Friday, July 20, 2012
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Dylan Riley tallied his first goal of the season and Cody Arnoux blasted a thrilling 40-yard effort to give the Wilmington Hammerheads an impressive 2-0 win against the Dayton Dutch Lions on Friday night at Legion Stadium. The victory delivered the Hammerheads their third consecutive shutout at Legion Stadium as they still remain unbeaten at home, and in fourth place in the USL PRO standings.
The Hammerheads jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the third minute as Riley connected off Corey Hertzog’s long throw-in from the left, heading the ball to the back of the net and giving Wilmington an early advantage. Hertzog’s throw-in was targeted for the near post, and Riley timed his run perfectly to lose his marker and the ball past Dayton goalkeeper Matt Williams, making his first goal a great momentum-builderfor the Hammerheads.
Following Riley’s goal, the Hammerheads didn’t wait long to strike again and increase their lead. Arnoux stole the ball, racing through the midfield, and blasted a crowd-silencing goal, maybe the best of the Hammerheads' season so far, from 40 yards outside the penalty area. The Wilmington native caught Williams off his line and took advantage, scoring his first goal for his hometown club since signing earlier this month.
Arnoux went close to a second later in the first half, his curling shot from the left side of the penalty area being turned aside for a corner by Williams. Hammerheads goalkeeper Alex Horwath also made a good first-half save in the 24th minute as he dove low to deny Dayton forward Gibson Bardsley, maintaining the two-goal advantage.
There were fewer chances in the second half, although the Hammerheads appeared to have added a third goal, only for it to be ruled out for a foul. The Hammerheads saw out the night comfortably, though, sending the crowd of 4,051 happy and moving the side within three points of the third-placed Rochester Rhinos.
Wilmington has a quick turnaround as they take to the road on Saturday to travel to Charlotte. They will take on the Charlotte Eagles Saturday night at 7 p.m at Charlotte Christian Stadium. This will be the second time the two teams have met this season, with the first contest ending in a 1-1 draw on May 19. For more information, visit www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com.