The Buffalo FFillies were a W-League women's soccer club based out of Buffalo, New York. The team began play in 1996 and folded during the 1998 season.
The team name was conceived as an equine homage to the Buffalo Stallions, but two F's were introduced to ward off accusations of sexism and in an attempt to make the name more memorable.[1]
Four Canadian national team players represented the club, including Helen Stoumbos.[2] While Christie Rampone[3] and Pauliina Miettinen[2] signed for the team in 1998. Team owner Mark Fishaut declared before the 1998 season that the club required crowds of 500 in order to survive, but they failed to achieve this and withdrew from the league five games into the campaign.[4]
Year-by-year edit
| Year | Division | League | Reg. season | Playoffs | Avg. attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 1 | USL W-League | 7th, Central | Did not qualify | 95 |
| 1997 | 1 | USL W-League | 6th, Northeast | Did not qualify | 193[5] |
| 1998 | 1 | USL W-League | 6th, Central | Folded during season |
References edit
- ^ "Welcome to the BUFFALO FFILLIES web site". Buffalo FFillies Women's Soccer Club. 14 May 1998. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
Why that name? There had been a successful franchise in the now-defunct MISL named the Buffalo Stallions. We have taken up the banner of women's soccer and hope to continue their proud tradition, hence the "equine" team name. Why 2 FF's? All felt that one "F" Fillies was sexist, and, so far NO ONE forgets the 2 "FF" 's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- ^ a b Gaughan, Mark (14 May 1998). "FFillies step up in class as W-League taps into national team". The Buffalo News. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
The FFillies have four Canadian national team players, led by midfielder Helen Stoumbos.
- ^ "W-League signs national team stars Lilly and Keller". Soccer America. 14 May 1998. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
- ^ Maloney, Rick (20 July 1998). "Teeming with teams". Buffalo Business First. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
The Buffalo Ffillies, a women's soccer team, folded last month. The Ffillies were in their third season of play in the USISL "W" League but could not develop a fan base. Before this season, owner Mark Fishaut said he needed to draw 500 fans per game to continue. After just a few weeks of play, it was clear his goal would not be met.
- ^ Tomasch, Kenn. "Attendance Project: W-League". Kenn.com. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
External links edit
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