Friday, April 13, 2012
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Charlotte Eagles and Dayton Dutch Lions each earned their first point of the season on a beautiful night in Charlotte as the two sides played to a 0-0 draw at Charlotte Latin Stadium on Friday night.
The Dutch Lions tested the Eagles' defense early, winning the first corner kick of the night, but the Eagles were able to clear to safety. Charlotte then almost took the lead in the 10th minute after earning a free 30 yards from goal. Jorge Herrera sent the ball into the penalty area, and a deflection sent the ball off the post.
Both teams began to find their rhythm midway through the first half, but both defenses proved difficuly to break down and the game went to the break scoreless.
Dayton's best chance came eight minutes into the second half as Gibson Bardsley, playing against his former club, got a clear chance at goal only to shoot over the crossbar. Dayton also went close from a free kick two minutes later, but Eric Reed was on hand to save and keep the game scoreless.
The Dutch Lions, who didn't record their first point until their fifth game of the season in 2011, continued to attack, and Akeem Priestly forced a good save from Reed from 20 yards, who parried and saw his defense clear the rebound.
Charlotte came on strong late, though, and had the last clear chance of the game with six minuted to go after substitute Mauricio Salles was brought down just outside the penalty area. The effort from the free kick was a poor one, though, going into the wall before being cleared.
The Eagles return to action on Tuesday night at Winthrop University against longtime rival the Charleston Battery at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.charlotteeagles.com. The Dutch Lions will hit the road again next weekend as they travel to face the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Chartiers Valley Stadium on Saturday, April 21 at 7 p.m.