PDL PIRANHAS EARN LAST MINUTE DRAW WITH HOTSPURS

Virginia Beach, Virginia – The Piranhas earned their fourth point in two matches against the Fredericksburg Hotspur Saturday night, pulling out an 80th minute 1-1 draw at the Sportsplex. The first meeting between the two squads resulted in a 2-1 Piranhas win.
Early in the game, the Piranhas controlled possession and started to approach the goal of Fredericksburg keeper Ryan Taylor. A header by Luis Zamora after a cross by Devin Pierce in the 15th minute, marked the first chance of the game for the Red and White; however Taylor was able to make the save.
After that, the game mostly took place in the Hotspurs’ half, but the Piranhas failed to really threaten Fredericksburg’s goal. A free-kick by Piranhas forward Marcello Alves in the 37th minute was also no problem for Taylor.
On the other end of the pitch Virginia Beach keeper Dillon Brunk was tested by attempts of Zach Bowman in the 16th minute and Vinny Llana in the 29th minute, but had an answer each time. It was Llana again who played a threatening ball in the Piranhas’ box in stoppage time of the first half. Llana found Nick Surkamp, who was able to beat Brunk and put the Hotspurs in front for the 1-0 halftime lead.
The Piranhas entered the second half eager to level the game. After two minutes, Luis Zamora popped up wide open in front of keeper Colin Smolinski, who got subbed in at half-time for Taylor. Zamora however was unable to finish from five yards out after an accurate cross from Thiago Silva.
During the second half the fans at the Sportsplex saw similar scenes as in half one. Virginia Beach controlled possession and circulated the ball nicely, but lacked accuracy playing the final pass in the danger zone. That changed in the 80th minute: Devin Pierce crossed the ball from a right midfield position and found Alves in the six yard box. The Brazilian was able to convert and equalize the game.
The goal was a wakeup call for the Piranhas. During the final stages of the game, Virginia Beach consistently pressured the Fredericksburg goal. After a shot by sub Yannick Smith in the 83rd minute Hotspur keeper Smolinski, saved the ball with his hands outside the box and was shown the red card. With ten men and midfielder Nate Fogelsong in goal, the Hotspurs defended desperately and were able to maintain the tie.
After the match Rizzo was happy with his players’ efforts: “I liked our attitude and the desire to win the game,” said Rizzo. “We played well together today, but once we have a set starting line-up we will be able to be more effective on our offensive efforts.”
The Piranhas hit the road next weekend for back to back games - Saturday, June 11 at Real Maryland and Sunday, June 12 at Northern Virginia Royals. Kickoff for both matches is set for 7 p.m. The team will return to the Sportsplex for another doubleheader with the W League side; the men’s squad will face the West Virginia Chaos at 8 p.m. preceded by the women’s game against Atlanta at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 and include both matches.
For more information on the 2011 Virginia Beach Piranhas, including tickets, sponsorships, internships or to volunteer, please visit http://www.vbpiranhas.com/ or call 757-572-1592