CHICAGO (March 28, 2009) -- The Detroit Ignition took a giant step toward the first Xtreme Soccer League championship on Saturday by going to Newark and burying the New Jersey Ironmen, 12-6.

Detroit's magic number is one, with two games left to play. The Ignition (11-7) can win the title sitting at home Sunday, if New Jersey (8-9) can go into Milwaukee on Sunday and defeat the Wave (9-8) in front of a crowd expected to push 8,000 at the U.S. Cellular Arena. Detroit owns the tiebreaker over Milwaukee by virtue of a 4-3 season series victory.

The Ignition, in their third year of professional indoor soccer, don't need any help, however. A win in either of their last two games -- at home Friday against Chicago or next Sunday at New Jersey -- would send the trophy to the Motor City.

On Saturday, the Ironmen took a 2-0 lead after dominating the first quarter, but it was all Ignition after that. Ryan Mack tied the score early in the second period, and Josh Rife (at left) put the Ignition ahead for good with a 3-pointer just 54 seconds before halftime.

Rife, a top candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, also finished with three blocks.

Miki Djerisilo -- who lost 26 times in 30 games last year in Orlando -- set up Mike Apple for the next two Ignition goals, and Mack slammed the door with a 3-pointer at the 7:11 mark of the fourth to make it 12-4.

Goalkeeper Danny Waltman had another remarkable game, saving 24 of 27 shots for Detroit.

Founded last summer by the Milwaukee Wave, Detroit Ignition, New Jersey Ironmen and Chicago Storm, the Xtreme Soccer League is more than an indoor soccer league. The Xtreme Soccer Xperience is an energetic and innovative 12-month sports lifestyle brand built around skilled soccer professionals, entertainment and fan participation -- both live and online. For more information, visit XtremeSL.net.