NEWPORT NEWS — Lionsbridge FC defeated Ole Sporting 6-0 on Saturday night in front of another terrific crowd at beautiful TowneBank Stadium.
The Bridge opened the scoring in the 45th minute when Claudel N’goubou netted a goal, assisted by Louis Beckett. With that header, everyone fan in attendance received a free chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A. Just moments later, N’goubou returned the favor and dished an assist to Beckett who scored.
In the 57th minute, Lockie Fay scored on a header from a beautiful cross by Ben Fisher. Three minutes later, Denis Krioutchenkov scored on a free kick from just outside the box, marking his fourth goal of the season and tying him for the team lead. Josh Baker made it five with his 68th-minute goal, assisted by Jakob Singh.
Williamsburg native Max Cooper added the final goal in the 84th minute, scoring his first career Lionsbridge goal on an assist from Yorktown native Michael Hackworth. Two local players linked up to put the icing on the cake.
Cole McNally and Newport News native Ethan Chenoweth, making his Bridge debut, combined for the clean sheet in goal.
This match tied for the second biggest offensive output of the season by Lionsbridge FC. The Bridge wraps up the friendly portion of its schedule with a 4-0-2 record, with draws against Richmond Kickers and DC United U23 and wins against Grove United, Greenville United, Ashland Town, and Ole Sporting. Lionsbridge outscored these opponents 22-5.
With Lionsbridge stepping out of league play for the night, Virginia Beach took advantage and leapfrogged LBFC in the standings with a win of their own. Lionsbridge sits 3 points behind VBU, but has a game in hand. Charlottesville drew on Saturday and are level on points with Lionsbridge. But similarly, Lionsbridge has one game in hand.
Lionsbridge returns to action on Wednesday, July 3, on Riverside Health Night against Christos FC. A fireworks show powered by Bowditch Ford will follow the game.
