Ryan Knapp
July 10, 2010—11:30 a.m. EST

BUFFALO, NY—Jordie Ciffetelli’s goal in the 88th minute was the difference for FC Sonic (10-1-1) as they advance to the National Premier Soccer League Northeast Region playoffs with a 1-0 victory over Erie Admirals (9-1-2).  

The game was a must win for FC Sonic who clinched a spot in the one-off playoff match against either the Brooklyn Italians or New York Red Bulls from the Northeast Region’s Atlantic Conference.  

With the loss, Erie are eliminated from post season play in 2010.  

"I got the ball and saw that I had some space, so I just struck it," Ciuffetelli said. "The ball was on target right away and then it was deflected. I thought it was going long, but it got past their keeper and I saw it go in the net."

Throughout the match, Sonic and Erie had chances fall to the wayside.  Erie hit the post twice while FC Sonic’s Carlington Lamont missed an chance early to put Sonic ahead. 

The contest was a mirror image to the first encounter of the season in Erie.  Sonic won on that night with a goal in the 87th minute after a back and forth struggle.  

"I told the boys at halftime that we had to win it," Weitzman said. "We didn’t want to rely on what Erie would do against the Pocono Snow on Sunday. We wanted to be really attack-minded and aggressive and go for it tonight. The boys persevered all year. They won so many games in the last few moments and they did it again tonight. I’ll take it any way we can get it."

Erie coach John Melody summed up his feelings on the night. "It's a funny game," Melody said. "On one end we hit goalposts two times and the ball went out. On the other end it hits the post and goes in. They're a great team and good luck to them, They set themselves out right and I can only wish them the best."

FC Sonic await the result of the Brooklyn Italians-New York Red Bull match on Saturday.  A draw or win for New York Red Bull ensures a showdown next weekend.  A Brooklyn Italians victory would force them to win their final match of the season against New York Athletic Club to move on.  A draw against New York Athletic Club would complicate the picture and be determined based on several tie breakers.

Quotes courtesy of Morning Call match report