Posted (07/29/2010) -
Sahlen's Buffalo Flash Professional Women's Soccer Team entered their 2nd Year of Competition in 2010. The 2009 season was a very successful adventure, having finished 2nd in their division and advancing into the 2nd round of the playoffs.
For the 2010 Season, the Flash finished with a record of 10 wins and 2 ties. Along with their 2 playoff victories so far, that record has been increased to 12 victories.
In the 1st round of the playoffs, the Buffalo Flash defeated tthe Ottawa Fury, the Great Lakes division champions by a score of 1-0 to advance to the W-League Final Four. The Final Four will take place in Santa Clarita, California with the semi-finals being played on Thursday and the League Championship game played on Saturday evening, live on Fox Soccer Channel.
The Flash started off the game against the Fury with strong, dominating possession. After 20 minutes of play, Vero Boquete played a perfect ball to Kelly Parker who made a run in behind the defenders and struck the ball home to put the Flash up 1-0. Parker would terrorize the Ottawa defense for the majority of the game, making several runs in behind and going one on one with the Ottawa keeper Jasmine Phillips, who would make two major saves on Parker's fast breaks during the rest of the game.
The Flash had a few other close calls that they were unable to covert on. Gemma Davison was a thorn in the Fury's side all evening, and was taken down in the box in the second half; however, the referee called it fair play. Just shortly after the uncalled PK, Davison cut in from the left and hit a cracking shot from the top of the box which Phillips bobbled and she saved off of her goal line to keep the game at 1-0. The Flash defended well for the duration of the game, only allowing 2 shots on their keeper Pamela Tajonar, and limiting the Fury's dangerous corners to three throughout the game.
The Flash departed on Tuesday morning for Santa Clarita, California where they will play in the league semi-final on Thursday afternoon at 5:00 pm against the Atlanta Silverbacks. Additionally, if the Flash make the finals, the game will be televised NATIONALLY on FOX Sports on Saturday night at 10 pm est.
Beyond the season triumphs to date, several key players received individual accolades. Kelly Parker was named the on the all W-League Team and was a W-League Player of the Week during the regular season. Additionally, Parker won the League's Scoring Title. Buffalo’s Veronica Boquette and Ann-Marie Heatherson finished in 6th place and Mele French finished in 9th place in goals scored in the League. In Assists, Buffalo’s Veronica Boquette was the League leader in Assists, and Kelly Parker was 4th place. Additionally, several key players received individual accolades. Kelly Parker was named the on the all W-League Team and was a W-League Player of the Week during the regular season. Additionally, Parker won the League's Scoring Title. Buffalo’s Veronica Boquette and Ann-Marie Heatherson finished in 6th place and Mele French finished in 9th place in goals scored in the League. In Assists, Buffalo’s Veronica Boquette was the League leader in Assists, and Kelly Parker was 4th place.
Stay posted for all updates on the teams progress out west here on our website, www.buffaloflashsoccer.com or on our facebook and twitter accounts!
The Sahlen's Buffalo Flash Professional Women's Soccer Team and Sahlen's Team Sahlen are tied together in more than just the Sahlen family involvement. Both teams' colors are Red, Yellow and Black. Both Teams’ signature icon is a flashing lightning bolt. And most importantly, both Teams’ get their zoom zoom power from Mazda; Mazda is the official presenting sponsor of the Buffalo Flash, and Team Sahlen races Mazda RX-8 and MAZDASPEED3 vehicles.
With the League Championships being played in Santa Clarita, CA, - this will be a perfect opportunity for MAZDA USA Corporate Team members in Irvine, CA to be able to attend and root for their Mazda team.
The 2010 Team Sahlen GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 & GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Campaigns will be supported by Mazda, Mazdaspeed, HRPWorld.com, HAWK Performance, Cool Shirt, Racetech Seats, BBS, Racing Print Media, Alcon, Mothers Polish, EMCO, TheRaceSite.com, Grassroots Motorsports, Holliday Canopies, Alcon, CM Racing, Genesis Technologies, Endurance Karting, Bell Helmets, Castrol, Ianetti Design, and SpeedSource Engineering
