Hampton Roads Piranhas

W-League Piranhas Open 19th Season With a Win!

05/12/2013 02:09 PM

Virginia Beach Virginia - The W-League Virginia Beach Piranhas opened their 19^th season on Saturday night as they hosted the Fredericksburg Impact at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex. Kicking off at 7:00 p.m., it didn’t take long for the scoring to begin. Five minutes in, and Fredericksburg was on the board with a beautiful strike by Mid Fielder Kara Blosser. The celebration was short-lived; however, as the Piranhas answered back in the 9^th minute as forward Esther Anyanwu fired a rocket past Impact keeper Melissa Pacheco. As the skies opened up and a sprinkle transformed into a downpour, Piranha forward Shan Jones hit a laser shot into the side netting off a crisp pass into the box from Yasmin Bunter. Lightning was threatening by half-time with the score remaining 2-1 and the Piranhas holding the lead.

Newcomers, teammates and twin sisters Hannah Goffe and Lucy Goffe played strong together in the second half. Ashley Braam came off the bench and held the midfield for the Piranhas. Impact Midfielder Kara Blosser drew a yellow card for flattening Piranhas Linda Chukwuji during stoppage. Chukwuji would leave the field temporarily to receive medical attention. Soon after returning to the field the referee called a 30 minute lightning delay in the 66^th minute. Two additional delays were finally enough to clear the skies and dry the field. After an hour and 40 minute delay play was resumed at 10:12 p.m. Fredericksburg, re-energized, came out strong with several consecutive, unanswered shots on goal. The Piranhas would see the referee pull the yellow card twice in the span of a few minutes as strong tackles on a rain soaked slick field were coming fast and furious. Chukwuji drew a yellow card in the 87^th minute and teammate Victoria Johnson was booked in the 80th minute. With two minutes of stoppage, the Piranhas held on for their first victory of the 2013 season. Final score: Piranhas 2, Impact 1.

The W-League Piranhas next face the Washington Spirit at the Maryland SoccerPlex at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 18.

Game Report by: Shannon Hendrix

2013 SEASON TICKETS NOW ON SALE

04/04/2013 11:59 AM

The Virginia Beach Piuranhas are back for our 19th consecutive year in 2013 and SEASON TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE. The Piranhas will play a combined home schedule of 13 games at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex. Get your tickets today and save on game day ticket prices. Tickets will be available for pick up at the Sportsplex on the day of our first home match. To purchase tickets just click the tickets tab at the top of our home page.

For group, team, or league ticket prices please email us at admin@hrpiranhas.com

Thanks for your support and GO FISH!!!

Busch Named New PDL Piranhas Coach

02/08/2013 04:34 PM

Busch Named New Piranhas Coach

Brings extensive experience to lead Virginia Beach in 2013

Virginia Beach Piranhas News Release -- www.vbpiranhas.com

Friday, February 8, 2013

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- The Virginia Beach Piranhas are pleased to announce that Matt Busch will take the head coaching reigns for the club’s PDL team for the 2013 season. Busch has been coaching for more than 20 years and currently holds a USSF "A" license, National Youth license, NSCAA National license and serves as Director of Club Operations for Virginia Rush Athletic Club. Busch has also served on the VYSA ODP Staff and is a member of the VYSA Coaching Education Staff.

No stranger to United Soccer Leagues, Busch was the former Operations Manager for the Hampton Roads Mariners Pro Team. Busch forwent the opportunity to play collegiately at Alfred University as a scholarship player to pursue a military career. Spending nearly 12 years serving the country as a proud member of the United States Navy, Busch participated on the U.S. Military indoor and outdoor teams throughout his service.

Piranhas president, Marcie Laumann is excited to have Busch on board as the head coach.

"I have known Matt for almost 15 years and I know when he commits to something he gives 100 percent," Laumann said. "His experience as a coach speaks for itself but the passion he brings to the game is what sets him apart. The Piranhas are here for the community and the kids. Our desire is to continue to provide opportunities for players and role models for our community. We need people with passion to infuse our program as we enter our 19th year as a USL organization. Matt can and will do just that."

