Flash Host Sky Blue FC Sunday Afternoon in World Cup Return
July 18, 2015 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Western New York Flash News Release
ELMA, N.Y. (Saturday, July 18, 2015) - The Western New York Flash return to Sahlen's Stadium on Sunday afternoon when the team hosts Sky Blue FC in a 3 p.m. ET matchup.
About the Matchup
The meeting will be the first of two between the two clubs this season, as they also face on August 1 in New Jersey. The Flash own the all-time record with a 5-3-0 standing, however, it was a 3-2 Sky Blue win at the end of last season that eliminated the Flash from playoff contention.
The match will mark the first time since winning the World Cup that both the Flash and Sky Blue will have their U.S. allocations available for selection. New Jersey's Kelley O'Hara and Christie Rampone are expected to be at the match, while the Flash's Whitney Engen returned to the club on Friday. Sydney Leroux, who the Flash acquired via trade at the start of the season, will be out for the remainder of the season as she will get surgery on Tuesday to remove an accessory bone in her right foot.
Fans will see a familiar face on the Sky Blue sideline, that of Australian forward Samantha Kerr. Kerr played her first two seasons in Western New York before being traded to Sky Blue in November for the rights to Elizabeth Eddy and the No. 4 overall pick in the 2015 NWSL Draft. Another Aussie, Michelle Heyman, will be available to make her NWSL debut for the Flash after being signed last week following a strong performance at the World Cup.
Where to Watch
Sunday's match will be streamed live on YouTube and can be watched by clicking the link here. Fans can also follow live play-by-play at the Flash's official Twitter page, @WNYFlash, and can join the conversation by using the hashtag #WNYFvSBFC.
Flash Last Game
The Flash will look to bounce back on Sunday after a 4-2 loss in Seattle last weekend. On Saturday night, the Flash went up 1-0 on the host Reign in the first half when Amanda Frisbie scored her first professional goal on a diving header.
After holding the lead through halftime, Reign FC responded with three goals in a six-minute span that the Flash was unable to recover from. Beverly Yanez, Rachel Corsie and Amber Brooks all tallied to push the game to 3-1. Despite a header goal from Becky Edwards in the 67th minute, Western New York could not make up the difference.
Jessica Fishlock scored a late insurance goal to make it a 4-2 final.
Sky Blue Last Game
Kerr made an immediate impact in her first match with the team, scoring the lone goal in a 1-0 win over Portland Thorns FC on Saturday. After a scoreless first half, Maya Hayes found Kerr in the box with a lofted ball and Kerr was able to head it past Michelle Betos.
Former Flash goalkeeper Brittany Cameron made five saves to earn her second shutout of the year.
Game Promotions
The Flash will be celebrating Rochester Pride weekend on Sunday afternoon, holding its annual Pride Game at Sahlen's Stadium. At the match, the club will be selling limited-edition pride scarves that can be purchased at the Flash Shack.
The club will also have a short pre-game ceremony to honor both the Flash and Sky Blue FC players that won the 2015 Women's World Cup. To accommodate that ceremony, kickoff will be pushed back to 3:05 p.m. ET.
Tickets
Tickets for Sunday's game, and all 2015 home games, can be purchased online by visiting wnyflash.com or by calling the Flash at (716) 655-PLAY or the Sahlen's Stadium Box Office at (585) 454-KICK.
Half-season ticket packages are also available, which include tickets to the Flash's remaining five home games.
Next Game
The Flash will continue a three-game homestand when it hosts former Flash midfielder Carli Lloyd and the Houston Dash at 7:00 p.m. ET on July 25.
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National Women's Soccer League Stories from July 18, 2015
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- Huge Home Crowd Propels Spirit to 3-0 Win over the Reign - Washington Spirit
- Reign FC Sees Unbeaten Run Snapped with 3-0 Loss to Washington - Seattle Reign FC
- Sky Blue FC Seeks Second Straight Win in Western New York - Sky Blue FC
- Flash Host Sky Blue FC Sunday Afternoon in World Cup Return - Western New York Flash
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