Majestics Down Dutch Lions

Northern Virginia Majestics News Release - www.novafc.org

Sunday, July 8, 2012

MANASSAS, VA – In a season wrought with struggles on the pitch and last minute heartbreaks, the Northern Virginia Majestics showed their grit in a 2-1 victory against the Dayton Dutch Lions Sunday night at Hellwig Park in Manassas, Virginia.  Ashley Pfaff and Sonia Basma each scored while Majestics goalkeeper Emma Kruse made several spectacular saves to earn the first victory of the season for Northern Virginia.

Similar to the match the night before against Virginia Beach, the Majestics found themselves in the lead early.  Northern Virginia midfielder Kelsey Quinn intercepted a Dayton pass and found teammate Pfaff cutting into the left side of the Lions' penalty box.  Pfaff fired a high shot that skipped off the outstretched fingertips of Dayton goalkeeper Ashley Daniels and into the net for the 1-0 Northern Virginia lead.

The Majestics continued to pressure throughout the first half and nearly doubled their lead just before the break when midfielder Amanda Olsen fired on target from nearly 30 yards out. Daniels redirected the shot to ping of the crossbar and away to safety.

The Majestics started the second half with the same focus and enthusiasm they showed throughout the initial 45 minutes, and managed to double their lead in the 64th. Basma broke free and raced in on the Dayton goal, only to find herself hauled to the ground inside the Dayton penalty box just before finishing her shot.  With the referee signaling the penalty kick, Basma blasted past Daniels untouched into the net.

The Dutch Lions' offensive persistence continued throughout the waning minutes of the match and was rewarded in the 84th minute.  Dayton forward Brittany Charles collected an errant pass and blasted her shot past Kruse to cut the Northern Virginia lead in half.

With Dayton pressing for the equalizer, the Majestics defense stepped up and held firm to preserve the victory.

Northern Virginia remains at home for their next game, a rematch against the Dayton Dutch Lions on Wednesday, July 11.  Game time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Hellwig Memorial Park.