Lines announced as Head Coach
ELMA, N.Y. (Dec. 1, 2010) – The Western New York WPS franchise officially unveiled its team name, the Western New York Flash, and logo yesterday in press conferences held in Buffalo and Rochester. The 2011 WPS expansion side also announced that it will play its home games at the 14,000-seat Marino Auto Stadium, home of the USLPRO Rochester Rhinos, in Rochester, N.Y.
The WNY Flash is owned by Joe Sahlen and will be based at Sahlen Sports Park in Elma, N.Y., located 23 miles east of Buffalo and 70 miles southwest of Rochester. Sahlen is the fourth generation owner and operator of Sahlen’s – a family owned premium meat distributor and packing company in Buffalo.
Former New Zealand National Team player Aaran Lines will serve as the team’s head coach. In 2010, Lines led the Buffalo Flash to an undefeated record and Championship Title within the USL W-League. Lines holds a UEFA B coaching license and is serving as the Advanced Training Instructor at Sahlen Sports Park.
As a player, Lines logged 41 appearances for the New Zealand National Team and participated in the 1999 and 2003 FIFA Confederations Cups. He also played professionally for 16 years including stints with German club Werder Berman, Ruch Chorzow of the Polish First Division, Dresden of the German Second Bundesliga, the Auckland Football Kingz of the Australian National League (A-league), and VfL Osnabruck of the German Second Bundesliga.
Alexandra Sahlen joined the Buffalo Flash in 2009 as the team’s president and will continue in that role with the WNY Flash. Alexandra Sahlen’s extensive soccer resume includes helping to lead Niagara University to its first ECAC and MAAC Championship appearances, competing for the Rochester Rhinos from 2006-2008 and starting at outside back for the Buffalo Flash championship squad. She also coached in the NCAAs and coached the Empire United 91/92s to their first NYSW Championship in 2009.
The WNY Flash will kick off its inaugural WPS season in April 2010. For more information, visit www.buffaloflashsoccer.com.
ELMA, N.Y. (Dec. 1, 2010) – The Western New York WPS franchise officially unveiled its team name, the Western New York Flash, and logo yesterday in press conferences held in Buffalo and Rochester. The 2011 WPS expansion side also announced that it will play its home games at the 14,000-seat Marino Auto Stadium, home of the USLPRO Rochester Rhinos, in Rochester, N.Y.
The WNY Flash is owned by Joe Sahlen and will be based at Sahlen Sports Park in Elma, N.Y., located 23 miles east of Buffalo and 70 miles southwest of Rochester. Sahlen is the fourth generation owner and operator of Sahlen’s – a family owned premium meat distributor and packing company in Buffalo.
Former New Zealand National Team player Aaran Lines will serve as the team’s head coach. In 2010, Lines led the Buffalo Flash to an undefeated record and Championship Title within the USL W-League. Lines holds a UEFA B coaching license and is serving as the Advanced Training Instructor at Sahlen Sports Park.
As a player, Lines logged 41 appearances for the New Zealand National Team and participated in the 1999 and 2003 FIFA Confederations Cups. He also played professionally for 16 years including stints with German club Werder Berman, Ruch Chorzow of the Polish First Division, Dresden of the German Second Bundesliga, the Auckland Football Kingz of the Australian National League (A-league), and VfL Osnabruck of the German Second Bundesliga.
Alexandra Sahlen joined the Buffalo Flash in 2009 as the team’s president and will continue in that role with the WNY Flash. Alexandra Sahlen’s extensive soccer resume includes helping to lead Niagara University to its first ECAC and MAAC Championship appearances, competing for the Rochester Rhinos from 2006-2008 and starting at outside back for the Buffalo Flash championship squad. She also coached in the NCAAs and coached the Empire United 91/92s to their first NYSW Championship in 2009.
The WNY Flash will kick off its inaugural WPS season in April 2010. For more information, visit www.buffaloflashsoccer.com.