WNY Flash Welcome FC Kansas City to Rochester Rhinos Stadium
WNY Flash host FC Kansas City on Saturday afternoon as the Rochester club aims to extend their current unbeaten streak dating back to June 17th. The Flash are led by Jessica McDonald and Lynn Williams who claim the top two goal scoring spots in the league, while Kansas City goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart leads the league in most saves.
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NWSL Soccer News: The Western New York Flash (8-4-1) have not lost since June 17th and are hoping to keep their streak rolling as they host FC Kansas City (3-6-4) at Rochester Rhinos Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Flash opened up the 2016 National Women’s Soccer League season at Kansas City, where they played to a 1-0 win. Samantha Mewis converted her penalty kick in the 71st minute to secure the victory for the visiting side.
Since that game, the Flash have taken the league by storm. After losing to Portland in week 9, the unit has won three straight and drew Seattle on the second part of a home-and-home last weekend, moving them into sole possession of third place in the NWSL standings. An offensive outburst against Boston on June 24th has set the tone for the Flash, whose high-octane offense has left opposing defenses struggling to find answers.
Jessica McDonald has been on a tear recently, scoring four goals and adding four assists in the team’s last four games. Fellow forward Lynn Williams has been on fire herself, leading the NWSL in scoring with seven goals.
The defense, led by goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland, has also been stagnant over the past few games. Rowland has allowed only four goals in the side’s past four games.
FC Kansas City enters the match on the heels of a 3-2 defeat to the hands of the league-leading Washington Spirit in week 13. The side has not won since June 19, when they defeated Houston 1-0.
“It’s always a good game against Kansas City,” head coach Paul Riley said. “It’ll be good competition for us. I don’t see them coming in here solely to defend, because I think they’re coming in to get three points and it’ll be an entertaining game.”
After thirteen matches, the Flash sit in third place in the NWSL table, just one point behind Washington and Portland – both of whom are tied for first place. The Flash will have an opportunity to take sole possession of first place with a win and a loss or tie by Washington against Sky Blue FC. Portland does not play in week 14.
At this weekend’s match, the Flash will be presenting a community inclusion event in conjunction with Spread the Word to End the Word to keep the conversation regarding the hurtful use of the R-word (“Retarded”) going year-round. We are excited to have two Special Olympics teams – one from Buffalo and one from Rochester – join us in escorting players onto the field and the sides will be playing a soccer game of their own at halftime. The Flash are extremely happy to partner with Starbridge to celebrate all abilities.
The match match kicks off at 7:00 pm ET at Rochester Rhinos Stadium.
Source/Photo Credit: Western New York Flash
