Montgomery County's late surge wins the Semi-Final

PLAYOFFS: SEMI-FINAL

Montgomery County   4
Gateway United         2   

BOX SCORE

The playoff Semi-Final between Gateway United and Montgomery County got started on Wednesday night when Landon Donovan opened the scoring with a spectacular goal. Then on Thursday night Steve Ralston's assist pulled in the equalizer at 1-1. On Saturday both teams came up empty meaning Sunday was going to be the deciding factor. One of the Saints hero's from the second half of the regular season, Jeff Cunningham, came through again with an assist in Sunday's early game giving Gateway United the lead once again at 2-1. Now it was the Monarch's turn, as one of their regular season hero's, Omar Cummings, came through with not one, but two goals, to give Montgomery County their first lead of the game.

The night cap would be the clincher. The Saints held their hopes on Fredy Ljundberg. If he could score Gateway United would hold the tiebreaker for penalty kicks. Then, in the 58th minute Ljundberg gave a pass to a wide open Zakuani who pushed it over the net. It was an easy opportunity wasted. It would prove to be the end, as only 10 minutes later Montgomery County sealed the deal when Nate Jaqua's goal gave the team some breathing room.

The Monarchs will now advance to face the Capital District Gunners for the BSL Cup. Gateway United will have a week off before regrouping for the Majors Cup. It was a gritty and competitive playoff game for both teams participating.