Mid-Week Momentum
Cardinals Soar to First Victory in Last-Minute Friendly vs. Grove
Interview by: Jacob Moore
Article by: Jacob Moore
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Cardinal's brought it at the Birds Nest Midweek vs Grove Soccer Academy (NPSL).
Commonwealth Cardinals FC earned their first ever victory against National Premier Soccer League side Grove Soccer United at Fredericksburg Field House Wednesday, replacing a mid-week USL League Two tie at Christos FC that was postponed until later in the season.
Cardinals get their first 2022 win of the year against a tough NPSL opponent in Grove Soccer Academy Photo by: Jacob Moore
The RedBirds made it look easy with goals from Pierre Barilly, Nako Amare and Charlie Naylor, leaving Grove searching for a solution for much of the match, just the Cardinals’ third game and only the second that was played to full time.
Assistant Coach Brian Anatol had high praise for the boys in the locker room.
“You guys convinced me tonight. You guys looked like professionals out there,” Anatol said.
Not only was it the Reds’ first victory, but also their first clean sheet. Solid defense was key in keeping Grove out of the net. Starting Goalkeeper Marc Bonnaire was humble, however, when he was given the credit by Head Coach Gilberto Baez following the game.
“It wasn’t just me. I had a solid back line,” said Bonnaire.
Marc Bonnaire (1) Cardinal's GoalKeeper on the evening ended with the first clean sheet in RedBirds history
Photo by: Jacob Moore
In what has become a common theme, Coach Baez reiterated again that he couldn’t be happier or expect anything more from a squad that’s only taken the field a handful of times as a unit outside of training. The Cardinals visit co-League Two new boys Patuxent FA this weekend and finish their current stretch of league away matches at Virginia Beach United May 21 before returning home to face Lionsbridge on May 28.
FINAL: Commonwealth Cardinals FC 3-0 Grove Soccer United Make sure to link up with us on our Facebook and Insta, and check out the Cardinals Shop to gear up before joining us at the Field House!
