July 17th, 2010--The 2010 Millburn Magic campaign has officially come to an end after a comprehensive playoff defeat at a strong Boston Aztec 23s. The hosts took advantage of a depleted Magic roster to power through the Women's Premier Soccer League East Conference playoff.
After an even opening, the Aztecs opened the scoring in the 9th minute when Amy Caldwell won possession back just outside the Magic penalty area, and slid a through ball to Brooke Knowlton, who fired in at the far post. The advantage was doubled In the 17th minute in similar fashion. Knowlton winning the ball on Milburn's left, and crossing for Caldwell to deflect the shot past Millburn goalkeeper Claire Bennett, making it 2-0 to the hosts.
Minutes later things got better for Boston, with the Millburn defense again caught in possession and Amanda Webster subsequently fouled for a penalty which she converted, putting the Magic 3-0 down in the 25th minute.
Despite having five starters missing and a squad of only 13 available, the Magic still battled hard, and registered on the score board in the 36th minute when Laura Kurash volleyed a bouncing ball in the box into the back of the net.
As the heat climbed to over 100 degrees on the field, the second half was to prove too much for the Magic, as the Aztecs added a further three goals without response. Jess Luscinski added 10 minutes into the second period, before Webster and Lucy Gildein completed the scoring at 6-1.
The win sets up the Aztec U23s the Boston Breakers Reserves on Tuesday evening, while the Lancaster Inferno face the 2009 National Champions the Long Island Fury.
"I'm happy with our performance today, but it only gets more intense from here," said Dushawne Simpson, Head Coach of the Boston Aztec U23. "The Reserves have a lot of talent and depending on the Breakers players available, they could have a lot of firepower at their disposal."
Meanwhile, Magic Head Coach Andy Sones was in reflective mood as their season came to an end: "It was disappointing to finish a season in that way," he commented, "but I'm pleased we were able to have made the playoffs for the second year in a row. We've learned a lot from the season, and I'm sure we'll be able to continue moving forward".
The Millburn Magic are members of the Women's Premier Soccer League, the highest level of women's amateur soccer in the United States. They are part of the New Jersey Soccer Group, a management company for a family of soccer based organizations offering a full range of soccer services in New Jersey.
