FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 20, 2011
Virginia Beach, Virginia – On the evening of June 4, 2011, a sunny, hot day in Virginia Beach, the Piranhas hosted the Fredericksburg Impact at the Sportsplex for match day three of the 2011 W-League season. At ten minutes after seven, with five minutes left in a highly entertaining game, the Impact went up 4-3 against the Piranhas, who were still looking for their first win.
Five minutes later, the crowd turned into a frenzy. The Red and White had scored twice to make it 5-4 with the match-winner scored in stoppage time - one of three goals that night for German forward Steffi Goddard. The Piranhas had ther first win of the 2011 campaign under their belt and Goddard had her first hat trick.
“This win shows the heart and soul of our team and sets the tone for the rest of the season,” said Piranhas owner Marcie Laumann minutes after the game. How right she was.
Today Waddell said that game defined the character of her team. “Coming back from deficits makes good teams great” she said. The win over Fredericksburg meant the start of an amazing 5-1 run for her squad.
A run that deserved a happy ending and a playoff spot, but a 3-0 road loss to the Charlotte Lady Eagles on July 15, brought the season to a close for Virginia Beach - a win would have ensured post-season play.
The team met for a cookout Wednesday night, July 20, to bid their farewells after a memorable three months, and “to end the summer on a positive note”, as Waddell said. Some players had already moved on, as preseason is awaiting those still playing college soccer.
Although Waddell and her players haven’t quite shaken off the disappointment of missing the playoffs, Waddell emphasized the positive impressions the 2011 campaign will leave behind. A range of great games at the Sportsplex entertained the Piranhas fans this year and advertised the sport of soccer in Hampton Roads. “I told my players: don’t let the latest disappointment define the season,” said Waddell.
Rather, the 2011 campaign should be defined by some great individual talent, which, after some struggles at the beginning, transformed into a strong unit on and off the field.
“The relationships with the players and among the teammates are going to persevere,” said Waddell. “With all the different personalities we had in this team, we probably had the strongest company I have ever seen and the best group I have ever been with, as coach and as player.”
In many cases the “farewell” at the end of this summer might be a “see you soon,” as Waddell expects the core of the team to return for the 2012 season. Although it is too early to make definite plans, many key players are willing to play another year for the Piranhas.
Even the “German connection” - vital full back Anja Barwinsky and goal-hungry striker Stephanie Goddard, with 11 goals and that rank her second in goals in the W-League - would love to come back for another season.
“If the team stays together, we would have a great advantage, because we don’t have to get to know each other all over again,” said Waddell. “That is key in this league.”
For next year’s recruiting, the head coach wants to focus on improving the depth of her roster. “That way we can avoid dropping the level in case of the absence of certain players,” said Waddell. “That was a problem sometimes this season.”
In any case it looks like the Piranhas will be ready to put their fans into another frenzy next year. And with some luck, the next “farewell” will be delayed a couple weeks and the Red and White will compete in the playoffs.
For more information on the 2011 Virginia Beach Piranhas, including tickets, sponsorships or to volunteer, please visit www.vbpiranhas.com or call 757-572-1592.
Sebastian Fischer
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