After enduring fierce weather and torrential rains throughout the latter part of the match, the Northern Virginia Majestics and the Long Island Rough Riders ended the evening tied with a goal apiece. Soon after Long Island matched an early goal by Majestic midfielder Amy Smerdzinski, the New York sky opened up in a deluge, hindering either team from scoring a game-winner.

 

Rebounding from a Boston defeat two weeks ago, the Majestics dictated the flow of play early in the half and aggressively attacked the Rough Rider defensive third. Success came in the 16th minute when Northern Virginia midfielder Sara Gustafson stole the ball from a Long Island player and crisply slotted a pass to Majestic Tara Kidwell. Kidwell adeptly cut right and touched a slow rolling lay off pass, effectively teeing up the onrushing Smerdzinski in the center of the Long Island box. Smerdzinski’s blast rocketed untouched into the lower right corner, giving the Majestics the early lead.

 

The Rough Rider’s matching goal came in the 70th minute when a deep lob into the front of the Northern Virginia net caused confusion in the Majestic defense. As the ball seemed to pinball about in the ensuing melee, Long Island's Grace Hawkins deftly touched it into the Majestic net for the 1-1 tie.  

 

As the game clock wore down, the elements took over as heavy rains sent the spectators packing and made play extremely difficult for both sides. The referee’s final whistle signaled an all out sprint by both teams to their respective locker rooms in front of the empty stands of Tully field.

 

Northern Virginia finishes off the road trip Sunday evening against the New Jersey Wildcats. The Majestics return home the following week for their home opener against the Connecticut Passion at Fairfax high School. Match time is set for 5:00PM.