WNY Flash Clinch Fourth Playoff Sport in Final Week of Regular Season
The NWSL heads into playoffs as regular season action comes to a close with the WNY Flash clinching the final playoff berth on Saturday. Washington take on the Red Stars on Friday at 8:00 p.m. ET in the first playoff matchup, while the Portland Thorns host WNY Flash in the second playoff battle on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. ET.
NWSL Soccer News: The 2016 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) regular season concludes, as the Western New York Flash rallied their way into the postseason with a dominating win to clinch the final playoff berth.
The Flash join Washington Spirit, Portland Thorns FC and the Chicago Red Stars in the 2016 NWSL Playoffs with semifinal matches set for next weekend.
Orlando Pride opened up Week 20 versus FC Kansas City at Camping World Stadium. The expansion side fell in the final match of their inaugural season in 1-2 loss versus the 2015 NWSL Champions.
WNY Flash jumped into the playoff scene with a 4-0 victory over the Boston Breakers on Saturday afternoon. Attacking duo Jessica McDonald and Lynn Williams both tallied a goal in the win to secure the final playoff spot.
Chicago Red Stars closed out the regular season with a 3-1 victory over the Washington Spirit at Toyota Park. The hosts were led by forward Sofia Huerta who tallied a goal and an assist on the night, while Christen Press and Cara Walls both added to the scoreline as the Red Stars conclude the season in third place.
Washington dropped to second as they prepare to host the Red Stars in a rematch on Friday at 8:00 p.m. ET in the first playoff matchup.
Portland Thorns edged Sky Blue FC in a 3-1 victory to pass the Spirit in the standings and claim the NWSL Shield. Tobin Heath recorded her 10th assist of the season, while midfielder Allie Long’s brace led the Thorns past the New Jersey club.
Despite a 3-2 victory over the Houston Dash, Seattle Reign FC bowed out of playoff contention following a victory for the WNY Flash. Seattle sat two points behind the Flash heading into the weekend and needed WNY to lose in order for the Thorns to clinch a playoff berth.
The 2016 NWSL playoffs kick off next Friday with the final set in Houston on October 9th.
Related Articles: Houston Dash to Host NWSL Championship; 2016 NWSL Season Awards
