USL PRO Game Report
Saturday, June 21, 2014
WILMINGTON, N.C. -- Wilmington Hammerheads FC extended their unbeaten streak as a late goal by Will Heaney earned a 2-2 draw against the Chicago Fire Reserves at Legion Stadium on Saturday night. The Hammerheads are now undefeated in eight consecutive games in USL PRO as Heaney's spectacular finish claimed his side a point in stoppage time.
Wilmington put pressure on Chicago at the beginning of the match as forward Jordan Hamilton had the first shot of the night with a low shot across the front of the goal. The Hammerheads followed with a few more attempts, but it was Chicago's Dilly Duka that put the first goal on the board in the 27th minute.
Hammerheads forward Sammy Ochoa was offered an opportunity to tie the game just before the halftime break as Wilmington was awarded a penalty kick after Mickael Oliveira was taken down in the penalty area. Ochoa's effort was denied by a diving save by goalkeeper Kyle Reynish which kept the Fire Reserves on top.
Hamilton would get the Hammerheads back on even terms as he scored his fourth goal of the season in the 50th minute off a cross by Ochoa. Hamilton's matched Ochoa for the team-lead as he flicked home a finish into the right corner of the net after a good low cross. Wilmington's lead would be short-lived, however, as Chicago's Juan Luis Anangono put the ball into the back of the net in the 58th minute to give the Fire Reserves a 2-1 lead.
Heaney would grab an equalizer in stoppage time, however, as he struck a first-time volley off a half-cleared corner kick into the back of the net. The strike moved the Hammerheads within three points of both the Rochester Rhinos and Sacramento Republic FC for fourth place in the USL PRO standings.
The Wilmington Hammerheads are scheduled to play their next match at Legion Stadium on Saturday, June 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET for the second match of their three-game series against the Richmond Kickers this regular season. The Hammerheads will host the Kickers again on Friday, August 1 for their final match of the series.
For more information regarding Wilmington Hammerheads FC, please contact (910) 777-2111 or visit online at www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com.