WNY travels to Houston for first meeting between the teams this season.
Rochester, N.Y. — The Western New York Flash (8-5-1) will be traveling to face the Houston Dash (3-7-2) in the first match between these teams in the 2016 National Women’s Soccer League season on Saturday evening. The Flash are looking to get back on track after suffering a 1-0 loss at home against FC Kansas City last week, their first loss in over a month.
The Flash were held scoreless last weekend, despite taking a franchise record number of shots (24) and shots on goal (14). FC Kansas City’s keeper, Nicole Barnhart, earned the NWSL Player of the Week for her performance that left the NWSL’s best offense off the scoreboard and included 14 saves.
“I was pleased with our performance, but you’ve got to give them credit,” head coach Paul Riley said. “(Barnhart) was incredible. She had one of those nights.”
The Dash will likely need a strong performance from goalkeeper Bianca Henninger and her back line against the Flash to win Saturday’s contest. The Flash’s offense has been prolific this season, scoring an astounding 1.86 goals per game.
In addition, the Dash will likely need to create opportunities on the offensive end and find ways to score against Katelyn Rowland and the Flash’s back line, who have elevated to being the league’s best road defense. Western New York has allowed only four goals in their five contests away from home.
“Houston is a really good team with lots of attack, so I think staying on the same page defensively and staying super organized (is important),” defender Abby Dahlkemper said. “We need to put away the opportunities we’re going to get in Houston. It’s going to be a good battle so we need to come out ready to play.”
After 14 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 both Washington and Portland. Washington will face Sky Blue FC for the second straight week while Portland comes off of a bye week to take on Seattle at home.
This week’s match is scheduled to kickoff at BBVA Compass Stadium at 8:30 P.M. ET, with a live stream available at youtube.com/NWSL.
The Flash will return home to Rochester Rhinos Stadium following the Olympic Break on Aug. 27, when they host the Houston Dash at 7 p.m. Tickets for the match are available at wnyflash.com/tickets