Rebecca Alvira had a strong game MSM. Here she takes on Nichols defender during last week's game. (photo by Jeff Barnes of Metro Source)

Two games into the Monsignor Martin Association league schedule, the Mt. Mercy Academy soccer team was already at a must win stage.

With only the top four teams advancing to the playoffs, the 0-2 start in league play had the Magic taking a playoff game approach against Mt. St. Mary Academy.

And the game had a playoff feel to it.

Nikki Borodzik scored the game-winner in the second overtime, off a nice feed from Rebecca Alvira, as Mt. Mercy defeated Mt. St. Mary, 2-1.

"I was telling the girls it was a must win," stated Mt. Mercy coach John Glose. "Because, only four teams make the playoffs now and we are going to be battling a team like that for one of those spots. So every league game is that much more important."

The game didn't start off well for the Magic as Mt. St. Mary took the play to the them in the first 20 minutes of the game - and in the end the Thunder were able to strike first.

Five minutes in the Magic saw themselves down 1-0 as Gabriella D'Aguair finished off a wonderful ball from Anna Jones.

It wasn't the start that was envisioned by Glose or his team.

"They took it to us early in game. We have to find a way to start fast," stated Glose. "We done that in a couple of game, where we did not star fast. We gave them confidence. We gave them the first goal of the game and Mt. St. Mary played real, real hard."

The second 20 minutes was all Magic, but in like games past they couldn't find the back of the net.

Mt. Mercy peppered the Thunder goalkeeper, but couldn't get one past her until late in the first half when sub Haley O'Donnell finally was able to tie the score.

O'Donnell took the shot from about 20 yards out and lofted the ball just over the outstretched arms of the Thunder keeper.

It was the freshman's first goal of her career and she celebrated like it was as she jumped in the air in excitement.

"Haley is just a freshman and she is working really hard," Glose said. "She deserved that goal, she worked for it."

From there it stayed tied until the second overtime when Alvira played a perfect through to Borodzik - who calmly tapped it home.

The Magic almost had a 3-1 lead as Alvira beat the keeper, but her ball was just cleared off the line by the Thunder defender.