Wambach and Rapinoe Lead Magicjack Past Boston In First Round of WPS Playoffs

Abby Wambach and Megan Rapinoe displayed some of that World Cup magic again tonight in helping Magicjack win in their first round of the Women's Professional Soccer League Playoffs.

Behind two goals by Wambach, and another by Rapinoe, Magicjack tonight defeated Boston 3-1 to advance to the semi-final round.

On Saturday at 4 p.m. ET, they will play Philadelphia, with the winner going on to play Western New York in the Final on August 27. 

Wambach struck early in the 6th minute, but then a costly mistake by Magicjack's defense allowed Boston's Keelin Winters to equalize the score at 1-1 at the end of the first half.

In the second half, Boston made a crucial mistake in being called for a takedown in their own penalty box.  Wambach took the penalty kick, and easily converted it to put Magicjack up 2-1.

Four minutes later, in the 61st minute, Megan Rapinoe headed a cross into the goal to put the game away for good, 3-1.

"We played well for the first 20 minutes, then let up for the last 25 minutes of the first half," said Wambach, who is also Magicjack's coach. "But we have veterans on this team. We don't freak out. The second half was awesome."

WPS needs for Magicjack to make it to the finals to set up a star-crossed final between World Cup stars for Magicjack (Wambach, Rapinoe) and Western New York (Alex Morgan and Marta).  It would be an excellent way to continue the wave of popularity for the sport right before the US Women's National Team comes together later this fall for their friendly matches with Canada.