Flash Announce 2013 Team Roster
Published on April 8, 2013 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Western New York Flash News Release
Elma, N.Y. (Monday, April 8, 2013) - With the preseason coming to a close on Sunday, the Western New York Flash has announced its 2013 team roster. The 20-player roster will represent five different countries, with nine players currently on national team rosters.
The Flash will have a few familiar faces on the sideline as Aaran Lines and Scott Vallow return for another championship run. Lines has led the Flash to three-consecutive championships, most recently earning the WPSL-Elite crown in 2012. The two-time Fieldturf Coach of the Year will be assisted by Scott Vallow and Pedro Losa. Scott will also be the team's goalkeeper coach.
Six national team players were allocated to the WNY Flash. Rochester native Abby Wambach will be joined by her United States women's national team teammate, Carli Lloyd. Canadian duo Bryanna McCarthy and Jodi-Ann Robinson were also allocated to the team along with Veronica Perez and Pamela Tajonar of the Mexican National Team.
US National Team forward Abby Wambach will be the highlight of the Flash roster this season, as she returns to play in front of her hometown crowd in Rochester. Wambach has a knack for drawing crowds, as her return during the USWNT Fan Tribute Tour brought a sellout crowd of 13,208 to the Flash's home venue of Sahlen's Stadium.
Wambach currently sits in second place all-time in international goals, trailing former US superstar Mia Hamm by just three goals. The 2012 FIFA Player of the Year will be joined by teammate Carli Lloyd, who is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury. Lloyd's two goals in the 2012 Olympic gold medal match led the Americans to the podium, defeating Japan 2-1.
The Flash will also see the return of multiple players from last year's championship season. McCall Zerboni, Adriana, Alex Sahlen and Katherine Reynolds who were all signed to the team again as free agents while Angela Salem was selected second in the 2013 NWSL Supplemental Draft.
The Flash will look for production from Spanish International Adriana, as well as Mexican national Veronica Perez and the young Australian international Samantha Kerr. Adrianna Franch, who was recently named to the US National Team, and Mexican National team member Pamela Tajonar will defend the Flash net.
The full team roster is as follows:
No. Player Pos.
1 Pamela Tajonar GK
2 Alex Sahlen DEF
3 Bryana McCarthy DEF
4 Samantha Kerr FWD
5 Kim Yokers MID
6 Angela Salem MID
7 McCall Zerboni MID
8 Adriana FWD
10 Carli Lloyd MID
12 Estelle Johnson DEF
13 Brittany Taylor DEF
14 Sarah Huffman MID
15 Vicki DiMartino FWD
16 Katherine Reynolds DEF
17 Veronica Perez MID
19 Melinda Mercado DEF
20 Abby Wambach FWD
22 Amy Barczuk DEF
23 Jodi-Ann Robinson MID
24 Adrianna Franch GK
Head Coach: Aaran Lines
Assistant Coach: Pedro Losa
Goalkeeper Coach: Scott Vallow
Head Athletic Trainer: Ryan Lail
Equipment Manager: Bill Hare
Assistant General Manager: Mike Cipolla
The Flash just concluded their preseason, where they claimed victories over Canisius College (3-0), Penn State University (7-0), Ohio State University (4-0) and UNC (2-1). The team will open up regular season play with two road games against Sky Blue FC on Sunday at 6 p.m. and against Washington Spirit on April 20 at 7 p.m. The Flash will play their home opener at Sahlen's Stadium on Saturday, April 27 at 7:35 against the Boston Breakers. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 585-545-KICK. Season ticket holders can pick up their season tickets at Sahlen's Stadium until April 14. Remaining season tickets will be mailed to the holders on April 15.
National Women's Soccer League Stories from April 8, 2013
- Boston Breakers Unveil Opening Day Roster - Boston Breakers
- 2013 Red Stars Roster Announced - Chicago Stars FC
- Flash Announce 2013 Team Roster - Western New York Flash
- FC Kansas City Announces Opening Day Roster - FC Kansas City
- Thorns FC Announce 2013 Season-Opening Roster - Portland Thorns FC
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