Flash Host Sky Blue FC on Wednesday Night in ESPN2 Aired Game
Published on August 12, 2014 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Western New York Flash News Release
ELMA, NY. (Tuesday, August 12, 2014) - The Western New York Flash will play its final home game of the 2014 season on Wednesday night, a game which will showcase the Flash in the national spotlight. The team's home finale against Sky Blue FC will kickoff at 7 p.m. and will be aired live on ESPN2.
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.
The Flash enter Wednesday's game with playoff hopes still alive, but will need some assistance from fellow NWSL clubs. After Portland's loss to Boston on Sunday, the Flash could put themselves in position for the fourth and final playoff spot with two wins in their final regular-season games. However, a win by Chicago on Wednesday against Boston would eliminate the Flash from playoff contention. In addition, the Flash would also need Portland to be held without a point on August 17 against Seattle. The Flash and Red Stars face each other on August 16 in the final regular-season game for both teams.
Western New York (8-11-3, 27 points) is coming off a 4-3 win at Harvard Stadium against the Boston Breakers after a thrilling stoppage time goal from Sonia Bermudez.
Abby Wambach started her second-straight game since returning from a knee injury. Wambach had a brace in the game, opening up the scoring in the eighth minute after controlling a ball that the Breakers defense couldn't clear. Wambach doubled her tally just four minutes into the second half, lofting the ball over the head of Alyssa Naeher to put the Flash up 2-1.
The Breakers' Kristie Mewis would have a brace of her own, with both of her goals tying the scoreline, once at 1-1 and again at 3-3. Jazmine Reeves was the other goal scorer for the home team, scoring her seventh goal of the season when she sent home a header from defender Rachel Wood.
The Flash's Samantha Kerr also had a goal in the high scoring affair, which put the Flash up by two goals in the 66th minute. It was Kerr's eighth goal of the season, a category in which she now leads the team.
With the game tied 3-3 in stoppage time, Sonia was able to grab three points for the Flash with her late goal. The Spaniard was subbed on just nine minutes prior to the goal, her third of the year.
Sky Blue FC is also currently alive in the playoff race with a record of 6-8-7 (25 points) this season, and is coming off a 3-1 win at BBVA Compass Stadium against the Houston Dash. A hat trick from newcomer Nadia Nadim lifted Sky Blue to its sixth win of the year, as she scored in the 39th, 74th and 92+ minutes.
Sky Blue is also has a postponed game against Houston to its name, which could impact playoff position.
The Flash can clinch the season series against Sky Blue with a win on Sunday, as it is currently tied at one game apiece. All-time, the Flash has only lost two games against Sky Blue FC, and is undefeated at home against the New Jersey club.
Next, the Flash visits the Chicago Red Stars in its final game of the regular season. This will be the second time the Flash has played Chicago on the road this season, with the series tied at 1-1-0, as both teams won on their home field this year.
National Women's Soccer League Stories from August 12, 2014
- Red Stars Control Playoff Destiny in Wednesday Meeting with Breakers - Chicago Stars FC
- Sky Blue FC Faces Western New York on August 13 - Sky Blue FC
- Flash Host Sky Blue FC on Wednesday Night in ESPN2 Aired Game - Western New York Flash
- Boston Breakers Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher Voted Player Of The Week - Boston Breakers
- Boston Breakers Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher Voted NWSL Player of the Week - NWSL
- Johnston and Press Called into USWNT August Camp - Chicago Stars FC
- Ellis Names 19 Players to Face Switzerland on August 20 in Cary, North Carolina - Boston Breakers
- Reign FC Midfielder Jess Fishlock Called up for World Cup Qualifier - Seattle Reign FC
- Breakers Look for Comeback Win against Red Stars - Boston Breakers
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