"This is an incredible honor to be asked to coach in the USL for one of the finest organizations, the Piranhas," Busch said. "The PDL coaching staff and I are excited to participate in the selection process and compete on the PDL stage. This is a step in the right direction to advance the success of soccer in our area. The example provided by our athletes inspires my youth team to strive for excellence and achieve their dreams of become an elite level athlete."

The top developmental men’s league in North America, the 2013 PDL features 65 teams within four conferences throughout the United States and Canada. The PDL season consists of 16 regular season matches for each team, eight home and eight away, and provides elite collegiate players the opportunity to taste a higher level of competition while maintaining their eligibility. In addition to league play, PDL teams compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as well as various exhibitions. The PDL has proven to be an important stepping-stone for top professionals now playing throughout the world.

The Virginia Beach Piranhas are excited about the upcoming season and look forward to building a strong relationship with the youth organizations throughout the Hampton Roads community. Join us this May as we kick off the season at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex. For Season Ticket, Tryout, and Volunteer information visit www.vbpiranhas.com

Piranhas W-League Team Continues To Provide Young Women Opportunities In Our 19th Season

10/04/2012 03:22 PM

Piranhas W-League Team Continues To Provide Young Women Opportunities In Our 19th Season

Our players learn life lessons only a team can teach

“You know that line in the movie A League of Their Own? The one where Geena Davis is quitting the team to go home and she says the reason is because ‘it just got too hard?’ Tom Hanks, her coach tells her, ‘it’s supposed to be hard. If it was easy, everyone would do it.’ “Well that’s exactly how I feel about this organization. It’s all about the opportunities this team provides for young women chasing their dreams and building their confidence. It’s about the thousands of kids in our community that look up to these players as role models, and it’s about persevering against all odds.”

That’s how Marcie Laumann, President of the only remaining USL W-League franchise from the inaugural season in 1995, sums up 18 years and counting of Virginia Beach Piranhas soccer.

Piranhas History

In more detail, the Piranhas story began four years before the 1999 Women’s World Cup.

“When I told my friends back in 1995 that I wanted to found a women’s soccer franchise they all said, ‘a women’s what,’” said Laumann. “Back then, we were somewhat of a novelty. We were the underdog and the community rallied around us to help us through the first few seasons. The funny thing is, they never got tired of supporting us and continue to be our source of energy today. The 1999 Women’s World Cup changed all of that as far as public perception and awareness of the game, but we were still on the lower end of the respect totem pole when it came to local sports franchises.”

The Piranhas start was slow, just like any franchise’s beginning. The women ended the 1995 season with a 0-6-0 record under the coaching of Joanie Murphy. Despite the slow start, the Piranhas win total steadily increased for several seasons – from zero in 1995 to five in 1996 to seven in 1997 and to 10 in 2001. Then, the Piranhas put together the season of all seasons in 2003.

That season the Piranhas posted a 14-0-0 record, scoring 33 goals and only giving up five goals to opponents.

“We won four or five games in overtime during the regular season that year,” said Laumann. “That entire team had a great personality about it. We were like a great recipe together – if you take out one ingredient it’s still good, but just not the same.”

On Sunday, August 10, 2003, the Piranhas captured their first and only W-League Championship, beating the Chicago Cobras 1-0 in overtime.

“In overtime of the W-League Championship game here in Virginia Beach, we were playing a tough Chicago team and they were just an amazing defensive team,” said Laumann. “The only goal of the match was scored on a play that started with a sweet back-heal pass from Nettie Hibbs to Janet Davis. Davis hit a one-touch shot that hit the post and ricocheted right back to Mercy Akide. She buried it into the corner of the net and the next thing I remember, I was surrounded by my players. The fans went wild. I dropped to my knees and finally exhaled. A moment like that can only be experienced once. I’m proud to say those three players have all grown into exceptional young women. They are a teacher, a youth counselor, and a youth coachrespectively. Two are now married and there are 3 baby Piranhas between them.”

In the nine seasons since the Piranhas championed the W-League, the side has continued to build a tradition of excellence while collecting numerous accolades off the field. Those awards include Laumann’s repeat of the W-League Executive of the Year Award in 2001 and 2007 and the Piranhas W-League Organization of the Year Award in 2003. Laumann was also the first recipient of the Archie Moylan Award in 2000, which recognizes a person’s outstanding courage or humanitarianism.

