Reds Drop Home Opener in Tight Contest Against Annapolis

ALEXANDRIA, VA - Reds goalkeeper Drew Hartman stood out making several spectacular saves before conceding in the 81st minute on a set piece that found the head of Blues midfielder Leo Palomo.

The Reds had several scoring opportunities in the first half with midfield duo Chris Barnard and Jeffrey Aguilar at the center of the action. Just past the 30 minute mark, Aguilar was taken down in the box by a Blues defender. Despite appeals by the Reds for a penalty, no foul was called.

Moments later, a quick shot from Reds forward Leo Torres was tipped onto the post by Blues Goalkeeper Owen Allegro.

Drew Hartman’s 1v1 save on Brady Geho held the match scoreless through halftime. 

With the final quarter of the match getting increasingly physical, a freekick from the left side of the pitch found the head of Leo Palomo to give the Blues the 1-0 advantage. Despite a late push from the Reds, they were unable to find the equalizer.

The Reds home opener marked a record crowd as they played their first games at the Hummel Bowl on the campus of Episcopal High School.

The match was the second leg of a double header with the Reds new WPSL team who fell 0-3 to Arlington.