Friday, July 26, 2013
WILMINGTON, N.C. -- The Wilmington Hammerheads are running out of chances to gain the momentum they need for an opportunity to claim a spot in the playoffs as they took a 2-1 loss against VSI Tampa Bay FC on Friday night at Legion Stadium. Wilmington’s Shawn Nicklaw tallied his first Hammerheads goal of the season, but it was not enough to lead his team to victory as Tampa Bay’s Josh Rife and Chad Burt added two goals within five minutes of each other to give Tampa Bay an important victory.
The first goal of the night came off a sideline run by Wilmington midfielder Shawn Nicklaw in the 23rd minute of play. Nicklaw closed in on Tampa Bay goalkeeper Alex Horwath, sending a low ball into the corner of the net and claiming his first goal of the regular season with the Hammerheads. The Hammerheads gained an opportunity for a second goal soon after as Will Heaney chipped the ball to forward Mickael Oliveira, however Horwath deflected the ball away to safety as he challenged Oliveira shot.
Wilmington wasn’t able to hold onto its 1-0 lead for long as Tampa Bay defender Josh Rife equalized from a Darren Toby assist in the 33rd minute. Tampa Bay then grabbed a 2-1 lead five minutes later as midfielder Chad Burt took a long shot from 35 yards out that flew past Hammerheads goalkeeper Troy Hernandez.
The Hammerheads battled throughout the second half as they tried to get back on even terms, but chances were few and far between. Wilmington’s hopes took a hit as Heaney was sent off in stoppage time, and Tampa Bay was able to take an important victory as it solidified its playoff position. The Hammerheads will need to generate a winning streak for the remainder of the regular season to be considered for a slot in playoffs. Tampa Bay still holds the eighth position in the league standings, allowing them the opportunity to temporarily secure the final slot for a berth in the playoffs.
The Wilmington Hammerheads will host the Charleston Battery at Legion Stadium on Friday, August 2, for ’Pink Night’ in support of the Pink Ribbon Project. In their efforts to create breast cancer awareness, the Hammerheads will be donning pink jerseys during the match and are open to bidding in the ’PINK’ Auction online via the Wilmington Hammerheads website.
For further information regarding the Wilmington Hammerheads, please contact (910) 777-2111 or visit online at www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com.