Charlotte Eagles News Release -- www.charlotteeagles.com
Saturday, April 23, 2011
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Charlotte Eagles earned their first point of the USL PRO season as they drew 0-0 with F.C. New York on Saturday night at Charlotte Christian Stadium. Eagles goalkeeper Eric Reed received Player of the Match honors after his first shutout as an Eagle.
The Eagles applied pressure early as the midfield was able to find holes in New York’s defense. Chris Salvaggione, with a great cross from the right, just missed Ben Page for a header that could have given the Eagles the lead.
Charlotte quickly followed up with a few similar situations but came away with nothing to show for it. Reed had his first test shortly after as he saved a shot from Graciano Brito in the 11th minute.
Josh Rife continued to apply pressure as he collided with New York’s goalkeeper Derby Carrillo just outside the box from a cross by Luke Williams. Rife’s shot just missed the crossbar in the 15th minute, while Carrillo was unable to continue after the collision and was replaced by New York’s back-up keeper Steve Diaz.
Midway through the first half the game found its pace. New York, able to build a few promising spells of possession, could not successfully penetrate the Eagles’ defense, but for all their control of the flow of the game, the Eagles were unable to capitalize and find a goal before the halftime break.
Salvaggione came closest for the Eagles, firing a rocket from 25 yards out that hit the crossbar. Moments later, he missed just wide with a header. The Eagles continued throughout the latter part of the first half to bombard New York’s box, but had nothing to show for it despite outshooting New York 7-2 in the first half.
The second half began much more evenly with both sides creating chances. Eagles coach Mark Steffens, looking to add speed to his side, brought Walter Moore into the game with 27 minutes to go.
Relying on their speed up front. the Eagles fell back on the long ball, trying to dump the ball over New York’s defense. New York was able to answer by controlling Sallieu Bundu in the center.
With just over 20 minutes to go the Eagles found a couple of consecutive corner kicks that put the scare in New York, but they could not get the ball into the net. New York answered with a few close calls as well, one of which forced a great diving save from Reed.
However, the game ended scoreless, giving both teams their first points of the season.
The next Eagles home game is Friday, April 29, 2011 against Charleston Battery at Winthrop stadium. Purchase your tickets online at www.CharlotteEagles.com.