New York Magic Press Release - www.nymagicsoccer.com

UPDATE - Friday, February 5, 2010

KINGSTON, JAMAICA - "We are here in Montego Bay Jamaica and it is hot, especially considering it was so cold in NYC when we left yesterday," said New York Magic President, Lyndelle Phillips via email. "This morning five Magic players traveled with me, Nino (DePasquali) and Calvin Salmon, our assistant coach, to Kingston to appear on a morning sports talk show called Jamaica Smile. We were on with the coach of the Jamaican Women’s National Team. It was fun."

Thursday, February 04, 2010

NEW YORK, NY – Members of the New York Magic USL W-League squad boarded a plane bound for Jamaica early this morning to compete in a Celebrity Brawta Event to be held on Sunday, February 7, 2010 in Appleton Estate, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. The Magic team was invited to play the match as a fundraiser for underprivileged schools in St. Elizabeth.

During the trip, the Magic will also conduct clinics and training sessions for the local youth players. In addition, the event will feature a Jamaican Celebrity Football team versus an Appleton Estate team.

“Many of the players traveling with the team to Jamaica have played W-League matches with the Magic,” said New York Magic President, Lyndelle Phillips. “Others are trying-out and looking to establish themselves for the 2010 W-League season.”

The Magic contingent includes Suzy Baldissard, a senior goalkeeper at Iona College who played with the Magic until prior to the 2009 season. Baldissard missed the 2009 W-League season due to a back injury.

“Suzy is trying to work her way back into the Magic’s starting lineup for the upcoming season,” said Phillips.

Courtney McMahon and Alexandra Konneker, two standout seniors from Manhattan College are also traveling with the Magic.

“Courtney played for the Magic in 2009 and with the Connecticut Passion in 2008,” said Phillips.

Other collegiate stars include Brittany Sasselin (University of Maine), Kelci Hegg (Vanderbilt) and Emma Howes (Fairleigh Dickinson). All three players played for the Magic during the 2009 season.

“We feel very fortunate to be able to afford the Magic family the opportunity to travel and compete on an International level,” added Phillips.