Lancaster Inferno and a day of Firsts...

Lancaster PA The Inferno's Amy Pickard, a University of Delaware freshman, will go down in the Inferno history books recording the first goal in franchise history after she split two defenders in the 53rd minute on a perfectly placed through ball from her college teammate Kasie Shover. The goal gave the Inferno its first ever win in its first ever game holding off the threatening Millburn Magic late in the game to preserve the 1-0 shutout.

Both teams played even through the first half with noteworthy performances from players on both sides of the ball. The Magic's central defender Dominique Sinclair-Chambers was stellar holding the Inferno attack scoreless through the first half. The Inferno's central midfielder and West Virginia graduate, Kambria Riggins dictated much of the tempo for the Inferno playing all 90 minutes in the center of the park.

The Inferno will play their first away match and first night game as they travel to J. Birney Crum Stadium to take on the Northampton Laurels FC at 7:30 PM on Saturday, May 31.

Lancaster Edge Millburn 1-0 in Thriller

Millburn Magic went down to a close defeat on Sunday, losing by the only goal to the Lancaster Inferno in a hard fought game on Sunday in a WPSL East Mid-Atlantic conference game.

Millburn made one change from the 3-0 win over Delaware less than 48 hours earlier, Chrissie Sidie starting instead of the unavailable Denise Gosling, However, in rainy conditions, it was the home team who started stronger, moving the ball around quickly, and dominating possession against a Millburn team who struggled to step up against better opponents. The Magic were outnumbered in the middle, so pushed Sara Grimsgaard into midfield from central defense 20 minutes into the game, which stemmed the attacking tide flowing from Lancaster . This had the desired effect, and as the Magic started to retain possession, they enjoyed a good spell for ten minutes before half-time – Tara Ricciardi striking a good effort from distance. Kim Malecki also warmed the Lancaster GK's hands with a drive from the edge of the area, although as the half drew to a close, Lia Fierro had to be out smartly the save at the feet of midfielder Katie Lamm.

Just as the sun started to appear for the first time in two games, the second half also started brightly for the Magic. Forward Jen Vroman started to hold the ball up, allowing the Millburn midfield to get into the game, with Rachel Fell and Elin Olsson starting to penetrate down the wings. Just as the Magic were enjoying their best spell of the game however, Lancaster scored what was to be the decisive goal in the 64th minute. Ironically - having defended well throughout - the Magic were undone by a momentary lapse, a long ball down the middle, which striker Amy Pickard slotted past a helpless Fierro. Stung by the shock of conceding their first goal of the campaign, the Magic responded strongly. Sam Weiner came on to make her first appearance of the season in center midfield and Caitlin Fabian came on to the left side of defense, pushing Kat McKenna further forward to penetrate on the left, as the Magic set about finding a way through a well organized home defense. With Lara Kaminski pulling the strings in midfield, Millburn pushed forward trying to find an opening, but as time ran out, all they had to show for it were a narrowly wide shot from Fell and a drive over the bar from Friday's two goal hero Steph Sabaliauskis.

After a strong showing against Delaware in the league opener, the Magic move to 1-1, while the Inferno open at 1-0. As the last of their players return from college, the Magic now rest until their next game, a May 31st date at home to Philadelphia Liberty, 7pm kick off at Millburn High School . The Liberty (0-0-1) will be happy with their season opener yesterday, an impressive 0-0 tie with last year's conference winners Atlantic City Diablos.

Magic Line-Up: Lia Fierro, Tara Ricciardi, Donnique Sinclair-Chambers, Sara Grimsgaard, Kat McKenna, Rachel Fell, Chrissie Sidie, Lara Kaminski, Jen Vroman, Steph Sabaliauskis, Kim Malecki. Subs: Elin Olsson (23), Sam Weiner (65), Caitlin Fabian (66), Liza Grimsgaard, Suzie Baldissard,

The Millburn Magic is the Northern NJ member of the Women's Premier Soccer League, an independent national league representing the highest level of women's soccer in the United States . The Magic are part of The New Jersey Soccer Group, a management company representing a family of soccer based organizations offering a full range of soccer services in northern New Jersey