Mercy Preps For Playoffs After OT Victory

By: Robert Plant

After an exciting 2-1 overtime win over the St. Paul’s Gators, the Mercy Magic are ready to begin their playoff run for the IAAM A Conference championship.

The first half ended scoreless but there were chances on both sides of the ball. The Gators had a couple of opportunities to take the lead, but were halted by the Magic’s stellar defense. The Magic had a few opportunities as well, including a free kick from 20 yards out that was matched by a diving save from the Gators’ goalie.

In the 23rd minute of the second half, senior Cierra Stinson moved the ball into open space for freshman Alexis Prior-Brown, who made a stellar pass to a wide-open Jordan Stenger for the goal. The Gators reacted with a goal of their own to send the game into overtime.

The overtime period brought a lot of chances for the Gators but they were unable to capitalize. The Magic pressured hard and drew a foul 20 yards out, setting up a free kick for the junior Stenger. She kicked the ball over the Gators’ defenders and torched the back of the net just under the crossbar.

“I haven’t produced a lot of offense this season so it felt good to get those two goals,” said Stenger. “I had been practicing the same kick with my dad all week so I knew it was going to go in.”

Mercy coach Albert Oni was happy with his team’s performance and feels they are ready to begin the playoff season.

“We tried to stay focus and stick to the system,” said Oni. “The game had a playoff feel to it, and it was good for our players heading into playoffs.”

The Magic will face the IAAM A Conference defending champions, St. Vincent Pallotti High School, in the first round of playoffs next Tuesday.