Home Advantage May Pay Handsome Dividends In First Round Of Conference Playoffs

July 11, 2012 - PRLog -- The San Diego Flash (11 - 2 - 1) are ready to go one step further in the Playoffs than 2011. As the Champions of the West Southern Division and #1 seed, the Flash host the second placed Sonoma Sol (7 – 4 – 3) of the West-Northern Division in the first round of the National Premier League Soccer (NPSL) Western Conference Playoffs. The Flash has had a stellar season to date. Only in the final minute of the final regular season match, against a Santa Clarita side desperate to get themselves in the playoffs, did their 13 game undefeated run come to an end.

The SD Flash vs. Sonoma Sol is this Saturday night (July 14) at Del Norte High - 7pm Kick-Off.

The Flash are looking for redemption. Last year, the Flash fell in a first round loss to defending NPSL Champion Sacramento Gold. This year they come into the Playoffs a stronger team with more experience, more character and a much bigger incentive to perform. Not only will a win lock up a Conference Final appearance in San Diego, but the Flash is looking to create history by winning the National Championship in front of its home fans. The NPSL Championship Weekend will be hosted by the Flash right here in San Diego from July 27 - 29. Details can be found at the San Diego Flash website listed below.

Flash Head Coach, Warren Barton was adamant that his team was ready and focused on delivering a strong performance this weekend.

“The regular season counts for nothing in a sudden death playoff game. All the teams that participate are dangerous because they know that a loss is the end of their season. With that being said, I know our guys are keen to make amends for last season and continue their march to the NPSL Finals right here in San Diego.

“Last week’s game against Santa Clarita showed that a slow start can be costly. We have to come out strong from the first whistle and dictate the pace of the game against Sonoma this Saturday.” Barton said.

Flash CEO, Clent Alexander has encouraged the San Diego soccer community to come out in force and help provide that ‘12th man’ on the field.

“Everything we do is as an organization is to try to unlock the potential of San Diego being the country’s premier soccer city. Home advantage can be the x-factor in games like this. If we can ride the momentum of strong local support all the way to the NPSL Championships, it could provide the kind of exposure the city of San Diego needs to be taken seriously on the professional soccer map nationally.” Mr. Alexander said.

The NPSL Championship weekend will be a 'Final Four' style, 3 day event. Winners of four Conferences of the 49 teams nationwide will earn their way to San Diego through playoffs which start nationwide this weekend.

Catch all the action when the Flash hosts the Sonoma Sol on Saturday July 14. Kick-off is at 7pm at Del Norte High School, 16601 Nighthawk Lane, San Diego, CA, 92127. Fans can purchase discount tickets online and receive a 20% off face value if booked by Friday at www.SanDiegoFlashSoccer.com