Saturday, May 18, 2013
WILMINGTON, N.C. – The Wilmington Hammerheads tallied their second win of the season on Saturday night as they took a 2-1 victory against the Los Angeles Blues in front of 3,821 fans at Legion Stadium. This was the second time the Hammerheads and Blues encountered this season, the last being on the West Coast when the Hammerheads traveled for their first road game of the season, returning home with a 4-0 loss.
With a total of five goals scored over their last six matches, the Hammerheads looked to compile opportunities to put shots on goal from the beginning of the game. The Hammerheads opened the scoring in the 16th minute through defender Jamel Wallace, off an assist by fellow defender Uriah Bentick, Wallace scoring his second goal of the season.
As the half progressed, the Hammerheads maintained the majority of possession. They had a chance to add to their lead on the half-hour mark as Blues midfielder Allan Russell collided with Hammerheads forward Kyle Greig at the top of the penalty area, giving Wilmington a dangerous free kick. Tom Parratt send a low, curling free kick toward goal, but it went just wide of the post.
The Hammerheads were able to add to their lead five minutes before the halftime break as Parratt's cross from a free kick found defender Daniel Steres. The Blues came close to pulling a goal back in the final minute of the half, but Gabriel Gonzalez's effort was saved by Phil Tuttle.
After a quiet second half, Blues goalkeeper Steve Gonzalez kept the Hammerheads from adding to their lead with seven minutes to go as he turned away Daniel Roberts' effort away for a corner. The Blues were able to pull a goal back in the 86th minute after a handball in the Wilmington penalty area saw the referee point to the penalty spot. Russell was able to convert, firing into the right corner of the net, to give the Blues a chance at earning a second consecutive draw.
The Blues quickly attempted to keep possession as the final whistle approached, but the Hammerheads were able to keep the ball in the Blues' end after a breakaway run by Kyle Greig in the 88th minute caused for a one-on-one challenge with defender Matt Hall. The Hammerheads were able to see out the remainder of the contest, taking their first victory since the opening game of the season against Antigua.
The Hammerheads travel to Austin, Texas on Tuesday night for the second round of the 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup to face the Austin Aztex (PDL). Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at House Park. Following the Hammerheads' match in Texas this week, they will travel to Florida for a doubleheader weekend against Orlando City on Saturday and VSI Tampa Bay FC on Sunday.
For further information, please contact the Wilmington Hammerheads at (910) 777-2111 or visit www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com.