Despite grabbing an early lead, the Northern Virginia Majestics surrendered four goals in the road trip loss to the Hampton Roads Piranhas Saturday night in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Hampton Roads midfielder Emily Kittleson led the Piranhas charge, scoring an impressive three goals for the home side on the evening.
Northern Virginia began the match in similar form to the previous weeks, keeping a sturdy defense in place while testing the lanes down the side in generating an attack. The strategy seemed sound, as the Majestics struck first in the 20th minute after Hampton Roads surrendered a corner kick. Majestic midfielder Kim Moss’ deep corner set up a driving header from Jessica Frech for the 1-0 Northern Virginia lead.
Hampton Roads responded with a renewed sense of vigor for the remainder of the half as Kittleson found the net in the 28th and 33rd minutes, giving the Piranhas the 2-1 half-time advantage.
The second half began with yet another momentum change, as Northern Virginia launched an inspired effort to draw the game even. Majestic midfielder Bailey Wilcox slotted the ball to fellow teammate Casey Vornadore in the 67th minute. Vornadore shot struck true into the Hampton Roads net giving the visiting Majestics the 2-2 equalizer.
Hampton Roads took little time in answering, putting together five quick passes in succession from the kick-off to attack into the Majestics defensive third. Kittleson’s cross found the head of forward Kirby Stenard to give the ultimate game-winning goal in the 68th minute.
With the Majestics pushed forward in an attempt to again equalize in the waning minutes of the match, Kittleson took advantage of the empty defensive third in adding her third tally of the night.
Northern Virginia returns to the road next week, facing the Atlanta Silverbacks on Friday and then the Charlotte Eagles the following evening. The Majestics return home on Saturday, July 3rd, to again face Charlotte at Hellwig Memorial Park in Manassas, Virginia. Match time is scheduled for 7:00PM.
