Flash Resign WPS Defender of the Year Finalist Ali Riley

Defender Ali Riley will look to make it three-straight WPS titles in 2011 when she takes the field once again for the Western New York Flash.

The 2011 finalist for Defender of the Year, won by her teammate Whitney Engen, and reigning member of the WPS' First XI has agreed to a new contract with the Flash, the club announced Thursday.

"Ali's proven the last two seasons that she is the best outside back in the WPS. She came to the Flash in 2011 and did a great job for us both defensively and offensively down the left side. I will be looking to her in 2012 to be a leader on this team as we look to be the first team in WPS history to retain the championship," said Flash head coach Aaran Lines."            

A 52-times capped New Zealand international, Riley performed well in the 2011 Women's World Cup in addition to her on-field success in Western New York. A speedy and gritty defender, Riley won the WPS title with FC Gold Pride after a 2010 campaign that saw her named Rookie of the Year. Riley was one of seven flash players that played in last summers FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany, others included Marta Brazil, Christine Sinclair Canada and Caroline Seger Sweden.

ABOUT THE WESTERN NEW YORK FLASH
The WNY Flash joined Women’s Professional Soccer as an expansion club in September of 2010, directly following the club’s decisive W-League Championship as the Buffalo Flash in July of 2010. The Flash play all WPS home games at the Sahlen’s Stadium in Rochester NY, home to the Rochester Rhinos. The Flash train out of owner Joe Sahlen’s indoor soccer facility, Sahlen Sports Park, in Elma, NY. The Flash colors are Red, Yellow, and Black, to match the Sahlen entities: Sahlen Packing Co., Sahlen Sports Park, and Team Sahlen racing team. The WNY Flash posted a 13-2-3 record (42 points) in their inaugural campaign, taking first place and the Regular season Championship. On August 27, 2011 the Western New York Flash defeated the Philadelphia Independence to capture the WPS Championship title in front of a record crowd of over 10,000 fans at Sahlen’s Stadium. For season tickets or for more information, please call 716-655-7529 or visit our website, www.wnyflash.com