End of the Road for National Champs as the Fury Lose in WPSL Playoffs

July 21, 2007-In Atlantic City tonight, a place which has seen many world boxing titles change hands, the reigning women's national soccer champions, the Long Island Fury, were dethroned at the feet of the Atlantic City Diablos, 3-1, in double overtime. The Diablos advance to the Eastern Conference finals of the Women's Premier Soccer League.

The Fury finished the season at 8-2-2 while Atlantic City is 9-2-0. Long Island had a devil of a time with the Diablos as their only two losses in 2007 came to Atlantic City.

Tonight's playoff win for the Diablos avenges their 2-1 playoff loss to the Fury last year.

"A disaapointing night. We didn't have enough to win," commented Fury head coach Paul Riley. "I thought we showed the immaturity of our youth tonight by not closing out the match."

"Atlantic City is a good team and they seemed to want it a bit more than we did," Coach Riley continued.

Long Island got on the board first when Cody Newman of Bellerose scored in the 37th minute off an assist from Katelynn Donovan of Melville.

Fury goalkeeper Becky Wachsberger of East Meadow was injured on the Diablos' tying goal in the 88th minute and was replaced in net by Laura Elfers of Deer Park.

Overtime goals in the 102nd and 114th minutes sealed the win for the Diablos.

"Yet it was another great season for the Fury," Coach Riley concluded. "We peaked at the right time but it's back to the drawing board for next year."