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2009 Buffalo Flash Players Prepare for WPS Camp 

-Brandao, Sutton & Wagenfuhr look to make an impact in the next level-

Every player that steps on the field for the Buffalo Flash is striving to reach their ultimate goals, not only as a team, but their own individual aspirations. This spring, 2009 Buffalo Flash players Erika Sutton and Sarah Wagenfuhr, both 23, are doing just that. Sutton, 23, signed with the Boston Breakers of the Womens Professional Soccer (WPS) League after playing with the Flash in their 2009 inaugural season. Sutton’s fellow Seminole alum and teammate Sarah Wagenfuhr signed with the St.Louis Athletica, also of the WPS in January. Flash Captain, Kim Brandao, will also be reporting to training camp for the WPS 2009 Champions Jersey Sky Blue after she received an invitation.  

Brandao, a Portuguese International, reports to New Jersey after she represents Portugal at the Algarve Cup. The Rutgers alum has 19 caps captaining the Portuguese side playing every minute of every game since her debut. “Kim is certainly the type of player that any WPS team would want, and we are not surprised that Sky Blue is so high on her. She is truly a professional on and off the field and a leader in every way possible.” Brandao was the Flash’s solid Central Defender last season, the only field player to play every minute of every match.  

Erik Sutton, a versatile player who can play outside back or midfield, agreed to undisclosed terms with the Boston Breakers of the Women’s Professional Soccer league, on October 10, 2009.  She was called up in late July of 2009 to fill the seven Boston Breaker players that were brought up for nationals. The former Flash member made her debut for the Breakers, playing the entire match, in the July 19th match against FC Gold Pride. 
 
Even though her time with the Flash might have been short, Sutton still felt that playing in Buffalo was a great stepping stone to being able to play at an intense level with Breakers. Coach Aaran Lines of the Buffalo Flash felt that “Erika showed a hunger and desire to achieve within the Flash organization which helped her get to the next level.  However her biggest strength was her versatility as a player, showing time after time that her right foot is as good as her left while scoring goals from either side of the field.” 
 
When Sutton was asked, “How would you like to be remembered with the Flash?” she replied “My passion for the game!” Sutton did want to wish the Flash best of luck, to always shoot for the best, and to get the championship. Sutton believes the Flash is very capable of achieving their goals.  She spoke of coach Lines, of bringing in good players and a chance to build tradition in Buffalo. 
 
Sarah Wagenfuhr, a central midfielder, known for her good technical ability and fighting mentality on the field, signed a contract with St. Louis in the middle of January. Wagenfuhr came to the Flash last season after spending a month with the Chicago Red Stars of the WPS. “Sarah is a very strong personality who chose to come here to Buffalo instead of accepting a developmental position at Chicago. She knew what she wanted and what would be the best environment for her to improve as a player to make it back to the WPS.” Wagenfuhr brought high caliber NCAA experience to the Flash roster as well as International experience as she played for the U.S. U-23 National Team.  

Coach Lines contests that “Brandao, Sutton, and Wagenfuhr making it to the next level is an 
example of what can be achieved through the Flash. All three of these girls are proof 
that upcoming players can use the Flash as a stepping stone, have a good season and be given an avenue to the WPS.”