VETERAN’S FIRST GOAL LIFTS FC FREDERICK OVER FREDERICKSBURG

It was a split-second meeting between the veteran and the youngster.

And this time, the veteran won.

Saidou Toure, at age 32 and one of the oldest NPSL players, sent a far-post shot into the right side netting, beating 18-year-old keeper and recent high school graduate Connor Jones in the 63rd minute, as FC Frederick edged Fredericksburg FC 1-0 on Saturday at Thomas Athletic Field.

The win extends FC Frederick’s best-ever start to 2-0, while Fredericksburg, coming off a recent U.S. Open Cup appearance, falls to 1-2.

Toure, who played in France before arriving in the U.S., debuted with FC Frederick as a 31-year-old forward last summer. In seven matches in 2016, the shifty Toure produced one assist. His strike Saturday marked his first NPSL goal in what is one of the pinnacle wins for this 3-year-old program.

FC Frederick spent most of the first half and the last 15 minutes fending off Fredericksburg chances.

FC Frederick keeper Phil Breno came up with seven saves — the second-highest single-game performance ever by a FC Frederick keeper.

Fredericksburg FC held a 10-7 edge in shots and 7-3 advantage in corner kicks. But every dangerous chance was either tipped away or smother by Breno (William & Mary), who now has a 0.33 GAA in his last three matches.

Toure’s winning goal was set up by a pass from Benjamin Dao (James Madison). Toure and the defender collided while going for the ball and Toure was able to keep his balance, gather the ball and make a run at goal. He launched his shot from about 12 yards out. Dao was credited with an assist.

Toure ended up taking four of FC Frederick’s seven shots on the day, including one that proved to be the lone save of the day for Jones, who has signed with the University of Virginia.

Meanwhile, Fredericksburg kept constant pressure on FC Frederick with shots by Jorge Herranz, Eoin Donovan and Fortia Munts barely missing the mark. FC Frederick defenders Jadon Ramsing, Robert Spear and Jake Wilkinson were able to shut down Fredericksburg’s offense.

FC Frederick’s next match is Thursday, June 15, against the USL Harrisburg City Islanders U23 team.