The Northern Virginia Majestics earned another draw on the road, tying the Washington Freedom 1-1 at the Maryland Sportsplex Sunday night. The Majestics defense, along with some acrobatic heroics from goalkeeper Kate Milstead, managed to quell the powerful attack of the Freedom for nearly the entire match before surrendering the equalizer in the 86th minute.
Northern Virginia took advantage of an early opportunity when midfielder Kika Toulouse broke free into the left side of the Freedom penalty area in the 10th minute. With nothing between Toulouse and the goal, the beaten Freedom defender shoved the Majestic midfielder to the ground, earning the visitors a penalty kick. Majestic Kelly Hammond calmly struck the shot home, giving Northern Virginia the narrow lead.
Washington stormed back for the remainder of the half, but the Northern Virginia defensive third held their forwards in check. As the half drew to a close, the Freedom got their best chance of the initial 45 minutes in the waning moments. Washington fired a shot at the Majestic goal that glanced off the post and careened back across the goalmouth to Freedom forward Christie Welsh. Welsh fired true, only to see her apparent goal cleared out by Majestic Caitlin Walko to preserve the half time lead.
The second half continued to feature a barrage of Freedom attacks, striking the goalpost twice. Majestic goalkeeper Milstead came up big for the visiting side several times with the defense laboring to prevent clear chances on the Northern Virginia net.
Washington youngster Tiffany McCarty finally got the Freedom on the board in the final five minutes of the match. McCarty eluded a Majestic defender, dribbled deep into the penalty area, and placed the ball past Milstead to earn the draw for the Freedom.
Northern Virginia travels to rivals Fredericksburg Lady Gunners on Friday, June 20th. The Majestics return home the following day on Saturday, June 21st, to face Jersey Sky Blue at Washington Lee High School in Arlington, Virginia. Match time is set for 7:30PM.
