Lines Passes the Torch to Paul Riley, New Head Coach for WNY Flash.

Paul Riley Introduced as new Western New York Flash head coach (WNYFlashTwitter)

Head Coach Aaran Lines led the Western New York Flash to back to back Women’s Premier Soccer League Championships before the NWSL formed. The Flash won the inaugural NWSL Shield in 2013, for the best regular-season record, before losing to the Portland Thorns FC in the Championship. However with back to back 7th place finishes, Head Coach Aaran Lines resigned in December.

In his resignation letter Lines said “It has been an incredible journey building this club, from the ground up, into one of the most successful franchises in the women's game.” Lines stepped down as Head Coach, but will continue in his other positions with both Sahlen Sports Park and the Flash Academy, and will remain within the Flash in the Vice President role.

During the offseason, the Flash added some great talent through the draft. Michaela Hahn, from Florida State is a solid midfielder that will likely start right away for the Flash. Second pick Makenzy Doniak, Forward, will join teammate Abby Dahlkemper with the U23 US team at the Istria Cup in early March. Mallory Weber, Forward, scored over 100 points while at Penn State and will help the Flash put more goals in the net.

Today the Flash filled the Head Coach vacancy naming Paul Riley to the position. Riley spent 2 seasons as the head coach for Portland Thorns FC, but was not renewed at the end of the 2014-2015 season. Lines, in his role as Vice President for the club, announced his successor. “After matching up with him for many years, I’m thrilled to announce Paul Riley as the second coach in our club's eight-year history,” said Lines. “It was obviously very important to me to find the right successor and we couldn't be happier to have Paul. He is an excellent coach and very well respected across the globe.”

“The league has grown substantially over the last two years and I'm excited to coach such a young, hungry and talented group of players,” Riley said of his new appointment. “Having coached against Aaran over three different leagues, I look forward to working with him.”

Riley played professionally from 1988-1997 where he was named All League twice (1989-1990) in the American Professional Soccer League and named the MVP in 1991 while playing for Glen Cove in the New England Professional Soccer League.

Riley sees great opportunity for the Flash, “The club has all the important ingredients to be successful with terrific ownership, top management, and a young team that has huge potential and is highly motivated.” “I'm looking forward to helping each and every player maximize their performance and create an environment where the team can blossom and flourish"

Riley and the Flash will be tested right away as they start their season on Saturday, April 16 at reigning Champion, FC Kansas City. We all hope that Riley can turn the Flash around and bring them back to the glory that defined their early history.

Follow Kyle Wescott on twitter @MHSWescott