The Northern Virginia Majestics came up just short of another draw, falling 1-0 to the Washington Freedom Wednesday night at Wakefield High School. Freedom substitute Ella Masar scored the lone goal of the match in the early minutes of the second half, earning Washington the narrow victory.
Northern Virginia spent the majority of the match containing the potent offense of Washington attackers Christie Welsh and Jenn Parsons. Welsh wasted little time making her presence known, collecting a ball in the opening minutes and blasting a shot on goal. Majestic keeper Katie Milstead heroically tipped the ball just wide of the post to deny Welsh.
The Majestics managed just two shots in the opening half, relying instead upon a hunkered in defense to minimize any quality opportunities at the Northern Virginia net. The best opportunity of the night for the home side came when Majestic Jessica Paris charged through from the defense late in the first half, one-timing a slotted pass through the center on a quick Northern Virginia counterattack. Her shot sailed high, keeping the game 0-0 heading into half time.
The Freedom continued to pressure in the second half, and were rewarded for their efforts in the 48th minute. Washington defender Emily Janss crept down the right side of the Northern Virginia penalty area and drove a low cross through the Majestics goalmouth. Masar crisply finished, punching the ball into the Northern Virginia goal for the ultimate game winner.
Northern Virginia seemed to come to life in the final ten minutes, launching an all out attack on the Freedom defense. Natalie Arias almost scored an equalizer in the waning moments, but her effort went wide preserving the Washington win.
Northern Virginia returns home next week on Friday, July 11th, to face the New Jersey Wildcats at Howison Homestead Park in Woodbridge, Virginia. Match time is set for 5:00PM. Immediate after the match, the Northern Virginia Royals take on the Hampton Roads Piranhas team in the second game of the doubleheader.
