The U16 Northern Virginia Royals completed the season sweep of the first place Triangle FC squad with a solid 3-1 result on the road in Durham, NC on Wednesday. Three goals by Northern Virginia forward Manny Rodriguez propelled the Royals to their second consecutive victory early in their season.

 

Game day for the U16 Royals was fit to be one of challenges. A pre-dawn bus departure coupled with 5-hour bus-ride fatigue made the notion of coming away with three points all the more difficult. Set against a Triangle side with speed, size, and knowledge of the game, the match was a true test of poise and will to win.

 

Northern Virginia started off strong, gaining the majority of possession and creating many scoring opportunities through the first part of the half. Royal Chris Yantz took advantage of a free kick inside his own half and found Jacob Doyle on a slotting run from the outside.   Doyle raced at the Triangle goal, only to be met with a harsh tackle earning Northern Virginia a penalty kick. Rodriguez placed the spot kick untouched past the Triangle keeper for the 1-0 advantage. 

 

Triangle FC came out composed in the second half and was rewarded with an equalizing goal in the first 10 minutes. The game remained a stalemate until Northern Virginia was awarded another penalty. In a replay of earlier events, another threatening run by Doyle was unhinged by another Triangle foul in the box. Rodriguez nabbed his second goal of the day on the resulting penalty kick. The Royals then added a third goal in the waning moments of the game as Anthony Pham’s cross found Rodriguez, who easily finished. 

 

Triangle FC received a break of their own late, earning a penalty kick in injury time on a Northern Virginia takedown. Royal goalie Jenrri Urrutia came up big, denying the Triangle blast and preserving the 3-1 victory. 

 

“Overcoming challenges is something this team must consistently do,” commented head coach Mo Sheta. “We must perform against quality teams like Triangle if they intend to mirror their 2006 season and return to the Super Y League North American Finals.”

 

After battling the stifling North Carolina heat for 90 minutes, the Super 20 Royals left the pitch with their third consecutive tie. Northern Virginia out shot the Triangle team on the day, yet only seemed to be successful in striking crossbar after crossbar.   The visiting Royals finally connected with the back of the net on a goal by midfielder Daniel Lucas. Triangle FC’s strong defensive hold, combined with a “no quit” attitude, earned the 1-1 draw.

 

The Super 20 Northern Virginia Majestics rebounded from a 7-1 drubbing at the hands of Triangle FC ten days earlier, earning a 1-1 decision on the road. 

 

Complete match scores from Wednesday June 25^th: