OCEAN CITY, N.J. - The rain put a damper on the commute to the family friendly atmosphere of Ocean City, New Jersey, but one the Ironbound express rolled onto the field it was business as usual. Needing one point to clinch one of two spots in the Mid-Atlantic Division post-season, the Express walked into the sunset with a 3-0 victory over the Ocean City Nor’easters at Carey Stadium on Wednesday night.

The Express entered the contest being shutout in their previous two contests to Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia the past weekend. A combination of veterans and rookies took the field with one thing on their minds, “win”.

“Today we played well”, said head coach George Vichniakov. “We have practiced hard this week after a disappointing weekend.”

The Express got on the board in the 32nd minute as former Ocean City Baron defender Robert Youhill caught a beautiful cross pass from Hamir Niebles inside the box to beat OC netminder Tunde Ogunbiyi. Keeping the pressure on the Nor’easters, the Express capitalized on one of four corner kicks in the half as Niebles’ kick found the head of Chris Karcz to give the Express a 2-0 lead six minutes later in the 36th minute.

The Express outshot their opposition 7-2 in the first half, playing one of their best half’s of the season.

To start the second half, Vichniakov made a successful substitution, as newcomer Joseph Ovenseri replaced Niebles and made a name for himself on the pitch. The, 6’4, Ovenseri was all over the offensive side of the field and was not credited for shots on target. In his first attack he nearly connected on a one-timer sweep kick on a nice corner kick from Alesci. The lanky Nigerian striker did connect in the 76th minute to give the team a 3-0 edge.

The Ironbound outshot the Nor’easters 16-4 in the contest and 5-0 on corner kicks. Ironbound netminder Ryan Meara was credited with his PDL leading ninth shutout of the season making two saves. Ogunbiyi made 10 saves as the Express peppered the Boston College netminder.

The Ironbound Express would like to thank their fans for an amazing regular-season. The Express will have off for the remainder of the week and will begin training for the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Please check the USL PSL website along with Ironboundsoccer.org for more information on where and when the Express will compete in the playoffs.

PLAYOFF INFORMATION

IRONBOUND AS #1 SEED – Reading United AC has to lose two of their final three games.