Virginia Beach City FC Falls to FC Baltimore 3-2 for First Loss of Season

NORFOLK, Va. (June 16, 2019) — Virginia Beach City FC’s undefeated streak came to an end on Sunday, as FC Baltimore escaped Powhatan Field with a 3-2 win over Virginia Beach City FC.

“We were coming off a two-game road stretch, playing a Friday and a Sunday, I think it’s the first time where we’re down a little bit,” said Virginia Beach City FC head coach Brian Hinkey. “We’ve really just got to look at it as an opportunity to get better and to grow.”

Virginia Beach City FC took the lead first with a tremendous goal from Prince Idornigie, who was returning from a two-game absence due to injury. Idornigie controlled a deflection from outside the box and boomed a shot off the bottom of the crossbar, giving VB City FC a 1-0 advantage in the 22nd minute.

What a shot! @princeidornigie @NPSLSoccer goal of the year!?@espn @ESPNFC @sctop10!? pic.twitter.com/b6GyZSKlAy

— Steven A. Wagoner (@StevenWagoner) June 17, 2019

FC Baltimore controlled the game as halftime approached. VB City FC’s stout defense let in a few shots and one of them scored, as FC Baltimore’s Nicholas Richardson struck right before the break. After halftime, FC Baltimore’s Colin Weyent scored to give FC Baltimore a 2-1 lead in the 47^th minute.

Virginia Beach City FC showed their resilience in the second half, as Trevor Knight drew a penalty in the box just minutes after being subbed in. Leading scorer Ezana Kahsay took the shot and though his original attempt was deflected, Kahsay attacked and scored on the rebound to tie the game at 2-2.

“We kept fighting until the end,” Hinkey said. “Ultimately, it can’t always go your way. It’s extremely difficult to go completely undefeated in this conference and in this league. I think you’re hoping to go undefeated, but in the back of your mind, you’re prepared for this type of moment. We’ve just to use it as a positive and spring forward into our next two matches.”

VB City FC’s defense struggled as the game wore on, letting in shot after shot. Keeper CJ Coulson played well once again, fending off five shots for saves. Despite his play, FC Baltimore scored once again in the 79^th minute, giving them a 3-2 lead that would hold for the rest of the match.

“We’re struggling to get a little bit of continuity in the midfield right now,” Hinkey said. “We’re a little shallow there. We’ve got to figure out how to fight through it and continue on.”

Virginia Beach City FC is still in control of the NPSL Mid-Atlantic Conference. VB City FC sits atop the table with 13 points, leading FC Baltimore by three. FC Baltimore has three matches remaining, two of which are on the road. Virginia Beach City FC’s next match is at FC Frederick on June 22, and VB City FC will return home for their regular season finale against Northern Virginia United on June 29. The result of these next two matches will directly impact the outcome of the Mid-Atlantic Conference.

“We’re absolutely going to bounce back,” CJ Coulson said. “Going up there, we’re going to feed off this defeat, work our tails off this week, get back into it, rest our legs for this week and then get back to it vs. FC Frederick and come out with three points. I have no doubt that we’re going to bounce back.”

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