Last week Independence midfielder Lori Lindsey set a new league record with three assists in one match and was named WPS player of the month.

On Saturday Lindsey demonstrated just how much she deserved those honors when she scored her first goal of the season in the Independence’s 1-0 victory over fellow expansion side Atlanta Beat.

The Independence had a few chances before Lindsey’s goal in the 23rd minute. In the 18th minute a free kick by Caroline Seger from 25 yards out hit the crossbar. Three minutes later an errant backpass led to an Independence corner kick. Sara Larson’s header was saved by the Atlanta keeper Brett Maron. The ball bounced off of the crossbar to fall in front of goal, and a sliding Liane Sanderson, who was unable to finish.

Lindsey’s goal began with a free kick by Holmfridur Magnusdottir from 30 yards out. Allison Falk headed the free kick across goal to Lindsey, who finished with a low shot past Maron.

“It was a good ball in and we won it in the air, I’m just glad I was able to put it away,” Lindsey said after the game. “We had a couple of opportunities before then and I think we needed that goal to settle in and put us up.”

The second half saw play turn physical with Caroline Seger being hit in the back of the head two minutes into the half. Seger had to leave the field but soon returned.

The Independence had a few chances in the second half to increase their lead. One minute after coming of the bench Lyndsey Patterson found herself one on one with the keeper and Amy Rodriguez created a few chances of her own but Maron was equal to the challenges.

The closing minutes saw Atlanta picking up the tempo and controlling possession but the Independence defense, and the 1-0 lead, stood firm.

“I think we are starting to get into a rhythm as a team, and Lori had another monster game for us, putting away the goal we needed,” said Independence coach Paul Riley after the match.

Riley was full of praise for the chemistry between Lindsey and Seger. “Honestly Segs and Lori look like they have been playing together for ten years, when in reality it’s four games and a scrimmage. They work extremely well together, they know where each other are, and they really control the field for us. Seger is a viking, tough and tricky. Lori is strong, good on the dribble, and dangerous on the pass. They are a dangerous combination.”

Attendance for the match was 2,760. The Independence is on the road for the rest of May with stops in St. Louis, Chicago and Washington.

Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Independence