Playing under scorching conditions for the second day in a row, the Northern Virginia Majestics lost 4-1 to a strong Boston Renegades Sunday afternoon at Long Park. The struggling Majestics (0-3-2) remain winless after five matches.

 

With the memory of the previous loss to Boston still on head coach Jac Cicala’s mind, the Majestics entered the match with a defensive posture, focusing on denying the Renegades quality opportunities at the Northern Virginia net. The Northern Virginia formation, combined with a couple of adept saves from Majestic keeper Kate Milstead, held solid for the majority of the first half.

 

However Boston found an opening in the 41st minute when forward Jamie Craft collected a Majestic turnover and fed fellow Renegade Mary-Therese McDonnell. McDonnell had no trouble finishing the goal, giving Boston the 1-0 half time lead.  

 

McDonnell did not have to wait nearly as long in the second half, pouncing on a loose ball in the Majestic defensive third and scoring the ultimate game-winner in the 50th minute.

 

Two strikes only two minutes apart late in the half put the game well out of reach for the Majestics. Boston’s Lauren McIver placed a long shot into the upper corner of the net in the 75th minute and Rachel Lim scored after some nifty dribbling through the middle in the 77th minute to go up 4-0.

 

The best highlight for the home side came in the waning moments of the match. Majestic midfielder Kimmie Germain dropped a looping pass over the Renegade back line to the foot of Northern Virginia forward Katie Watson. Watson looked up to see Boston goalkeeper Meghan Burke position and deftly fired the ball past her into the net, denying Burke her fourth straight shutout in the 89th minute of the match.

 

Northern Virginia travels to rivals Washington Freedom next weekend on Sunday, June 15th. The Majestics return home on Saturday, June 21st, to face Jersey Sky Blue at Washington Lee High School in Arlington, Virginia. Match time is set for 7:30PM.