USL Feature Article by Jeff Crandall

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Buffalo Flash midfielder Sarah Wagenfuhr has had a soccer career filled with experiences.

The Colorado Springs native helped Florida State to three NCAA College Cup appearances and was twice named an All-American. Wagenfuhr also helped the United States to a fourth place finish at the 2006 F.I.F.A. U-20 World Championships.

If the surname looks familiar, it is because Wagenfuhr is the younger sister of former Boulder Rapids Reserve and FC Dallas defender David Wagenfuhr.

“David and I had a friendly yet competitive sibling rivalry," said Wagenfuhr. "We always wanted to one-up each other.”

Hailing from Colorado Springs, the elder Wagenfuhr would often pester his sister into playing soccer with him.

“He used to tell me to put down my Barbies and come outside to play with him," said Wagenfuhr. "We would play one-on-one until it got dark.”

David played for the PDL’s Boulder Rapids Reserves in 2003 before being drafted by F.C. Dallas the following year. He spent four years with the Hoops before retiring because of recurring concussions.

“Though we have always been competitive, David’s been a huge encouragement for me in my career," said Wagenfuhr. "We talk all the time about what’s going on with how I am playing and where I am at in the game.”

A stand out at Florida State from 2005-2008, Wagenfuhr appeared 82 times for the Seminoles, recording six goals and 14 assists while leading the side to three NCAA College Cup appearances.

“My time at FSU was very special," said Wagenfuhr. "The coaches cared about you as a person and it gave me a chance to build strong relationships in the game.”

In 2006, Wagenfuhr spent six months with the United States U-20 National Team and was ultimately named to the World Championship roster for the finals in Russia.

“The U-20’s were a once in a lifetime experience," said Wagenfuhr. "We played soccer twice a day, every day for six months and it was incredible to be able to travel and represent the US.”

After completing her eligibility at Florida State last fall, the 22 year-old Wagenfuhr looked to follow in her brother’s footsteps as she set out in search of a professional contract.

She had a brief stint with Women’s Professional Soccer’s Chicago Red Stars before eventually signing with the W-League’s Buffalo Flash for the 2009 season. The Flash are one of two professional clubs in the W-League.

“Our team is very talented," said Wagenfuhr. "The best thing about our structure is players have to earn the right to play. No one is handed a starting spot. That is a testament to our Head Coach Aaran Lines.”

In their first year, Buffalo rattled off three impressive wins to start the 2009 campaign before falling, 1-0 to first-place Ottawa on June 12.

“Overall the season has gone pretty well," said Wagenfuhr. "We stumbled a bit in the middle but I think we’ve recovered. We are ready to make a strong playoff push.”

With four games remaining and two matches in hand, Buffalo sits five points behind second place Quebec City in the Great Lakes division. The top three qualify for the W-League playoffs.

The Flash will look to chip away at the five point deficit when they take on the Hamilton Avalanche tonight (7/8) at 7:00 PM.

“It’s a long trip to Quebec City," said Wagenfuhr. "We’d at least like to finish second and have the chance to host a playoff game.”

Though a competitive spirit exists with Wagenfuhr, soccer is all about one thing for her.

“The only reason I continue to play is because its fun," said Wagenfuhr. "It has always been fun. The day I quit enjoying the game, is the day I walk away.”