USL PRO Game Report
Friday, June 6, 2014
WILMINGTON, N.C. -- Wilmington Hammerheads FC and OKC Energy FC played to a 2-2 draw at Legion Stadium on Friday night. The Hammerheads twice took the lead, but Energy FC hit back each time as both sides claimed a point in a back-and-forth contest.
Wilmington forward Sammy Ochoa opened the scoring in the 45th minute off an assist by Mickael Oliveira as he broke in behind the Energy defense and finished into the left corner of the net. Ochoa's goal was his fourth of the season, a team-high.
The Hammerheads came close to adding to their advantage early in the second half as Oliveira took a hard shot that was saved by Energy goalkeeper Jon Kempin, but moments later OKC would be level as Phillip Lund latched onto a lifted pass and lobbed Wilmington goalkeeper Quillan Roberts with a deft finish.
Hammerheads midfielder Tom Parratt claimed his first goal of the season in the 64th minute as he flicked home a corner at the near post that the Energy were unable to keep from advancing over the goal line to give the Hammerheads a 2-1 advantage. Wilmington was reduced to 10 men soon after, however, when defender Yahaya Musa received a second yellow card in the 70th minute.
Energy FC was able to capitalize on its man advantage as it equalized in the 78th minute when former Hammerheads forward Kyle Greig headed the ball past Roberts off a near-post cross from the left. Both sides had chances to grab victory in the final minutes, as Energy midfielder Paul Wyatt fired a low shot that was saved, and Wilmington midfielder Paul Nicholson also saw his effort stopped by Kempin in stoppage time, but honors finished even as both sides extended their respective undefeated streaks.
The Energy travel to Charlotte to take on the Eagles on Saturday night at 7 p.m. ET at Queens Sports Complex.
The Hammerheads are scheduled to play their next match on the road against the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, June 14 at City Stadium before hosting their Major League Soccer affiliate Toronto FC on Wednesday, June 18 at Legion Stadium in a friendly match. The team will be holding a meet and greet on field prior to the match at Legion Stadium from 5:45 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. that is open to the public.
For more information regarding Wilmington Hammerheads FC, please contact (910) 777-2111 or visit online at www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com.