CHICOPEE, MA (06/26/10) - The New England Mutiny (2-2-3 WPSL East-Northeast) hosted the Connecticut Passion (3-2-2 WPSL East-Northeast) at Chicopee Comprehensive H.S. in an important Northeast Division match, resplendent with post-season implications for both sides.

With a three-team battle for second place behind the division-leading Boston Aztec Breakers Reserves (6-0-1 WPSL East-Northeast), every result at this stage of the season is like a knockout stage contest.

After another match that saw New England dominate possession yet allow another early goal, the 1-0 loss to the Passion may have ended the Mutiny's bid to make the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) post-season for a seventh occasion.

The top two sides in each of the three divisions of the East Conference qualify for the playoffs, and while the five-time Final Four participants aren't mathematically eliminated, they will need to win out - starting today with a road match at Maine (3:00 p.m.) - and hope for the Passion & Boston Aztec U-23 (3-1-1 WPSL East-Northeast) to falter.

Like the U.S. Men's National Team, the Mutiny have played with grit, pride & determination this season but have had a penchant for conceding first in their matches, forcing the team to play from behind. New England is now 1-2-2 in 2010 when they have allowed the first goal, but its the lack of a clinical offense that has befuddled their head coach.

"Other than [the goal we allowed], we played well defensively," said Lauren Molinaro. "We played great offensively but we can't finish."

The lone goal of the match occurred in the 14th minute, as Connecticut simply cleared a long ball towards the Mutiny defense. The Passion's leading scorer Jillian Strassner (4 goals) intercepted the failed clearance, dribbled towards goal and beat New England goalkeeper Jackie Fede for the eventual game-winning goal.

This came after an early scoring opportunity for UConn's Meghan Cunningham, whose header towards goal in the 8th minute was tipped over the crossbar. Cunningham has rebounded from an earlier suspension, and created another scoring chance in the 32nd minute with a shot that flew just over goal.

But other than that, it was another match where the Mutiny controlled the run of play but were unable to manufacture consistent quality scoring opportunities. The visitors absorbed, played physically and it took until the 83rd minute for New England to really threaten the Passion goal again, as team captain Jenny Maurer hit the cross bar with her shot.

The Mutiny travel to Maine today for a 3:00 p.m. match against Maine, while their last home game of the 2010 season will occur on Saturday, July 10. New England will host the Boston Aztec Breakers Reserves at Chicopee Comp. H.S. at 7:05 p.m. in what the team hopes to be a chance to still solidify a spot in the East Conference playoffs.

About the New England Mutiny: The New England Mutiny are a charter member of the WPSL East Conference, winning five East titles while reaching the WPSL National Final on two occasions. For more information on the team, please visit http://www.mutinysoccer.com or send an e-mail to info@mutinysoccer.com. AAA (American Automobile Association) of Pioneer Valley is the Official Team Sponsor of the Mutiny for the Summer 2010 season. Visit their official website by clicking HERE to receive a quote on auto, home, life, business, long-term care insurance and more!

RELATED LINK:

• The Republican - Match Report

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