Charleston, West Virginia – Playoff berths were not at stake at Shoembaum Stadium when the PDL Piranhas (4-6-4) and the West Virginia Chaos (4-8-1) kicked off their second meeting of the season Saturday night but the match was intense and hard-fought just the same. Hampton Roads forward Tommy Schmitt’s 71st minute goal made the difference in the match as the teams split their home and home series. West Virginia won at the Sportsplex 2-0 on June 27.
Both teams came out running but West Virginia began with more pressure, putting three shots on goal in the first two minutes of play. Piranhas’ keeper Tyler Benham kept the clean sheet with three skillful saves. The teams played back and forth with a lot of midfield play through the 29th minute when the match was called for lightning in the area and the teams left the field for over 60 minutes.
When play resumed the run of play was similar in quality. Some chances on goal for both teams but lots of shots high and wide, left or right and many shots from distance was the order of play for both sides. The half ended 0-0 with Benham making eight saves and the Chaos outshooting the Piranhas 11-4.
There was far less order in the second half. But the Piranhas took advantage of their one chance and won the game. In the 71st minute, Piranhas forward Devin Pierce sent a ball in to defender Wilver Menacho who took a shot from 27 yards out. West Virginia keeper Adam Mitchell deflected the shot and Tommy Schmitt jumped on the rebound striking it into the back of the net to take the Piranhas up 1-0. It was Schmitt’s first goal of the season.
Piranhas’ goalkeeper Ryan Zmuda entered the game for the start of the second half to split play. In the 89th minute, the Chaos intercepted a Piranhas pass and sent it into the area where forward Joe Barber hit a point blank header that Zmuda punched out. Midfielder Richard Johnson corralled the rebound sending it on frame forcing another save by Zmuda; Davies then took on shot off the rebound right in the middle of the frame and again Zmuda was right there to preserve the win.
The PDL Piranhas will host the Northern Virginia Royals Friday night, July 23 at 7:30 p.m. in their final home game of the season in the first half of a home and home series with the Royals. The Red and White will close their 2010 campaign on Sunday in Northern Virginia at 5:30 p.m. at Hellwig Memorial Stadium. This will mark the first meetings of the season for the two teams.
For more information on the 2010 or 2011 Hampton Roads Piranhas, including sponsorships, tickets or to volunteer, please call 757-226-9040 or visit www.hrpiranhas.com.
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