“The game itself has evolved and the players are head and shoulders above where they were 18 years ago,” said Laumann. “But as a franchise, it is still a struggle every day to compete in the sponsorship arena. We are thankful for our corporate partners. Without them, we would not be able to continue our community programs.”

2012 Season
A force in United Soccer Leagues Atlantic Division, the Piranhas saw playoff action once again. The Piranhas faced D.C. United Women in the first round of the playoffs on July 21 at The Maryland Soccerplex. D.C. United won a hard fought match 3-0. The next week 22young women headed home or back to college. Some would travel as far away as Nigeria and England.

“The most fulfilling part about this team has been the relationships formed with hundreds of players all across the world,” said Laumann. “We have had over 250 players suit up for the fish and I am always proud to see how far they have gone both on and off the pitch. As long as the Piranhas keep playing, there will be young women who will build their confidence, mold their character, and learn life lessons only a team can teach. Oh, and yes, we will play a little soccer as well.”

The Virginia Beach Piranhas W-League team will kick off their 19th season in 2013. For corporate partner, volunteer, or host family information please visit www.vbpiranhas.com

2013 Volunteer Opportunities

12/17/2012 03:29 PM

The Virginia Beach Piranhas are looking for volunteers for the 2013 season. If you are interested in the behind the scenes world of a sports franchise, we would love to have you join the Piranhas. Minimum age to volunteer is 15. High school/college students looking for volunteer or intern hours are welcome, but we are not just for kids. Adults are needed and can work in the office as well as game day. Would you like to travel with the team? Team managers and assistants are also needed. If you would like more information please contact admin@hrpiranhas.com

Piranhas Esther Anyanwu Named National Offensive Player of the Week

10/24/2012 01:54 PM

2012 NAIA Women’s Soccer Players of the Week - No. 7

Anyanwu and Terry claim national weekly honors

October 16, 2012

By Alan Grosbach, Manager of Communications and Sports Information

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Esther Anyanwu of Brenau (Ga.) has been named the NAIA National Women’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Week and Lauren Terry of Vanguard (Calif.) has been tabbed National Women’s Soccer Defensive Player of the Week, the national office announced Tuesday. Anyanwu and Terry were selected based on their performances from Oct. 8 - 14 and were chosen out of a poll of conference/independent/unaffiliated groupings.

Anyanwu, a forward from Lagos, Nigeria, played a key role in both of Brenau’s Southern States Athletic Conference road wins last week. She opened the week with all three goals in the Tigers 3-2 overtime win against Faulkner (Ala.) on Oct. 11. It was the seventh multi-goal performance for the junior this season. Against then-No. 12 Auburn Montgomery (Ala.) on Oct. 13, Anyanwu netted the game-winning goal in the 11th minute to propel Brenau to its first win against a ranked team this season. The victory also vaulted Brenau into the NAIA Women’s Soccer Coaches’ Top 25 Poll for the first time in program history.

Anywanwu has emerged as one of the NAIA’s most prolific scorers this season, leading the nation in game winning goals with seven, while also ranking in the top 10 in points (46.0), goals (20) and shots per game (5.8).

Terry, a goalkeeper from Corona, Calif., earned her fourth shutout of the season - ninth career - with four saves in 100 minutes in Vanguard’s 1-0 overtime victory against then-No. 20 The Master’s (Calif.) on Oct. 9. The sophomore continued her stellar week with a season-high seven save performance in a 2-1 win over Biola (Calif.) on Oct. 13. In total, Terry made 11 saves and surrendered one goal in 190 minutes to help extend the Lion’s unbeaten streak to six matches.

Terry, who has played more than 800 minutes in goal this season, ranks 12th nationally with a 0.67 goals against average.

For a complete listing of all the national statistical leaders, click here.

For the complete player of the week calendar, click here. The next NAIA National Women’s Soccer Players of the Week will be announced on Oct. 23.

