The Piranhas fell behind early when Ocean City defender John Fletcher scored in the 17th minute. The Nor’Easters went up 2-0 in the 70th minute on a goal by Terry Gibbs off a cross from the corner. Piranhas head coach Leroi Wilson then began making some substitutions. The subs did the job.
In the 87th minute, Hampton Roads was in their offensive third when midfielder Harry Gillespie took a shot on goal. The rebound was collected by forward Mamadou Kone who buried the ball from a seemingly impossible angle to pull the Piranhas to within one. Right at 90 minutes, midfielder Brian Iotte took a shot from 24 yards out that was just out of reach of Ocean City keeper Brett Mollon to forge the draw. Ocean City outshot the Piranhas 18-7.
“I brought in some subs to try to spark a comeback,” said Coach Wilson. “They did a great job and made the difference for us.”
The PDL Piranhas will play their home opener next Saturday night, May 22 at 5:30 p.m. against New Jersey in the first half of a doubleheader with the W League side. The women will take on Charlotte at 8 p.m. All Piranhas home games are at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex.
For more information on the Hampton Roads Piranhas, to volunteer, to become a sponsor or to purchase tickets, please call 757-226-9040 or visit www.hrpiranhas.com.
Scoring Summary 1 2 FT
Hampton Roads 0 2 2
Ocean City 1 1 2
Starting Lineups:
Hampton Roads: Renato Barbosa, Jacob Corliss (Harry Gillespie 77), Brian Cunningham (Austin Knight 56), Ian Holder (TJ Cyrus 58), Bryan Iotte, Robert Acosta, Nick Fogelsong (Devin Pierce 59), Wilver Menacho, Tommy Webb, Thomas Schmitt (Mamadou Kone 53), Ryan Zmuda
Ocean City: Daniel Braun (Terry Gibbs 45), Max Hamilton (Giancarlo Granese 85), Ryan Richter, William Swetra (Alex Weldman 72), Kevin Curren, John Fletcher, Matthew Griffin (Salvatore Pistone 89), Kevin Strunk, Byron Carmichael, Junior Chapman (Austin Johnson 60), Bret Mollon
Game Statistics
Shots: HRP 7, OC 10; Saves: HRP 4, OC 6; Fouls: HRP 8, OC 12; Offsides: HRP 4 OC 5; Corners: HRP 3, OC 1.
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