk’s shot to push it over the bar. US National Team player Meghan Klingenberg was a threat all night, making dangerous runs behind the Fury. Her best chance came midway through the second half after a corner kick was cleared by the Fury. Central Defender Kim Brandao hooked the ball back in behind to Klingenberg who brought the ball down with her chest and looked to volley the shot, but was unfortunately called offsides. 

In the 75th minute, the Flash really started to press. US U-23 National Team player Stephanie Ochs was stopped on a 1 on 1 with Betos, and just minutes later midfielder Sinead Farrelly headed away a shot by McCall Zerboni.

The Flash continued to push numbers forward in the dying minutes of the game and had two key chances in the 90th minute. Zerboni whipped in a corner kick from the right hand side and the ball was headed across the goal by second half substitute Toni Pressley. The US U-23 National Team member leaped over a Fury defender, with Betos making the save and the rebound was cleared off the line. Moments later, Zerboni bent in a shot that Betos managed to get her fingertips on it as it went off the crossbar.

The Flash return back to Western New York where they face off against the New England Mutiny at 7 pm at Sahlen's Stadium in Rochester, NY on Saturday, June 9th. For tickets or for more information, please call 716-655-PLAY or visit our website at www.wnyflash.com.