Charlotte Lady Eagles News Release - www.charlotteeagles.com
Friday, May 11, 2012
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Charlotte Lady Eagles opened their 2012 W-League season by taking three points against the VSI Tampa Flames Friday night with a 3-0 victory at Charlotte Christian Stadium. Ashley Braam, Leah Fortune and Amanda Naeher found the net to help the Lady Eagles hold off their expansion competiton from Tampa.
The game began at a slow pace, as both teams were working through the bugs. The Lady Eagles had the first chance of the night in the 10th minute with a dangerous corner kick from Hannah Gmerek. Samantha Huecker just missed the header.
The Flames were given their first chance just three minutes later but to no avail. The Lady Eagles were able to build a good counter attack. In the 17th minute Fortune made a dangerous pass through the Flames box and Braam connected, beating the keeper and putting the Lady Eagles up 1-0.
Hitting the 30-minute mark, the Lady Eagles continued to pressure with a few close chances. Conversely, the Lady Eagles back four looked composed and strong. Fortune broke through in the 35th minute, dribbling around the defense and firing into the upper 90 to make it 2-0.
The second half began much like the start of the game, but in the 65th minute Gmerek took a corner kick, finding Naeher’s head to make it 3-0. The Lady Eagles continued to apply pressure deep into the second half.
VSI Tampa began to tire as the game hit the hour mark, but found a second wind with 10 minutes remaining. It had a good chance with a direct kick just outside the box, but Robyn Jones was able to make the jumping save, sealing the shutout.