The Northern Virginia Royals struggled late in the second half of their home opener, falling 3-1 to the visiting Vermont Voltage on Saturday night.   Two goals from Matt Stedman and three assists from Darko Kolic enabled the Voltage to earn the US Open Cup win.

 

Both teams seemed evenly matched and the first half resulting draw stood as a fair assessment. Vermont struck first when a Kolic corner kick sailed across the goal mouth, finding the head of Voltage’s Justin Vammatrie. Vammatrie’s header struck net, resulting in the 1-0 advantage in the 32nd minute.

 

The goal awakened the Royals attack, and the response came two minutes later.  Northern Virginia’s Adam Wilson found the foot of fellow midfielder Grady Renfrow who fired true from 20 yards out for the eventual 1-1 halftime draw.

 

The Royals failed to muster much in the second half, managing only two shots. Vermont forward Kolic was able to assist Stedman twice in the half, earning the Voltage the victory.

 

The Royals return home to Fairfax High School next Saturday night to face the Reading Rage. Match time is set for 7:00PM.