Virginia Dream FC Defeats Virginia Beach City FC 3-0

By Virginia Dream FC

Virginia Dream FC, in its inaugural NPSL season, earned its first victory in the rain of Virginia Beach on Saturday night.

The first 30 minutes was a feeling out process for Virginia Dream FC and in-state rivals Virginia Beach City FC as both teams made forays into each other’s defensive thirds with no goals scored.  The deadlock was broken in the 38th minute when Dream FC’s Andy Hernandez high pressed the VBCFC defensive midfielder and stole the ball.  He then calmly slotted the ball to the keeper’s left and found the back of the net, making it 1-0 for the visitors.  The first half finished with the score remaining at 1-0.

The second half started with committed intensity by Virginia Dream FC.  In the 51th minute Jakob Asfaha made a run down the left side, outpacing his defender and crossing the ball into the box.  Angel Chavez made a perfect run into the box and placed the cross into the net, increasing Dream FC’s lead to 2-0.

With a two-goal lead and with the rain coming down harder, Virginia Dream FC went into possession mode, maintaining control of the ball and producing several goal scoring opportunities.  However, they were unable to get rewarded for their efforts. 

Kevin Zhu was substituted out in the 68th minute, and Andres Garcia went in for the Dream. Seven minutes later, Garcia placed a 50-yard pass in the air to a streaking Asfaha.  The VBCFC goalkeeper came out of his line to cut the angle but Asfaha one-touched the ball over the keeper’s extended hand into the net.   

In the 78th minute Asfaha and Andy Hernandez came out of the game and were replaced by Henry Mordica and Paul Bangura.  The defensive line consisting of Keith Witherell, Nick Ducceschi, Sam Mejia, and Zhu played a perfect game earning the team its first shutout.

Witherell, who served as Dream FC’s captain, shared his thoughts on his team’s performance. 

“This was a great victory for us,” Witherell said. “VBCFC always puts forth a great squad so we had to be at our best. I feel our level of play today was a great improvement over our last game. The men were focused and tactically they were on point. It was a great job by everyone.”

Photo Credit: Rich Images Photography