A report in the soccer blog FourFourTwo says the Western New York Flash has played its last game in Rochester.
Three months after winning the National Women’s Soccer League championship, the blog says it’s learned through multiple sources inside the league that Flash ownership is finalizing the sale of the team to a North Carolina businessman. Players were informed of the coming deal on Thursday. The team is currently owned by Sahlen’s Packing Co. of Buffalo.
Stephen Malik owns North Carolina FC, based in Cary, North Carolina. He announced intentions last month to acquire a NWSL franchise.
The Flash has had success on the field in Rochester, but struggled to put fans in the seats at Rhinos Stadium. They averaged 3,868 fans last year, ranking fifth in the league. The team also struggled with its home base in Erie County but playing its games in Rochester.