FRIDAY, MAY 11

CONNECTICUT FUSION 2, NEW ENGLAND MUTINY 3

FARMINGTON, CT - The 2018 UWS season opened up on Friday in a high-paced match between the expansion Connecticut Fusion and New England Mutiny, which commenced its 19th campaign. The Mutiny needed to overcome a 2-1 second half deficit in the 3-2 victory at Farmington Sports Arena. All-UWS East selection Brenna Brown scored the regular season's first goal with an assist from Mutiny all-time leading scorer Kate Howarth in the 7th minute. The Fusion equalized on goal from former Mutiny forward Tori Sousa in the 19th minute, after Mutiny goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx (11 saves) made a remarkable kick save but the rebound went straight to Sousa. Rachel Morrier put the home team in front with a goal in the 57th minute. The Mutiny tied the match on Marissa Aniolowski’s goal eight minutes later. In the 75th minute, a 60-yard run from Mutiny defender Elena Santos culminated with the game-winning goal. The Mutiny lineup was bolstered by the performance of former U.S. Women's National Team star Meghan Schnur on this night.

DETROIT SUN FC 4, MICHIGAN LEGENDS FC 1

PONTIAC, MI - The Detroit Sun opened its 2018 season with a 4-1 victory over the Michigan Legends at Ultimate Soccer Arena. The Sun got an early goal from Dani Evans in just the 6th minute of play on an assist from Joan Sieja. In the 17th minute, Evans returned the favor by setting up Sieja’s goal for the 2-0 advantage. Kelly Schmidt pulled the Legends within one in the 41st minute after a pass from midfielder Megan Trapp. Schmidt's goal on Madison Clem (four saves), who made the start in goal for Detroit, cut the score to 2-1 going into halftime. Two second half goals by the Sun sealed the victory. In the 55th minute, Evans set up Justine Lynn whose shot eluded Michigan's goalkeeper Isabel Nino (11 saves). Abby Allen put the game out of reach after collecting a precision pass from Madison Schupbach to make the final score of 4-1. Katelyn McEachern came on in goal in the second half for Detroit, making two saves.

SATURDAY, MAY 12

NEW JERSEY COPA FC vs. LONG ISLAND ROUGH RIDERS (POSTPONED)

HOLMDEL, NJ - It was the hope that one of the worst winters in the Northeast in recent memory would bring favorable spring weather. Such was not the case as severe thunderstorms and lightning in the area caused the postponement of the match between Long Island and New Jersey at Saint John Vianney High School. The two teams will re-schedule the match in the coming days.

WORCESTER SMILES 0, NEW YORK SURF 1

WORCESTER, MA - It was an inauspicious start for the expansion Worcester Smiles as they gave up a goal to the visiting New York Surf just three minutes into its inaugural season. Maegan Doyle's corner kick found the head of an on-rushing Sara Plowman for the game's only goal. The Smiles, playing its home game at historic Foley Stadium, played the Surf evenly the rest of the way and carried the run of play for a significant portion of the second half. Kristina Balfoort's blast from the top of the box was parried away by Surf goalkeeper Jamie Block (three saves) as the shot deflected off the crossbar. Block was called upon a second time to preserve the lead with a save off a shot from Smiles' midfielder Giana Leone. Veteran goalkeeper Brittany Henderson, who last played in the W-League in 2010 for the Long Island Rough Riders, made six saves for the Smiles.

SUNDAY, MAY 13

GRAND RAPIDS FC 2, LANSING UNITED 2

GRANDVILLE, MI - The defending UWS National Champions Grand Rapids FC needed a goal in the 86th minute from Kendra Longoria to salvage a 2-2 draw against the expansion Lansing United. In the first half at Grandville H.S., the Ladies In Blue had two disallowed goals: in the 27th minute when Carlson connected with Corby on a cross while she was in an offside position; right before halftime, GRFC forward Lizzie Paul won a 50/50 ball with Lansing United keeper Grace Kraft (eight saves) and the ball fell to Longoria who slotted it home, but the referee did not agree with Paul's challenge. The floodgates opened in the second half as Paul fired a shot past Craft in the 50th minute. However, the visitors found themselves in the lead at 2-1 within a 13-minute time span on goals by Aubrey Schierbeek and Olivia Trombley. Lansing put relentless pressure on GRFC keeper Jordanne Ellingboe (nine saves), but she kept the match close setting up Longoria's heroics at the final whistle. Paul was named the Lake Michigan Credit Union Woman of the Match for her goal-assist performance.

DETROIT SUN FC 2, INDY PREMIER SC 0

PONTIAC, MI - Detroit capped off a successful weekend with its second victory on Mother's Day with a 2-0 victory over Indy Premier SC in front of 425 fans at Ultimate Soccer Arena. Two first half goals by Madison Schupbach proved to be the difference and Dani Evans added another assist - her third of the weekend. Detroit goalkeeper Marina Manzo (three saves) kept Indy from getting back in the match with a spectacular save on a breakaway in the 62nd minute. Indy Premier keeper Gina Cerny made 19 saves in the defeat.

About United Women's Soccer (UWS): UWS is a national women's soccer league sanctioned by U.S. Soccer. UWS is a professionally operated league created for teams that meet high minimum standards. The season runs from May until the end of July, culminating in a National Championship match. The UWS player pool is comprised of college players, aspiring & former professionals and international stars. You can follow UWS on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Media can contact UWS Director of Communications Jorma Kansanen by e-mail at UWSPress@gmail.com. You can visit the league's official website at UWSSoccer.com. Interested team applicants can contact League Commissioner Joe Ferrara, Jr. by e-mail at Joe@UWSSoccer.com.