Wildcats Surge Past Magic

New Jersey Wildcats News Release - www.njwildcats.com

Saturday, June 30, 2012

HOLMDEL, NJ - The New Jersey Wildcats (5-2-2, 17 points) rallied for three consecutive goals in the second half to overcome the New York Magic (2-5-1, 7 points) on Saturday, with striker Esmeralda Negron leading the way with two scores. The Wildcats had another great effort in goal from 'keeper Chante Sandiford as well, with the UCLA product recording eight saves in the win.

The Magic opened up the scoring in the 22nd minute after midfielder Yuiko Inoue collected a ball in the middle of the field. She then stepped left with the ball at her feet before splitting the defense to feed Toni Smith who was racing toward goal. The New York defender then took a couple touches before finding space to slot the ball under a diving Sandiford, giving her side the early advantage.

The Magic took the 1-0 scoreline into halftime, the Wildcats regrouped and came out inspired in the second half. In the 53rd minute, the hosts would find the equalizer. Midfielder Kristen Edmonds gained possession in the center of the pitch and then dished to her left where Andrea Lopez was awaiting distribution. The Monmouth graduate fed Negron who fired the ball into the back of the net to make it even at a goal apiece.

Ten minutes later, New Jersey claimed its first lead of the evening. With the ball at her feet, Edmonds shook a defender and then struck it toward goal. Again in the perfect position to capitalize was Negron, who immediately gathered it and sent it into the back of the net. After 63 minutes of play, the Wildcats held a 2-1 edge.

New Jersey eventually solidified the win and the three points in the 84th minute, making it 3-1 following a Yael Averbuch corner kick. After the UNC Hall of Famer sent a cross into the target area on the set piece, defender Tori Leigh was the beneficiary of the distribution, heading the ball home for her first goal of the season.

New York continued to drive forward over the remaining minutes of play, but the Wildcats defense was more than up to the challenge and prevented any more damage. After 90 minutes were in the books, New Jersey hung a 3-1 victory on the scoreboard.

Next up for the Wildcats is a road match on Wednesday, July 11, when the team plays the North Jersey Valkyries. The final home contest of the regular season is July 12 as the Wildcats play host to the New Jersey Rangers at 7:30 p.m. ET. Tickets for that game are available now and can be purchased by calling 732-720-9163. Tickets are also available the day of the game at the gate. Individual, team, and family tickets are on sale.