Virginia Beach, Virginia – After an 18-minute lightening delay, the W-League Piranhas kicked off their final regular season home match against the Tampa Bay Hellenic and came away with a heartbreaking 2-0 loss.
Tampa Bay opened the scoring in the 29th minute when Hellenic forward Shameka Gordon gathered a through ball from teammate Jasmine Johnson and took a high shot that blew through the outstretched fingers of Piranhas’ keeper Vicki Johnson. Less than a minute later Hampton Roads midfielder and leading scorer, Emily Kittleson, raced to the opposite end and took a shot that required an outstanding kick save by Tampa keeper Kimberly Diaz. The first half ended with the Hellenic up 1-0 and Tampa ahead on shots 6-5.
The second half featured even play with opportunities for both sides. The Sportsplex, though, was buzzing with excitement when Brazilian superstar and Piranhas’ forward Daniela made her first appearance on the field in 14 months in the 72nd minute. Daniela was injured in WPS play while playing for St. Louis. Her entry into the match was met by a loud and enthusiastic welcome by the crowd at the Sportsplex and she had her first shot on goal in the 74th minute that was saved by Tampa keeper Kimberley Diaz.
Just two minutes later, the Hellenic went up 2-0 on an unassisted strike by forward Rachel Price. The Piranhas could not recover and the loss eliminates Hampton Roads from postseason play.
The W-League Piranhas travel to Tampa Bay on July 17th to play the Hellenic in the second match of their home and home series. This match will close out the Piranhas’ 2010 season.
For more information on the Hampton Roads Piranhas, including camps, please call 757-226-9020 or visit www.hrpiranhas.com.
Scoring Summary
1 2 F
Hampton Roads: 0 0 0
Tampa Bay: 1 1 2
Tampa Bay: Shameka Gordon 29 (Jasmine Johnson)
Tampa Bay: Rachel Price 76 (Unassisted)
Starting Lineups:
Hampton Roads: Vicky Johnson, Melanie Adams, Katy Winsper, Caitlin Burke, Laurel McKenzie, Allicia Kostka (Wendy Waddell 56), Jamie Clarke (Julia DooLittle 86), Rachel Gerdin (Danila Lima 72), Kara Cooper (Kari Byzewski 87), Kirby Stenard, Emily Kittleson
Tampa Bay: Kimberly Diaz, Sokhara Goodall, Molly Stack (Katie Reed-Clark 80), Dari Alcantara, Jo Dragotta, Valorie O’Brien (Katy Ling 59), Rachel Fell, Sarah Chapman (Arielle Orr 65), Tahnai Annis (Kathryn Shafer 76), Jasmine Johnson, Shameka Gordon (Rachel Price 65)
Statistics:
Shots: HR 10, TB 14; Saves: HR 6, TB 5; Fouls: HR 12, TB 7; Offsides: HR 3, TB 1; Corners: HR 3, TB 2; Cautions: None; Ejections: None; Officials: Stephen Ankiel, James Walker, Florian Devries; Attendance: 402; Weather: Thunderstorms, humid.
