Northern Virginia Majestics drop season opener to Hampton Roads

The Northern Virginia Majestics failed to find the net, falling 2-0 to the Hampton Roads Piranhas Saturday evening at Virginia Wesleyan College in Norfolk, Virginia.  Two goals in five minutes from Piranhas substitute Shaneka Gordon lifted the home side to victory over the beleaguered Majestics.
 
Despite threatening weather throughout most of the day, game time was met with clear skies and cool temperatures. The first half of play featured some quality play for both sides, yet neither team could make a notch on the scoreboard.  The Majestics best chance of the half came when newcomer Katya Arruda gathered a loose ball deep in Piranha territory and spun uncontested at the Hampton Roads net.  The alertness of Piranha goalkeeper Vicki Johnson kept the home-side safe when she bolted forward and smothered the ball at the feet of Arruda.
 
The Piranhas nearly scored late in the half when veteran Mercy Akide fired a rocket into the upper corner of the Majestic goal from twenty five yards out. Northern Virginia keeper Kerri Butler made a spectacular save, tipping the shot just wide of the net and keeping the game scoreless at the half.
 
The game was decided midway through the second half by Hampton Roads substitute Gordon.  Piranha midfielder Wendy Waddell fed a ball to Gordon, who lifted it over Northern Virginia keeper Butler for the first tally of the night in the 74th minute. Gordon capped the scoring in the 79th minute, calmly tucking the ball into the net from teammate Emily Kittleson for the 2-0 victory.
 
Northern Virginia continues on the road next weekend, traveling to face the Tampa Bay Hellenic next Saturday, May 23rd.  The Majestics return home the following week on Saturday, May 30th, to face the Cary Clarets at Hellwig Field in Manassas, Virginia. The Majestics are hosting a Pink Out event to raise money for the Mary Kay Ash foundation.  Match time is set for 6:00PM.