USL PRO Game Report
Friday, June 13, 2014
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Orange County Blues grabbed an important three points in the USL PRO standings with a 1-0 victory against the Charlotte Eagles at Queens Sports Complex Friday night. After a two-hour rain delay due to weather, Orange County's Jiovanni Santana put home the game-winner in the 80th minute of a tight match.
The delay seemed to have its effects on both teams as the game started off slow with a limited number of opportunities and an equal amount of time spent in each end. Charlotte looked to open the scoring in the waning moments of the first half but their penalty shout was turned down after Fred Sekyere went down in the box.
The Blues found the winner in the 80th minute as second-half sub Enrique Cardenas took an outlet from Patrick McLain. He cut the ball back and laid it off to Santana, whose shot took a deflection and slipped past Eagles keeper Alec Kann.
The Blues almost doubled their lead as they were awarded a penalty in the 83rd minute. Allan Russell stepped up but his shot was well saved by Kann.
Charlotte pressed hard for an equalizer but Jorge Herrera’s free kick was saved off the line by McLain. Drew Yates had a chance in the 65th minute but it was right at McLain and the keeper did well to keep it out of the net.
Charlotte will return home next Saturday, June 21 as the Charleston Battery come to Queens Sports Complex with kickoff at 7 pm. Orange County returns home next Saturday to face the Chivas USA Reserves.