Western New York and Sky Blue meet for final time in regular season
Published on July 19, 2013 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Western New York Flash News Release
Elma, N.Y. - For the first time in nearly a month, the Western New York Flash (6-4-6, 24 points) will be setting foot on their home pitch as the team welcomes Sky Blue FC (9-3-4, 31 points) to Sahlen's Stadium on Sunday. With a 1:30 p.m. kick-off, the game will be broadcasted live from Rochester on Fox Soccer Channel with commentary from Steve Cangialosi, former USWNT head coach Tony DiCicco and Ohio State women's head coach Lori Walker.
After earning 21 points over a nine-game unbeaten streak, the Flash have taken just two over their past four games - a four-contest road trip to the West. The second of those two points came last Sunday when the Flash drew 1-1 with the Portland Thorns at JELD-WEN Field. It was one of the most exciting games of the inaugural NWSL season thus far, featuring 34 total shots and outstanding play from both goalkeepers.
After Abby Wambach scored her 10th goal on the season, a league-leading number, the Thorns leveled the game less than a minute later in the 38th minute. But the scoring opportunities didn't end there, for either team, as both Adrianna Franch and Karina LeBlanc made strong saves for their respective clubs. LeBlanc's biggest save of the game came in the 86th minute when she denied Wambach a second goal on the forward's penalty kick effort.
Boosted by the addition of Tobin Heath, the Thorns threw 20 shots toward Franch but she stymied off all but the one goal. With nine saves in the game, the Oklahoma State product's season total sits at 77, good for best in the NWSL.
With Sky Blue coming to Sahlen's Stadium Sunday, the Flash are in a position that seems very similar. After opening the year 0-2-1 in their first three games, Western New York rebounded with a 2-1 victory over the New Jersey team on May 1st. Not only was it the Flash's first three-point game of the year, but it also marked the first concession allowed by Sky Blue. Now, at 0-2-2 in their last four, the Flash have a chance to again make a statement against the league's top-seeded team.
The Flash also shutout Sky Blue 3-0 later in the year, their first clean slate of the season, while Sky Blue accounted for WNY first loss, 1-0 on an own goal on April 14th.
Sky Blue last played on July 14th against the Boston Breakers. The game ended in a 0-0 tie, as neither team could find the net over the 90 minutes. The Breakers are the only team other than the Flash to defeat Sky Blue this season.
On Sunday, Sky Blue will be without USWNT allocation Kelley O'Hara who will be sidelined with an ankle injury. Monica Ocampo, who has provided some recent late-game heroics for her side, is also battling an injury but may see time.
The Flash will be without forward Adriana Martin who remains at the 2013 Euro Championship with the Spanish National Team. On Thursday, the Spaniards claimed the final spot for the knockout stage with a 1-1 draw against Russia. In 252 minutes of play, Adriana has tallied two assists for her side. She will return to the Flash when Spain has finished play in Sweden.
Broadcast Information
Channel: Fox Soccer Channel (check local listings)
Play-by-Play: Steve Cangialosi
Color: Tony DiCicco
Sideline: Lori Walker
Kick-off: 1:30 p.m.
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.
Game Promotions
During halftime, fans will have the opportunity to showcase their Kan Jam skills and win great Flash prizes! Those interested in playing should tweet the Flash with the hashtag #FlashKanJam or write on our Facebook wall (below).
Pregame Music
Gates will open at 12:05 p.m. with the music of Rochester band Red Sky.
National Women's Soccer League Stories from July 19, 2013
- Red Stars Take on Washington Spirit Saturday - Chicago Stars FC
- 2013 NWSL Playoff Picture Scenarios - NWSL
- FC Kansas City Looks For Sweep Against Seattle - FC Kansas City
- Breakers Host Portland Sunday in Highly Anticipated Match - Boston Breakers
- Western New York and Sky Blue meet for final time in regular season - Western New York Flash
- Taryn Hemmings to Miss Rest of Season with Knee Injury - Chicago Stars FC
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