Coming off a confident 5-0 win over FC Indiana on Thursday, July 12, the WNY Flash looked to continue their unbeaten streak as they took on the Red Stars just outside of Chicago.

The game started fast for the Flash, with a chance for a goal in the first minute. Spanish international Adriana was played a ball and went one on one with the goalkeeper. Her shot was  saved by Chicago Red Stars’ keeper, Forbes, who would continue to make critical saves for Chicago throughout the game. 

The Flash's next chance came when Captain McCall Zerboni chipped a ball forward  that was headed back into Chicago’s net by one of its own defenders. The referee denied the goal and instead gave the WNY Flash a free kick. Following that controversial denied goal, the WNY Flash started to gain more possession.

In the 42^nd minute, a handball was called against Chicago, inches outside the 18-yard box. The Flash’s leading goal scorer Adriana took the direct kick, and rocketed the ball into the upper 90 to give the Flash a 1-0 lead. That goal gave the striker sole possession of leading scorer in the WPSL Elite league with 13 goals.

Within a minute of that goal, Chicago would score a goal off of one of their flip throw ins. The goal was taken back by the referees also due to interference with Flash goalkeeper Ali Lipsher and the half ended with the Flash leading 1-0.

In the 75^th minute, Adriana chased a loose ball, forcing Chicago’s Forbes off her line. Forbes punched the ball out and WNY Flash’s midfielder Katy Frierson half volleyed the ball over Forbes and into the net to bring the Flash to a 2-0 lead. Chicago would respond shortly after in the 78^th minute with a goal from Lauren Alkek, marking the seventh goal ever scored against the WNY Flash this season.

Chicago continued to press the WNY Flash defense, but the back line and keeper Lipsher continued to clear balls out. The Flash are now unbeaten in 11 straight games.

The next game for the Flash takes place at Sahlen Stadium, 460 Oak Street, in Rochester N.Y. on Sunday, July 22 at 4 p.m. versus the other number one seeded team, the Boston Breakers. This last regular season game is the Flash’s Pink game, to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Players’ pink jerseys will be auctioned off, along with player baskets.

The game can determine sole possession of first place going into the playoffs, which are also to be held at Sahlen’s Stadium on July 25 and the championship on July 28. 

The WNY Flash is now 9-1-3.

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About the WNY Flash

After the suspension of the WPS 2012 season, the Flash returns this year to play in the WPSL Elite League, after winning the championship last year in the WPS. The WNY Flash joined Women’s Professional Soccer as an expansion club in September of 2010, directly following the club’s decisive W-League Championship as the Buffalo Flash in July of 2010. The Flash play all WPS home games at the Sahlen’s Stadium in Rochester NY, home to the Rochester Rhinos. The Flash train out of owner, Joe Sahlen’s, indoor soccer facility, Sahlen Sports Park, in Elma, NY. The Flash colors are Red, Yellow, and Black, to match the Sahlen entities: Sahlen Packing Co., Sahlen Sports Park, and Team Sahlen racing team. The WNY Flash posted a 13-2-3 record (42 points) in their inaugural campaign, taking first place and the Regular season Championship. On August 27, 2011 the Western New York Flash defeated the Philadelphia Independence to capture the WPS Championship title in front of a record crowd of over 10,000 fans at Sahlen’s Stadium. After the WPS suspended operations for the 2012 season, the Flash joined the WPSL Elite League along with the Boston Breakers. For tickets, please call 585-454-KICK or for more information, please call 716-655-7529 and visit our website, www.wnyflash.com. Don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on twitter @wnyflash for all the latest news!