Saturday, May 25, 2013
IRVINE, Calif. — The LA Blues were able to hold off a late surge by the Charlotte Eagles to take a 4-3 win at Anteater Stadium on Saturday night. With his two goals, Chris Cortez became the Blues’ leading goal scorer, while Los Angeles became the first side to defeat the Eagles this season.
The Blues went up early in the first half with a pair of goals three minutes apart. The first came from a free kick that Rodrigo Lopez sent into the penalty area in the 17th minute. With Duach Jock applying pressure an Eagles defender headed into his own net from close range as he tried to clear for a corner.
Two minutes later, Cortez scored his first goal of the game off another set piece. Allan Russell was able to send the ball toward goal, and Cortez was able to tuck his finish home near the left post. The Blues then added to their lead in the 42nd minute, Cortez playing provider as he was able to get a ball to Gabriel Gonzalez on a counter-attack. Gonzalez was able to break into the left side of the penalty area and lift the ball past Eagles goalkeeper Eric Reed for his first goal of the USL PRO season.
The Eagles were able to pull a goal back in first-half stoppage time when Jimmy Turner was called for a reckless tackle in the Blues' penalty area, giving Charlotte a penalty kick. Jorge Herrera converted from the spot for the first of his two goals on the evening. Los Angeles was able to regain control with a strong start to the second half, scoring a goal in the 50th minute. Nelson Pizarro crossed the ball to Cortez, who beat Reed to the delivery as the goalkeeper came off his line and found the back of the net for the second time on the night.
With less than 10 minutes remaining, Charlotte began its comeback as Herrera found the back of the net again. Eagles defender Ben Newnam was able to cross the ball to Herrera, who was able to slide past the Blues defense and put a low finish into the left corner of the net. Stefan Smith then added another goal for the Eagles with two minutes to go, and it took an outstanding save from Blues goalkeeper Aaron Perez, appearing in his first USL PRO game, to deny Juan Guzman a stoppage-time equalizer with an outstanding save on Guzman's effort toward the top-right corner of the net.
The Blues now turn their attention to the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, where they host a game against Chivas USA on Tuesday night at Titan Stadium. The Blues are currently undefeated at Titan Stadium, shutting out all opponents 7-0 this season.