PDL Royals drubbed by Cary in Raleigh, renew in-state rivalry Saturday

The Northern Virginia Royals fell to 0-2-1 on the season following a punishing 6-1 loss at the hands on the Cary Clarets in Raleigh, North Carolina Saturday night.  A defensive collapse in final ten minutes of the first half produced a Cary lead that proved insurmountable to the visiting Royals.
 
The flow of the match began much different than the end result on the night.  With neither side showing a clear advantage early, the match remained scoreless through the 35th minute.  The tide rapidly turned as the Royal initially gave up an own goal giving the Clarets the 1-0 lead.  Before the Royals could regain composure, Cary attacked furiously, scoring three more unanswered goals in the next nine minutes, giving them a 4-0 lead at the break,
 
The lone bright spot on the night for Northern Virginia came late in the second half.  After over thirty minutes of a scoreless second half, Royal forward AJ Sheta finally found the net for the visitors, knocking home the tally in the 78th minute for the visitors. Cary responded, scoring two additional goals for the home side in the final five minutes.
 
The Royals return home next Saturday, May 23rd, to face the Hampton Roads Piranhas at Fairfax High School in Fairfax, Virginia.  Match time is set for 7:00PM