Tuesday, June 21st 2011

NJ Valkyries suffer first defeat of 2011 Season
Saturday, June 18th

Mazzella Field (Iona College), New Rochelle NY. – The North Jersey Valkyries suffered their first defeat of the season, falling to the New York Magic at Iona College on Saturday, June 18.  In a game of few chances, the Valkyries started the brighter of the two teams, and kept the Magic at arms-length for much of the half. 

Erica Keil, making her debut in goal for the Valkyries was only called into action a couple of times as the Valkyries defense marshaled the Magic forwards well.  As the half progresseed the Valkyries carved open two chances, firstly as Danielle Schulman saw a diagonal shot beaten out by the Magic goalkeeper, only for Alicia Tirelli’s follow-up being cleared by keeper and defender.  The pressure was mounting and another Valkyries attack saw Stefanee Pace go close.  The half drew to a close with very little between the two sides. 

The second half followed the same pattern, with the Magic looking to use their pace up top to catch the Valkyries on the break.  It was Pace however who was closest to opening up the scoring as a rasping shot from 20 yards hit the underside of the bar, and was caught by the keeper.  Danielle Schulmann thought she had earned her team a penalty when she was brought down inside the penalty area, however the official waved play-on deeming the defender had got a touch on the ball. 

As the Valkyries began to force the play they were caught out on the counter-attack.  A give-away in the middle of the field saw the Magic quickly move the ball forward and as the Valkyries defenders tried to recover, a square pass allowed the on-rushing Magic Forward to take the ball around Keil and slot the ball into the empty net.  With only 12 mintues left, the Valkyries immediately introduced TSF Academy’s U16 Girls Team top goalscorer Carly Berdan, and she almost made an immediate impact, playing a quick give-and-go with Schulmann, only to see her shot saved comfortably by the Magic GK. 

The Valkyries continued to push forward, but the goal was not to come.  A 1-0 loss leaves the Valkyries on 5 points from their opening 4 games.  They will look to regroup and bounce back against Long Island at DePaul on Saturday June 25, 4pm kick-off.