After two seasons of fair heartbreak, missing the Playoffs in each by the narrowest of margins through a late season collapse, the Knockouts made great strides in 2009.  Not only did they manage to qualify for the Postseason, they locked up their spot with three weeks to spare and didn't stop there, sweeping their closest competitors, the Boston Blitz, in Week Eight which served as a springboard for New Jersey to win the Eastern Division Title with the best record in the League.

     The Knockouts continued their torrid pace in the first round of the Playoffs, winning a strong match in the Quarterfinals against the Baltimore Kingfishers.  But then their old foes, the New York Knights, who had knocked them out of contention the past two years at the last moment, managed to strike again defeating the Knockouts in a very tight Semifinal match.

     Though, like for all teams but one, the end of the season came with fair disappointment for New Jersey, it was unquestionably a break through year for them, showcasing that they really have the ability to finish at the top.  GM Boris Gulko, who moved his overall league record to an astounding eight wins and no losses, was without question a very key part of this strong run becoming the top All Star on Board Two.  Along with him, 2007 All Star and Team Leader GM Joel Benjamin, another 2009 All Star, IM Dean Ippolito, and FM Victor Shen all had very strong seasons as well, each winning some very critical games for the team.  With so many strong performers, the Knockouts have many reasons to be very optimistic about what the future might bring for them.