WNY can clinch a playoff berth with either a win or tie.
PORTLAND, OR. — The Western New York Flash (8-5-5), who currently sit in a tie for third place in the National Women’s Soccer League standings, head to the West Coast this weekend to face the Portland Thorns FC (10-3-5) on Sunday, Sept. 11, knowing a win or tie would secure their spot in the 2016 NWSL Playoffs.
This will be the second meeting between the Flash and the Thorns this season, with the previous meeting being a 2-0 Thorns win back on June 17 in Rochester.
On Wednesday night, the Flash played the last-place Boston Breakers at Jordan Field in Allston, MA. In game where the visiting side dominated possession, the Breakers were able to convert on their chances and take the lead on two separate occasions. However, the Flash fought back both times, scoring both goals after generating numerous chances to even up the score.
Jessica McDonald and Lynn Williams continued to lead WNY offensively, as McDonald tallied a goal on her own rebound in the 38’ for her eighth of the season, while Williams was able to score her team-best ninth goal in the 76’ for the late equalizer. The dynamic duo now sit tied for first and third, respectively, among the individual NWSL leaders in goals, with McDonald sitting tied for second among the league leaders in assists.
Also on Wednesday, Portland used their home-field advantage to shutout the Houston Dash 3-0 at Providence Park. Portland scored two of their goals thanks to Tobin Heath feeding Allie Long twice, first in the 26’, and then again in the 71’. Long capitalized both times to put the Thorns up 2-0, and Christine Sinclair scored an insurance goal in the 90’ to give Portland their tenth win of the season.
After eighteen matches, the Flash sit in third place in the NWSL standings with 29 points, tied with the Chicago Red Stars. The Flash trail the second-place Portland Thorns FC by six points and the first-place Washington Spirit by ten points. Western New York and Chicago currently lead the Seattle Reign FC by 5 points, meaning a Flash win or tie would knock Seattle out of contention.
Following next weekend’s international break, the Flash will take a trip back to Boston to face the Breakers on Saturday, September 24 at Jordan Field. The game against Boston will mark the final game of the regular season for the Flash, who are 2-0-1 against the Breakers this year and have outscored them in 3 matches, 13-3.
This weekend’s match kicks off at 9:30 pm ET at Providence Park. The game will be broadcast on FOX SPORTS 1 and a live stream will be available on www.foxsportsgo.com for viewers with a subscription. Highlights and the complete game will be put up on YouTube on Monday.