2-2 Draw for Virginia Dream FC and Greenville United

By Virginia Dream FC

Virginia Dream earned a hard-fought point against Greenville United in their inaugural NPSL match.

Greenville United got off to a 1-0 lead early in the first half which they held until the end of the first half.  Virginia Dream scored an own goal to go down 2-0 early in the second half.  After going down 2-0, Virginia Dream started creating chance after chance but had no luck.

In the 56th minute Kevin Zhu came in as a substitute for Liam Emson, and two minutes later Terell Williamson joined as a substitute for Eric Jennings.  In the 78th minute forward Jakob Asfaha was taken down just outside the Greenville box.  Zhu scored a beautiful header from the succeeding free kick taken by Gabe Soriano Beltran.

Virginia Dream started pressing hard and earned a corner in the 90th.  Sam Mejia took the corner kick, and after a scramble in the box, Zhu passed to Soriano Beltran for the goal.  Dennis Banegas-Torres came in as a substitute for Asfaha in extra time.

The game finished 2-2 in a highly contested and entertaining match, earning both teams one point to begin the 2023 NPSL season.

Virginia Dream FC owner Lucas Mendes shared his thoughts after the game.

“First of all, we want to thank Greenville United for being terrific hosts in our inaugural game,” Mendes said. “They are a quality team, and it is exactly for this high level of competition that we joined NPSL. We look forward to hosting them at our home in Falls Church City later in the season.”

Photo Credit: Jared Soares