Saturday, July 7, 2012
WILMINGTON, N.C. – As time began to run out on the clock, Corey Hertzog found the back of the net in the 66th minute to propel the Wilmington Hammerheads to a 1-0 victory against the Richmond Kickers on Saturday night at Legion Stadium. The tally was Hertzog’s seventh goal of the season, moving the team to a 7-5-4 record and allowing them to remain unbeaten at home.
Even with the addition of newcomer Cody Arnoux into the starting lineup, the Hammerheads were still able to play their game, controlling possession for the majority of the 90 minutes. Hertzog came through with the game’s only goal in the 66th minute.
After gathering a pass at the top of the box, Hertzog moved to his left to edge past a charging Richmond defender. He then rifled the ball past Richmond goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale to give the Hammerheads the lead. Hertzog’s goal put him tied for the team-lead with Andriy Budnyy.
The Hammerheads held tight at the back throughout the night without regular center back Gareth Evans, who joined Budnyy on the sidelines injured, as Richmond threatened with high intensity following Hertzog’s goal. However, Wilmington’s defense was able to keep the Kickers in check and maintain a constant control of possession, giving the offense numerous chances to increase their lead.
The Hammerheads almost struck once more during stoppage time when Luke Holmes was brought down in the penalty area, giving Wilmington a penalty kick. Chukwudi Chijindu, in his first game back from injury, took the penalty kick for the Hammerheads, only for Pascale to dive to his right and save. Pascale put on an impressive performance throughout the contest, recording six saves to keep the Kickers in the game throughout the contest.
Wilmington will be back in action on Thursday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m at Legion Stadium for "80’s Night". They will face off against the Rochester Rhinos who are currently just above the Hammerheads in the league standings. For more information, visit www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com.