NEWPORT NEWS — In a hard-fought USL League Two Eastern Conference Final at TowneBank Stadium, Lionsbridge FC fell to Seacoast United 6-3, concluding a remarkable season for the Chesapeake Division champions.
The match began with Seacoast United taking an early lead through Ibrahim Conde in the ninth minute. Lionsbridge FC responded in the 23rd minute with a goal by Claudel N’goubou. Seacoast regained the lead in the 31st minute with a goal from Terry Makedika, but Lionsbridge fought back, equalizing in the 38th minute thanks to Jasper Winslow, assisted by Matthew Kirk. However, Seacoast’s Zemedkun Rodriguez scored just before halftime in the 42nd minute, giving them a 3-2 lead at the break.
In the second half, Seacoast United extended their advantage with Marco Dos Santos scoring in the 56th minute. Lionsbridge narrowed the gap in the 76th minute, with Denis Krioutchenkov finding the net from a Sam Hall assist. Yet, Seacoast quickly restored their two-goal lead through Conde’s second goal in the 78th minute, and Taig Healy sealed the victory with a goal in the 82nd minute.
The game was more competitive than the final scoreline suggests, with both teams recording 11 shots each. Seacoast United had a slight edge in corner kicks, 5-4.
Lionsbridge FC finishes the season with a record of 15 wins, 2 losses, and 4 draws. The team made its fourth consecutive USL League Two playoff appearance, captured its third straight Chesapeake Division title, and won its sixth consecutive Coastal Virginia Challenge Cup against archrival Virginia Beach United.
Seacoast United (16-1) advances to the USL League Two National Semifinal on Sunday, July 28 at TowneBank Stadium against the Southern Conference champions, Asheville City SC.
