Saturday, August 17, 2013
WILMINGTON, N.C. -- The Wilmington Hammerheads finished their 2013 USL PRO regular season with a 4-1 victory over Antigua Barracuda FC Saturday night on their home turf at Legion Stadium in front of more than 3,300 fans. The Hammerheads concluded their season on a five-game winning streak, but unfortunately the late run was not enough to carry the team into the postseason for a chance at playoffs after falling short by one point in the USL PRO standings.
The first goal of the night came as the game closed in on halftime in the 45th minute as a Wilmington free kick by Tom Parratt found Daniel Steres for the header into the top corner of the net. Steres led the Hammerheads in goals this season, tallying seven, breaking the tie with teammate Kyle Greig with six.
Before beginning the second half of the match, Hammerheads Owner Bill Rudisill presented the 2013 Player Awards on field, unveiling the Hammerheads fans popular vote for the players they thought were the most deserving of the categories up for grabs. Kyle Greig took two awards, receiving Offensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors. Michael Daly was presented with Defensive Player of the Year and Daniel Steres was voted Most Valuable Player for the 2013 USL PRO regular season.
Wilmington forwards Greig and Cody Arnoux worked to make several opportunities at the start of the second half for the Hammerheads. Antigua goalkeeper Corey Whisenhurst prevented Arnoux from two attempts after deflecting almost back-to-back shots on goal, but Arnoux snuck one by in the penalty area and increased the score 2-0 in the 64th minute off an assist from Tom Parratt, who finished with two on the night and led the Hammerheads with six this season.
Antigua's Orlando Mitchum prevented a shutout with a goal in the 67th minute off a Tamorley Thomas assist, however their deficit increased back to two after Wilmington's Steven Perry scored his second goal of the season a minute later to put the Hammerheads up 3-1. Will Heaney was then able to tally his first goal of the season in stoppage time giving the Hammerheads a 4-1 victory.
Although the Wilmington Hammerheads needed to claim a victory versus Antigua Barracuda FC, they also needed the Harrisburg City Islanders to take a win or a draw against the Dayton Dutch Lions on Saturday night as they were both battling for the eighth position in the league standings to qualify for playoffs. Dayton took a 3-1 victory over Harrisburg, therefore taking the final position and moving forward to postseason.
For further information regarding the Wilmington Hammerheads, please contact (910) 777-2111 or visit online at www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com.