Royals open season with 1-1 US Open Cup play-in draw

The Northern Virginia Royals opened their 2009 campaign with a 1-1 tie against the home team Reading Rage in preliminary US Open Cup qualification.  A second half goal from Northern Virginia’s Joe Barnd drew the match even and ultimately secured the well-earned point for the visiting Royals.
 
As is often the case on opening night, both sides suffered numerous turnovers and transitions in the first half.  However it would be the composed play of the home side that earned the first goal of the night.  Rage midfielder John Ports slotted a through ball to teammate Aaron Wheeler, who poked home the ball from eight yards out in the 34th minute of play.
 
After the break, the visiting Royals picked up on the speed of play, sending some driven direct balls behind the Reading defense.  Northern Virginia earned the equalizer in the 63rd minute when Ernesto Marquez found Royal forward Matt Brady down the deep side on a crisp pass.  Brady quickly cut the ball back and served it into the Reading goalmouth, finding the glancing header from a rising Brand into the side netting to pull the game even 1-1.
 
Northern Virginia veterans Grady Renfrow and Kareem Sheta, together with former Super Y-League alumni Steve Wagoner and Nick Sylvester (subbed Daniel Lucas) anchored a sturdy Royals defense throughout the half.

Not willing to accept a draw, the Rage launched a furious attack in the latter part of the second half.  Northern Virginia goalkeeper Sean Kelley (eight saves on the night) answered the call, making two spectacular saves in the final minutes to preserve the tie.
 
 “I was pleased with the effort from the group, and felt like they responded well to some adversity, worked through it and had many chances to get the away win,” commented Head Coach Tom Torres. “Reading was a quality side, and played a strong game throughout.”
 
The Rage finished atop the USL Premier Development League Mid Atlantic Division in 2009 with an impressive 11-3-2 record.
 
The Royals will kick off their home season Sunday night, May 10th against the Cary Clarets (NC) at Fairfax High School in Fairfax, Virginia.   Match time is scheduled for 6:00PM.