USL PRO Game Report
Friday, April 4, 2014
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Dayton Dutch Lions beccame the first USL PRO side to claim a road victory this season as they defeated the Charlotte Eagles 1-0 on Friday night at the Queens Sports Complex. Brock Granger scored the only goal of the game late in the first half as the Dutch Lions bounced back from defeat in their opening game of the season, and handed the Eagles defeat in their opening game of the season.
Charlotte thought it had taken an early lead as new signing Zak Boggs finished on a half-volley from a beautiful cross by Ben Newnam, but the goal was disallowed after an offside call. In an open first half-hour, both teams had chances to take the lead, but goalkeepers Doug Herrick for Charlotte and Matt Williams for Dayton both stood tall in goal, keeping multiple chances out.
The Eagles again came close in the 29th minute when former Chicago Fire midfielder Wells Thompson hammered a left-footed shot into the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed after a foul was committed in the build-up. David Geno got another quality chance off a feed from Herrera but was again denied by Williams in the 32nd minute.
Dayton opened the scoring in the 40th minute as Granger flicked home a near-post corner kick from Ross Friedman. The Dutch Lions almost added to their lead a few minutes later as Aaron Schoenfeld hit the post, but the 1-0 lead would hold until the halftime break.
The Eagles got the first good chance of the second half when a blast from Herrera in the 55th minute flew just over the top-right corner of the goal. Dayton threatened on the counter-attack, and Herrick stood tall and made numerous saves to keep the Eagles in the game. Unfortunately it wasn't enough as the Eagles had quality opportunities but just couldn't find the back of the net.
Dayton's victory was the first in franchise history against the Eagles, the all-time series between the two teams now stands at 1-1-5. Charlotte will return to Queens Sports Complex on Saturday, April 12th at 7 p.m. ET against the Richmond Kickers, while the Dutch Lions will now prepare for their home opener against the Rochester Rhinos next Friday night at 7 p.m. ET.