Northern Virginia Royals News Release - www.novafc.org

Saturday, June 20, 2009

WOODBRIDGE, VA -- A second half goal from midfielder Ernie Marquez drew the Northern Virginia Royals even 1-1 with the Fredericksburg Gunners last Thursday at Hellwig memorial park in Manassas, Virginia. Two days later, a weary Royals squad dropped a 3-1 decision to the visiting Carolina Dynamo to fall to 1-6-4 on the season.

Fredericksburg jumped to the early lead in the 36th minute as the result of an opportunistic foul just outside the right corner of the penalty box. Reliable Gunner Matt Lacey punched his free kick inside the near post of the Royal goal for the 1-0 Fredericksburg advantage.

Northern Virginia returned from the half time break with a renewed energy and sense of purpose. The Royal offense reaped their reward two minutes later when forward Dave Atkinson found Marquez in the Fredericksburg goal mouth and fed him a low, driving cross. Marquez fired true, zipping the ball past Gunner keeper Patrick Mikrovich untouched into the net to even the score.

Royal keeper Joel Helmick earned hero status for several unbelievable saves late in the match to preserve the tie.

Despite a goal from forward Atkinson (assist Marquez) in the closing moments of the first half, the Royals fell 3-1 to the Dynamo the following Sunday.

Unassisted goals from Dynamo forwards Sheanon Williams and Arie Muniz, combined with a converted penalty kick by Kirk Urso, lifted Carolina to the victory over a lethargic Northern Virginia squad.

Northern Virginia returns home this Sunday, June 28th, to face the Reading (PA) Rage at Hellwig Memorial Stadium in Manassas, Virginia. Match time is set for 4:00PM.