Virginia Beach City FC made a strong statement in its home opener on Saturday, May 23, defeating 2025 NPSL National Semifinalist Ristozi FC, 3-1, at Powhatan Stadium in Norfolk, Virginia.
In front of the home crowd, Virginia Beach came out with energy and purpose, setting the tone early against one of the league’s most respected opponents. The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Gabe Zarate found the back of the net to give Virginia Beach a 1-0 lead.
Just three minutes later, Zarate was involved again, this time setting up Ethan Fisher for a goal in the 30th minute to double the advantage. The quick pair of first-half goals gave Virginia Beach control of the match and highlighted the team’s attacking quality in the final third…