Norfolk, VA (June 2nd, 2024) – Virginia Beach City FC defeated the Alexandria Rough Diamonds 3-2, giving them their first win of the season. The home squad broke their three-game losing streak and extended the Rough Diamond’s streak in the match.
Virginia Beach City FC came out of the game fast and strong, creating several chances in the first few minutes. VB City forwards, Ryan Mahon and Jack Kaupas, challenged the Alexandria back line from the first whistle, getting four shots away in the first 10 minutes.
The pressure and combination play of the forwards finally caught up to the Rough Diamonds. In the 11th minute, Kaupas was able to find the ball at his feet in the box and took shot that hit off the post and back into play. Rough Diamonds goalie, Bronson Shepherd, and defender, Michael Seelhorst, failed to communicate and both met the ball, resulting in an own goal.
VB City kept their foot on the gas, getting many chances in or around the box. Shepherd did well to keep four straight shots out after Virginia Beach earned three straight corners in a row. Soon after, Virginia Beach City FC’s Joel Albritton was fouled at the top of the box and Shepheard again made an incredible save on Zach Golden’s powerful attempt.
Golden was not done testing Shepherd, as in the 39th minute, VB City FC earned a corner and played a short ball to the defensive midfielder who took a curling effort on to the goal. The ball was placed perfectly into the top right corner to double the lead and give Golden his second goal of the season.
Virginia Beach City went into half time with all the momentum and came out with the same energy. In the 49th minute, after solid link up play through the midfield, Golden lobbed a cross toward the front post to the head of Kaupas. The striker was able to nod the ball past the outstretched hands of Shepherd and give VB City a 3-0.
Just as the game looked almost wrapped up, Alexandria found a second gear. In the 67th minute, Maguire Alden was able to get enough space in the box to blaze a shot past the hands of Matthew Yates, the Virginia Beach City FC substitute keeper, who had come on for Jack Desroches. Just minutes later, the Rough Diamonds converted on a set piece that bounced off two players heads and went into the net.
For the remaining 20 minutes of the game, Virginia Beach City was able to bounce back and handle the pressure from the Rough Diamonds. The home squad had many chances to metaphorically ice the game with one-on-one chances for Isaiah Williams and Riley Usher did not fall in the 80th and 85th minute.
In stoppage time, VB City fans had to hold their breath as Emmanuel Mbakop broke free for a chance on Yates. The second-string goalie was able to disrupt Mbakop just enough to where the ball rolled just wide of the goal.
Virginia Beach City FC snuck away with the 3-2 win, but it did not come without some late game scares by the Alexandria Rough Diamonds. VB City has a long 10-day break before they head to Richmond to play Grove Soccer United on Wednesday, June 12th. The Rough Diamonds match up on Friday night with the Annapolis Blues away on Friday, June 7th.
Written by: Carter Atherton.
