Merritt Mathias scored her team-leading fifth goal of the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) Elite League season to give the New York Fury a 1-0 win over FC Indiana at the Invaders Soccer Complex on Sunday evening.
New York took advantage of the host’s inexperience when Mathias finished a breakaway by Tina DiMartino for the Fury’s only goal in the 21st minute. The Fury dominated the winless Lionesses, outshooting them by a wide margin and hitting the crossbar three times.
The Fury were superior on the evening, but the threat of FC Indiana’s counterattacking style was evident throughout this game. FC Indiana youngsters like Manouchka Pierre-Louis and Sophia Batard more than matched the New York squad.
“We dominated possession, but still could not put the game away,” said Fury head coach Paul Riley. “It was a good three points on the road, and important to get another shutout.”
“The Fury have experienced players and deserved the result, but I was pleased with our commitment to get something from this contest under difficult circumstances,” said FC Indiana Head Coach Shek Borkowski, who had to juggle the lineup with two defenders out with injuries. “We are improving and I’m happy with our progress.”
With the win, the Fury improve to 4-1-1 and earn a split of their two-game Midwest road swing. Goalkeeper Michelle Betos posted her fourth shutout of the season. New York lost to the Chicago Red Stars 2-1 on Friday night.
The Fury have two more road games on Sunday, June 17, against ASA Chesapeake Charge and the following Saturday, June 23, against the Boston Breakers. They return home to host Charge on Thursday, June 28, at 7:00 p.m. at Hofstra University. FC Indiana will host New England Mutiny on Thursday, June 14, at Indiana Invaders Stadium.