Offensive Nominees: Isadora Freitas, Texas at Brownsville; Molly Machometa, Viterbo (Wis.); Karly Linton, Spring Arbor (Mich.); Charlotte Wisniewski, Vanguard (Calif.); Abby Fannin, Tennessee Wesleyan; Yadira Toraya, Kansas Wesleyan; Meghan Drost, Oregon Tech; Mia Persson, Lindsey Wilson (Ky.); Kelly Ross, Columbia (Mo.); Libby Storie, Oklahoma Wesleyan; Katlyn Krysiak, Madonna (Mich.); Meghan McMahon, Oklahoma City; Sara Mira, St. Thomas (Fla.); Lauren Gray, Midland (Neb.); Alexa Fryer, Baker (Kan.); Florence Dadson, Robert Morris (Ill.); Jessica Batey, Asbury (Ky.); Kirsty Montignani, Rocky Mountain (Mont.); Mor Efraim, Martin Methodist (Tenn.); Gabby Leon, William Jessup (Calif.).

Defensive Nominees: Monica Mendes, Texas at Brownsville; Cheyenne Martinez-Trevino, Spring Arbor (Mich.); Kaitlyn Mendenhall, Corban (Ore.); Brandie Hagerman, Campbellsville (Ky.); Megan Bodiford, Kansas Wesleyan; Kristen Morency, John Brown (Ark.); Meg Goddard, Columbia (Mo.); Allison Bevenue, St. Ambrose (Iowa); Lisa Amman, Oklahoma Wesleyan; Blaire Schmalenberg, Madonna (Mich.); Helena Hansson, Embry-Riddle (Fla.); Stephanie Burton, Union (Ky.); Katie Dirkse, Olivet Nazarene (Ill.); Megan Manley, Midland (Neb.); Shelby Schiraldi, Baker (Kan.); Tori Brown, Brenau (Ga.); Jessica Batey, Asbury (Ky.); Rachel Hein, Rocky Mountain (Mont.); Fabiola Sanchez, Martin Methodist (Tenn.); Brenna Quinn, Embry-Riddle (Ariz.).

2012 Women’s Soccer Players of the Week (Offensive; Defensive)
Week 1 (Sept. 4): Kelsey Langille, Cumberland (Tenn.); Indigo Recker, Concordia (Ore.)
Week 2 (Sept. 11): Jordan Davidson, Vanguard (Calif.); Helena Hansson, Embry-Riddle (Fla.)
Week 3 (Sept. 18): Kirsty Montignani, Rocky Mountain (Mont.); Bekah Garvin, Concordia (Calif.)
Week 4 (Sept. 25): Kelsey Langille, Cumberland (Tenn.); Mallory Conrad, Bethel (Ind.)
Week 5 (Oct. 2): Karly Linton, Spring Arbor (Mich.); Katie Zenz, Grand View (Iowa)
Week 6 (Oct. 9): Mallory Rondeau, Grace (Ind.); Ilyssa Espiritu, The Master’s (Calif.)
Week 7 (Oct. 16): Esther Anyanwu, Brenau (Ga.); Lauren Terry, Vanguard (Calif.)

Piranhas Alumni Amanda Duffy Honored With ECU Hall of Fame Induction

08/27/2012 02:31 PM

Amanda Duffy, Senior Director of the W-League and a W-League alum, is the first women’s soccer player to be elected to the East Carolina University Athletics Hall of Fame. Duffy, who graduated as the school’s all-time leader in points and goals, will be inducted during a banquet on November 2.

Full East Carolina Athletics News Release:

GREENVILLE, N.C. - One legendary coach and four outstanding former student-athletes representing four sports have been elected for induction into the East Carolina University Athletics Hall Of Fame. The Class of 2012 includes Amanda Duffy (soccer), David Garrard (football), Steve Logan (football), Michelle Ward (softball) and John Williamson (baseball).

Duffy, Ward and Williamson will be inducted at a banquet on Friday, Nov. 2 and then introduced to the public during halftime of the ECU-Houston football game on Saturday, Nov. 3. Due to the National Football League (NFL) game between the Miami Dolphins, quarterbacked by Garrard, and Indianapolis Colt that same weekend, Garrard will be unable to attend the ceremonies. Logan will also be unable to attend due to contractual obligations with Capitol Broadcasting Company. Garrard and Logan will be enshrined at a later date.

