The Northern Virginia (1-1-0) found little to celebrate as the Fredericksburg Gunners kicked off their 2008 home season with a resounding 4-0 victory over the visiting Royals.  Fredericksburg newcomers Berin Boracic notched 2 goals and Stephen Nserenko added a goal and an assist in the win.

Northern Virginia struggled early as the Gunners enjoyed a majority of the possession in the first half, yet were mostly ineffective in the Royals defensive third. Early shots by Gunners Matt Lacey and Ryan Johnson’s were unable to beat Royal goalkeeper Joel Helmic.  Johnson also sent a great cross to Boracic, who headed it just over the bar.

Fredericksburg finally got on the board in the 38th minute when Nserenko sent in a perfect through ball into Boracic, who fought through the Northern Virginia defense and showed great composure by running around the goalkeeper and slotting the ball into the open net. The goal would be the only one of the half.

The Royals came out much stronger in the 2nd half and put the Gunners under pressure for the first 10 minutes before Fredericksburg took firm control of the game.

Johnson made a remarkable individual run late in the match, racing to the endline and crossing back into the middle for a Boracic finish.

The Gunners got 2 more goals, one each by Nserenko, on an assist by Cameron Petty, and the other by substitute Said Abdi, which was unassisted.

Ken Manahan made 2 saves in goal to preserve the shutout, and Henry Kalungi, Tennant McVea, and Danny McGarry all did a tremendous job of shutting down the Royals’ offense.