Hungry for a victory, the W-League Piranhas kicked off against Majestics at 7:30 p. m. Saturday night in what could only be described as oppressive heat and humidity. Despite the conditions, the match started off with a high tempo. The Piranhas, holding much of the early possession, heavily favored the left channel in the opening minutes but did well to send Emily Kittleson on threatening runs up the opposite flank.

The Piranhas earned several chances on goal in the first 10 minutes of play; however most of the action remained in the midfield. By the 20-minute mark, both teams had settled in and looked confident going forward. The Piranhas’ defensive efforts managed to keep play in Northern Virginia’s half for the majority of the period. 

In the 24th minute, a long ball from the back line placed Kara Cooper in a scoring position. Cooper ripped a shot from the top left corner of the 18-yard box forcing Majestics’ keeper Kelsey Quinn to make a lightning save. Minutes later in the 29th minute, Rachel Gerdin placed a gorgeous through ball to the top of the box. Cooper was able to get there just before Quinn for the chip-in goal.

With their backs continuing to press high, the Piranhas were able to compress the game and keep it in front of them for the remainder of the match with few exceptions.

The Majestics were down but they were far from out. They came out in the second half with a purpose. The rest of the match was filled with more hard tackles, 50-50 challenges, and even possession. In the 63rd minute, a Majestics striker pierced the Piranhas’ back line, but goalkeeper Victoria Johnson was there to meet the challenge with a point-blank save. The Piranhas continued to produce quality chances on goal as they searched for their first win of the season. 

Throughout the match, the Piranhas littered Northern Virginia’s goal box with 16 shots on goal and a wealth of other opportunities. Credit to Northern Virginia’s keeper who was quick to gobble up many potential Piranhas’ threats. Nevertheless, the Piranhas finished the match with a professional mentality and gathered a much-deserved first win of the season. Piranhas’ keeper Whitney Beverley played her first 45 minutes of the season in the second half and preserved the shutout and the win.

Commenting about the team’s ability to close out the game, head coach Wendy Wadell thought the match seemed extra long and that fitness was a factor. But she also talked about her team’s mindset for this match. “Coming off our come-from-behind draw with Atlanta definitely helped our confidence,” she said. “Now I know we can play with anyone.”

The W-League Piranhas had enough in the tank for the victory, and walked away from the match with their first win of the season.

The W-League Piranhas travel to Northern Virginia to face the Majestics next Saturday, June 12 and then will visit the Washington Freedom Future on Sunday, June 13. The team returns to the Sportsplex the following weekend, June 19 to host Northern Virginia again in a doubleheader with the PDL squad. Kickoff for the women’s match is at 8 p.m.

For more information about the Hampton Roads Piranhas, including tickets, sponsorships or to volunteer, please call 757-226-9040 or visit www.hrpiranhas.com.