Flash Look to Continue Strong Start
April 22, 2016 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Western New York Flash News Release
ELMA, N.Y. (Friday, April 22, 2016) - The Western New York Flash looks to continue its momentum after a strong start to its 2016 NWSL season at the Chicago Red Stars' new home Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill., starting at 7:00 p.m. ET. The all-time series between the two clubs is dead even at 3-3-3, with the Flash having yet to win a game when the Red Stars play host.
The new season is already proving to be one of change as the Flash defeated defending back-to-back NWSL Champions FC Kansas City 1-0 for its first ever win in a season opener on Saturday, April 16. Flash midfielder Sam Mewis opened her sophomore season with a goal off a penalty kick in the 71st minute. Goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo kept her team ahead with a leaping effort that earned her a NWSL Save of the Week - Week One nomination in the 90th minute.
Only two rookies made their first professional appearance while 11 players total made their first showings with the Flash, including ex-Chicago Red Stars Abby Erceg and Adriana Leon, who will face their former teammates for the first time on Saturday, April 23. Erceg, who made 12 starts in 14 appearances last season for Chicago, and Leon, who tallied a goal for the Red Stars in 2015, were traded to the Flash back in November. The two have managed to adapt well to the young Flash team, having both started in the last match, and Erceg even earning the title of Flash team captain.
The Chicago Red Stars (0-1-0) are looking to bounce back after losing their opening match in Houston 3-1. Chicago opened scoring with an early goal from Christen Press, but Houston managed to come from behind and put three goals past goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.
The Western New York Flash will open its 2016 home campaign on Friday, April 29, at Sahlen's Stadium at 7:00 p.m. ET against the Washington Spirit. Tickets for the match are available at wnyflash.com/tickets/individual.
Season tickets for the 2016 WNY Flash season are currently on sale at wnyflash.com or by contacting Kayla Kent at kayla.kent@wnyflash.com.
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National Women's Soccer League Stories from April 22, 2016
- Flash Look to Continue Strong Start - Western New York Flash
- Sky Blue FC and Pine Belt of Lakewood Form Corporate Partnership - Sky Blue FC
- Seattle Looks to Gain First Victory of the Season - Seattle Reign FC
- Record-Setting Crowd Anticipated for Orlando Pride Home Opener against Houston - Orlando Pride
- Red Stars Look to Bounce Back in Home Opener against Flash - Chicago Stars FC
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