The Northern Virginia Majestics earned their first victory of the season, topping the Fredericksburg Lady Gunners 3-0 on the road Friday night. The match marked the first meeting of the two nearby W-League teams, with the rival clubs to face off again in eight days time.

 

Northern Virginia seemed to control the flow of play early, possessing the ball throughout the midfield and patiently selecting chances to penetrate the sturdy Gunners defense. The Majestics seized a golden opportunity in the 21st minute when Katie Watson slotted a through ball between the Fredericksburg defense, catching teammate Sara Gustafson in full stride. Gustafson’s shot struck the back left corner of the Gunners net, giving the visitors the one goal lead.

 

The Majestics found themselves in a similar situation just two minutes later. Northern Virginia midfielder Angie Harvey’s shot rattled off sprawling Fredericksburg keeper Nicky Davis and dropped to the foot of Watson. Watson’s return volley struck pay dirt, and Northern Virginia finished out the half with the 2-0 lead. 

 

The second half began much like the first, with Northern Virginia gaining the better time of possession. As the Gunners pushed forward to get on the board late in the game, a pair of Majestic veterans combined for the third goal of the evening. Northern Virginia midfielder Amy Smerdzinski knocked a brisk pass to teammate Ashley Banks in front of the Gunner’s goal. Banks calmly placed the ball untouched into the goal in the 87th minute to secure the win.

 

The victory marked the first time this season that Northern Virginia held an opponent scoreless.

 

Northern Virginia returns 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.