Virginia Dream FC Defeats FC Frederick 1-0

By Virginia Dream FC

Virginia Dream FC defeated FC Frederick 1-0 in their inaugural home game at Falls Church,
Virginia. With about 200 people in attendance and a great family atmosphere, the La Raza Taco
Truck and Kona Ice Truck were kept busy all night long.

“The community support was great,” Virginia Dream FC owner Lucas Mendes said. “We hope
that we were able to entertain the fans and give them a memorable experience. The guys
certainly gave their all today. They really wanted to give the fans a victory. Now on to our next
home game on Wednesday and hopefully another W.”

The first half started with both teams feeling each other out. Both teams created chances, but the
goalkeepers proved to be up to the task. The game was scoreless going into the later stages of
the first half.

In the 41st minute, Virginia Dream finally broke the tie. Team captain Keith Witherell made a
darting run up the right side and sent a cross into the box. Terell Williamson collected the ball
just outside the six-yard box and calmly put it past the diving FC Frederick goalkeeper.

Four minutes later, Virginia Dream’s Sam Mejia was given a second yellow card. Virginia
Dream were up 1-0 at halftime but down a man.

The second half started with Virginia Dream hunkering down and absorbing FC Frederick’s
pressure. But as fatigue built up for the Virginia Dream players, the opportunities for FC
Frederick became more and more frequent.

Goalkeeper Alejandro Sosa was forced to make multiple spectacular saves to earn a shutout.
Paul Bangura played a great attacking game, but after receiving a ball to the head he had to be
subbed out. Andres Garcia came in as his replacement. A hard foul to Brandon Williamson
forced him to leave the game, and Andy Hernandez came in and held the FC Frederick midfield
in check. Virginia Dream would make two more substitutions. Liam Emson came in for
Williamson, and Eric Jennings came in for Bernardo Majano.

The Dream had a great opportunity in extra time to take a 2-0 lead when Hernandez found
himself one-on-one with the Frederick keeper. Witherell took possession of the ball on the left
side and crossed it into the box. Hernandez struck it towards the goal, but the goalkeeper made a
spectacular save to keep the score at 1-0. Dream right back Demetrius Shepard-Lewis went on
to put out all the fires that Frederick sent his way, preserving the 1-0 victory.

“It was a very gutsy performance by the guys today,” Witherell said. “Getting a player sent off in
the first half really forced us to change our tactics. The guys were all exhausted but managed to
stay composed and run out the game. Super happy we got a W for our fans in our inaugural
home game.”

Photo Credit: Werner Brito