USL League Two – Chesapeake Division | May 30
The Annapolis Blues hosted Virginia Beach United in their 2026 home opener at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, welcoming fans back for the first match of the season on home soil.
Pre-Match
Annapolis returned to Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium having opened the season with two convincing road victories, edging Charlottesville Blues FC 1–0 before a dominant 4–0 win over Patuxent FA.
Virginia Beach United arrived in strong form as well, unbeaten through their opening four matches. Wins over Christos FC (4–0) and Charlottesville (2–0), along with draws against Lionsbridge FC (1–1) and NOVA FC (2–2), highlighted an impressive start against a demanding schedule that included three nationally ranked opponents.
First Half
The Blues began on the front foot, enjoying the majority of possession and creating early chances despite Virginia Beach United’s relentless high press. Several promising attacks forced visiting goalkeeper Alfred Mikkelsen into action.
Both sides found joy down the flanks, but quality deliveries into the box went unrewarded as the match remained scoreless approaching the half-hour mark. Momentum then swung in the visitors’ favor when a long-range effort crashed off the crossbar, followed shortly by Nick Sarantakos firing just wide.
Virginia Beach United’s pressure paid off in the 36th minute. Capitalizing on a turnover from a Blues throw-in deep in their own half, Alex Moody picked up possession in the box and squared for Sarantakos, who calmly finished from close range to give the visitors the lead.
Annapolis nearly responded immediately, with Matthew Lenert threading Daniel Klink through on goal, only for a last-ditch sliding challenge from Luis Edmondson to deny the equalizer. The Blues went into halftime trailing 1–0.
Second Half
Annapolis came out with renewed intensity after the break, circulating the ball around the box and finding Ben Madore near the edge of the area. Madore went to ground under pressure from two defenders, but the referee waved away penalty appeals.
Continued pressure from the hosts again tested Mikkelsen, who produced another strong save from a Blues set piece.
Virginia Beach United doubled their advantage in the 59th minute following another defensive lapse. Micah Wayland sent a long ball forward from his own half, and after a heavy touch from the Blues backline, Jason Purks pounced. Purks raced through on goal, rounded the keeper, and finished into an open net to make it 2–0.
In search of a lifeline, Annapolis turned to the bench, introducing club all-time leading scorer Brady Geho for the final 30 minutes. Geho immediately energized the attack, nearly pulling one back when his effort beat the keeper but rattled the crossbar before being gathered off the goal line.
Despite a late push from the Blues, Virginia Beach United’s defense held firm to preserve the clean sheet and secure all three points.
Full-Time
Virginia Beach United moved to the top of the Chesapeake Division as the only remaining unbeaten side, a statement result that further strengthens their early-season résumé.
Annapolis will look to bounce back on the road against Lionsbridge FC on June 3 before returning home on June 6 to face Patuxent FA. Virginia Beach United’s next fixture sees them take on Bethesda SC on June 6.
Man of the Match
Nick Sarantakos (Virginia Beach United) – A constant threat throughout, Sarantakos led the line with confidence and opened the scoring for the visitors.
Honorable Mention
Alfred Mikkelsen (Virginia Beach United) —-Commanding performance in goal, making several key saves to earn a road clean sheet.
Player Stats
Virginia Beach United
- Nick Sarantakos – 1 goal
- Jason Purks – 1 goal
- Alex Moody – 1 assist
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