VB United Opens “Exciting” 2024 Campaign with a Showdown Against Lionsbridge FC

By Nicholas King — May 8, 2024

July 15, 2023: an obscure day to some. Most might remember the sweltering heat that draped over Virginia or the onset of the Hollywood writers’ strike, but soccer fans will recall it as the last time Virginia Beach United graced the turf in their 2023 campaign. The year concluded on a high note with a 1-0 victory over Patuxent Football Athletics, closing out a 6-1-5 season. However, anticipation for the beloved club's return will subdue this Saturday, May 11th, as the Virginia Beach Sports Complex welcomes back its home club in a showdown against Lionsbridge FC. 

Since 2019, the two clubs have inaugurated their seasons with matchups against each other. Despite this familiarity, Virginia Beach United has often played the role of little brother to their local rival. In 10 matches with Lionsbridge, Virginia Beach holds a dismal 1-7-2 record. Two of those losses came last year, both of which were in shutout fashion. The lone draw came in 2021. 

Nonetheless, Virginia Beach United defenseman Juan “Bomba” Hermoso believes that despite the prior lack of success, a majority of the pressure lays solely on Lionsbridge. The team’s leading scorer in 2023 claims that Lionsbridge has “a lot to lose” in Saturday’s match. Returning midfielder and defenseman Cooper Kieran echoes this sentiment, stating that the upcoming match presents an opportunity for Virginia Beach to “show the league what we’re all about.”

The rousing opportunity for VBU is a direct representation of how the club feels going into its 2024 season. New Head Coach Chris Mills, defenseman Ben Wilkinson, and Juan Hermoso all had one word to describe the upcoming campaign. That word: “exciting.” 

If Virginia Beach United can secure a victory on Saturday, it will undoubtedly set an exhilarating tone for the season. The start time for the match is 7:00 pm. For those seeking to “pack-the-Plex,” adult tickets can be purchased for $10, children tickets for $7, and youth under 5 can be admitted for free.