The Chicago Force contained the Boston Militia for the first quarter July 9, and actually led 7-6. But then the roof caved in.
The Militia scored on the first play of the second quartera 5-yard touchdown run by Whitney Zeleeand carried a 30-15 edge at halftime, and then rolled over the Force in the second half.
Boston won 50-23 in the second-round playoff battle, played at Evanston Township High School.
The Force season ends with a 9-1 recordand plenty of tears.
"This probably was the worst loss [of my career,]" said Albi Zhubi. "We had all the weapons, all the tools to go all the way this season. It's really frustrating."
Chicago built a 7-6 lead in the final minutes of the first quarter when quarterback Sami Grisafe connected with Jeannette Gray on a 40-yard pass.
Grisafe hit Zhubi with an 11-yard pass late in the second quarter as Chicago tried to stay in step with the speedy Militia.
Boston built a 43-15 lead in the third quarter before Grisafe hit Jessica Springer with a touchdown pass to end the third 43-23 in favor of the visitors.
"Offensively, we got off to a slow start and just couldn't get going. And a slow start for our offense is not beneficial to our team," Zhubi said. "Defensively, we needed to stop them at points and didn't.
"We were expecting Boston to basically be our clones. They are as solid of a team as we've faced all season."