Alexandra Sahlen

Alexandra "Alex" Sahlen (born September 25, 1982) is a former American professional soccer player and entrepreneur. She played for the Western New York Flash of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and was also the club's president.[1]

Alex Sahlen
Sahlen in starting lineup of Western New York Flash vs Chicago Red Stars match on July 4, 2013
Personal information
Full name Alexandra Sahlen
Date of birth (1982-09-25) September 25, 1982
Place of birth Williamsville, New York, United States
Height 1.64 m (5 ft 5 in)
Position(s) Defender
Youth career
2000–2003 Niagara Purple Eagles
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2005–2008 Rochester Ravens 33 (0)
2009–2010 Buffalo Flash 22 (0)
2011–2013 Western New York Flash 18 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of April 14, 2013

Early life

Sahlen was born and raised in Williamsville, New York, a small suburb of Buffalo.[2]

Niagara University

Sahlen attended Niagara University from 2000–03 where she played for the Purple Eagles. She started 55 matches and completed her collegiate career with six goals and 10 assists, ranking 20th on the school's all-time scoring list. Sahlen helped guide the Purple Eagles to their first MAAC Championship appearance in 2003.

Playing career

Rochester Ravens

Sahlen played with W-League club Rochester Ravens from 2005 until 2008, when a stress fracture in the first game of the season ruled her out of contention.[3]

Western New York Flash

Along with husband Aaran Lines, Sahlen then founded a new professional W-League club, Buffalo Flash, in time for the 2009 season.[4] Sahlen played for the Flash as they won the 2010 W-League championship and remained on the playing roster when the team changed its name to Western New York Flash and entered Women's Professional Soccer, claiming the 2011 WPS Championship.[5][6]

Sahlen missed the 2014 NWSL season due to being pregnant[7] and was not on the Flash roster for the 2015 season.[8]

Coaching career

Sahlen was assistant coach for the women's soccer team at her alma mater, Niagara University from 2004–2011.[9]

References
  1. "Letter from the president: WNY's Alex Sahlen checks in". Equalizer Soccer. Retrieved July 19, 2013.
  2. "ALEX SAHLEN RETURNS TO THE FLASH". Western New York Flash. Retrieved July 19, 2013.
  3. "Sahlen's Buffalo Flash join W-League in 2009". TheRaceSite.com. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  4. Jenna Pel (March 24, 2011). "An Interview With WNY Flash Head Coach Aaran Lines". All White Kit. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  5. "Sahlen fights for women's soccer league". Niagara Gazette. Retrieved July 19, 2013.
  6. "Family ties don't stop the Flash's Alex Sahlen from doing a great job". Democrat and Chronicle. Retrieved July 19, 2013.
  7. "Western New York Flash defender Alex Sahlen to miss 2014 season due to pregnancy". Soccer Wire. February 19, 2014.
  8. "2015 WNY Flash Roster". Western New York Flash. Archived from the original on March 8, 2015.
  9. "Former NU Stars Share Spotlight With World's Best". Niagara University. Retrieved July 19, 2013.


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