Flash Look to End June Undefeated
June 27, 2013 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Western New York Flash News Release
Elma, N.Y. - The Western New York Flash (5-2-4, 19 points) close the month of June with the second game of a two-game homestand, facing the Washington Spirit (1-6-3, 6 points) at 7:05 p.m. on Friday evening. It will be the third meeting between the two teams, after meeting twice at the Maryland SoccerPlex earlier in the year. The first game saw a 1-1 draw, while the Flash later shutout the Spirit 2-0 on the road.
The Flash last took the field at Sahlen's Stadium on Sunday and maintained their unbeaten streak (now at eight games) with a 1-1 draw against a new-look Seattle Reign FC. The game marked the NWSL debut for Reign and USWNT midfielder Megan Rapinoe, while it was just the third game back for USWNT goalkeeper Hope Solo.
The Flash were aided by the return of four players with Abby Wambach, Carli Lloyd, Samantha Kerr and Jodi-Ann Robinson all returning from national team duty.
The Reign scored their first and only goal in the 28th minute when Keelin Winters' shot took a favorable bounce off Flash defender Estelle Johnson and into the net. The Flash, however, equalized in the 56th minute when Wambach was taken down eight yards from the goal. Wambach was awarded a penalty kick and, with Solo moving to the right, her shot went the opposite way, off the underside of the crossbar and in.
Playing a man-up for the final 36 minutes of the game (after two yellow cards to Kiersten Dallstream), the Flash put some strong opportunities toward goal but could not find the go-ahead score. Goalkeeper Adrianna Franch also made some key saves to secure a point for the Flash.
The Spirit have one win on the season, a 4-2 victory over Seattle on May 16th. Since that game, the team has gone 0-4 including a 2-0 loss to the Flash on June 15th. In their most recent game, the Spirit fell 2-0 to Kansas City after two goals from Lauren Cheney.
The game will also be the first time Flash midfielder Ingrid Wells faces her former club. After starting in eight games for the Spirit, Wells was released and subsequently claimed off waivers by Flash head coach Aaran Lines.
The Flash will be without the services of Kerr, who traveled back to Australia for a national team friendly, and forward Adriana who is preparing for the Euro Championship with the Spanish National Team. The Spirit will see their second appearance from German international Conny Pohlers who made her NWSL debut on Sunday.
At the midway point of the NWSL season, the Flash are currently in fourth place in the league after FC Kansas City moved one point ahead with a draw at Sky Blue on Wednesday. Washington currently sits in seventh place in the league with six points overall.
Wambach leads the league with seven goals in eight appearances. The Flash's Franch is third in the NWSL with 44 saves, while Washington's Ashlyn Harris (a former member of the Flash) is in fourth place with 37 saves.
The game will be aired on Live Sports, while fans can also follow along on Twitter using the hashtags #WNYFvWAS, #WNYF and #NWSL.
Following Friday's game, the Flash will start July with a four-game road trip before returning to the home pitch on July 21st. Western New York will next face the Chicago Red Stars on July 4th in an afternoon battle. Kick-off for the holiday game is scheduled for 2 p.m. (1 p.m. CT).
Tickets
Tickets for all Flash home games can be purchased by calling the Sahlen's Stadium box office at (585) 454-KICK or online at wnyflash.com. $5 college tickets can be purchased at the Sahlen's Stadium box office with the presentation of a college ID.
Game Promotions
Friday will be "Beach Night" at Sahlen's Stadium! Limited quantity Flash sunglasses and tank tops will be available for sale at the Flash Shack. Sunglasses will be sold for $4 each, while tank tops are $15 each or 2 for $25.
Also, $5 tickets are available with a college ID (valid or invalid) and can be purchased at the Sahlen's Stadium box office.
All drafts will also be $1 leading up to kick-off.
Pregame Music
Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. with the music of Rochester band MoChester.
• Discuss this story on the National Women's Soccer League message board...
National Women's Soccer League Stories from June 27, 2013
- Thorns FC Weekly Update - Portland Thorns FC
- Spirit Wrap Up Road Trip Friday Against Western New York - Washington Spirit
- Flash Look to End June Undefeated - Western New York Flash
- Reign FC Beats Boston Breakers 2-1 to Collect First Win of Season - Seattle Reign FC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