A four-year letterman and former assistant coach, Duffy is the first women’s soccer player to be elected to the ECU Athletics Hall of Fame. She etched her name all over the record books, graduating as the school’s all-time leader in points (83) and goals scored (33) and finished second in assists (17). She was a two-time first-team All-Conference USA selection, leading the league in goals (14), points (32) and shots (63) in 2001. The following season she was ranked among the league leaders in nine different categories, including fourth in goals (11) and shots (67) as well as fifth in points (28). She was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association (NSCA) All-South Region second-team in 2001 and ’02 as well as the Soccer Buzz Southeast Region third-team.

A three-time All-Conference USA selection, Garrard led ECU to 29 victories and three bowl game appearances from 1998 to 2001, and in the process, established 28 school passing and total offense records. A four-year letterman, Garrard holds the school records for passing yards (9,029) and total offense (10,238). Upon graduation, Garrard held four of the top-10 passing performance seasons in Pirate lore, along with the career record for completions (666). As a sophomore he led the Pirates to a 9-3 record in 2001, which included a come-from-behind victory over No. 13 Miami (Fla.) at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh. The following season he directed the Pirates to an 8-4 record highlighted by a galleryfurniture.com Bowl win over Texas Tech.

Logan roamed the ECU sidelines as its head football coach for 11 years (1992-2002) and won more games (65) than any of his predecessors or successors. He guided the Pirates to five bowl games and six winning seasons, including four seasons with at least eight wins. His 1995 team posted a 9-3 record and finished the year ranked No. 23, the last time the Pirates were in a final top-25 poll, capped by a win over Stanford in the Liberty Bowl. Logan is widely recognized as the architect of the potent Pirate offensive attack of the 1990s that resulted in seven of the top-10 passing and total offensive teams in school history. Six of those teams also rank among the highest scoring teams as well. Prior to being named head coach, Logan spent two years as offensive coordinator, which included the 1991 Peach Bowl Championship campaign, and one season as running backs coach.

Ward was the first woman in NCAA history to steal over 190 bases and ended her career as the NCAA’s all-time lead in with 193, which still ranks among the all-time top-10 in NCAA history. After setting the NCAA record with 73 stolen bases in 1993, Ward swiped 80 bags in 1994 to establish a new record that still stands nearly 20 years later. The only player in NCAA history to steal five bases in a game twice, Ward was named the 1994 East Coast Athletic Conference (ECAC) Player-of-the-Year after garnering first-team all-league honors the year before. She batted .450 as junior in 1993 to post the ninth-highest average in the country that season and followed up with a .417 clip the next season. She is one of only two players in school history to hit over .400 twice.

A two-time first-team All-Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) player, Williamson is the only player in the storied history of Pirate baseball with 40 home runs, 50 doubles, 100 walks, 200 runs and 200 RBI. He is ECU’s all-time leader in at-bats (901), doubles (72), games started (236) and total bases (509) while ranking second in games played (238), hits (294) and runs (213). During his rookie season of 1998, he became the first Pirate to receive Freshman All-America honors by Baseball America and Collegiate Baseball. He helped the Pirates earn three consecutive NCAA Tournament berths from 1999-2001 and led them to their first Super Regional appearance in 2001. Williamson was a member of a pair of CAA regular season and tournament championship teams.

Since it was established in 1974, 139 former student-athletes, coaches and administrators have been elected to the ECU Athletics Hall of Fame. Ten members were selected for the initial year and each since, with the exception of a five-year span in the mid-80s, at least one new inductee has been added.

2013 Volunteer Opportunities

02/07/2013 04:55 PM

2013 Volunteer Opportunities

Come Swim With The Big Fish

The Virginia Beach Piranhas have numerous volunteer opportunities available for the 2013 season. If you are a fan of the beautiful game of soccer or are interested in the behind the scenes world of a sports franchise, we would love to have you join the Piranhas. Minimum age to volunteer is 15. High school and college students looking for volunteer or intern hours are welcome, but we are not just for kids. Adults are needed and can work in the office as well as game day. Would you like to travel with the team? Team managers and assistants are also needed. Here are just some of the opportunities available:

Game Day Operations

Marketing

Media and Communications

Office Assistant

Volunteer Coordinator

Assistant Team Manger

For more information please contact admin@hrpiranhas.com