Wilmington Hammerheads News Release – www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com
June 3, 2011
WILMINGTON, NC – After a long weekend on the road, the Wilmington Hammerheads will take the field at Legion Stadium on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. as they play host to USL PRO American Division leader Orlando City.
Wilmington Hammerheads (4-1-2, 14 points)
Following two ties on the road last weekend, the Hammerheads enter Saturday night’s game eager to maintain their undefeated home record. Their only loss of the season came from their first game on the road, when they fell 2-1 to the Richmond Kickers.
Last weekend was the Hammerhead’s first doubleheader of the season. While the team didn’t come home with a win, head coach David Irving was pleased with his team’s efforts against Rochester and Pittsburgh.
“Based on the team’s good showing we should have racked up more than two points, but I have no complaints from the weekend. We will move forward and focus on the goal ahead of us - beating Orlando,” Irving said.
Based on their performance last weekend, several Hammerhead players are bound to give Orlando a tough game on Saturday night. Defender Gareth Evans’ physical play has been a force in the Hammerheads' back line, and midfielders Luke Mulholland and Paul Nicholson are continuing to be a dominant aspect of the Hammers' attack. Forwards Chris Banks and Jyler Noviello both had missed unlucky opportunities against Pittsburgh last weekend and are sure to be hungry for a goal against Orlando.
Orlando City (7-1-3, 24 points)
Orlando City is currently sitting in first place in the American Division and is leading all USL PRO teams in total points. With seven wins and only one loss all season, Orlando certainly doesn’t lack confidence entering Saturday night’s game against the Hammerheads.
Orlando is also approaching Saturday’s match coming off a tie with Charlotte. Thursday night the Charlotte Eagles and Orlando City played out a scoreless draw, stretching their undefeated streak to 10 games. Orlando’s only loss of the season came against the Richmond Kickers.
Orlando forwards Maxwell Griffin and Jamie Watson are sure to pose a threat to the Hammerheads’ defense. Scoring six goals and posting 17 shots on goal so far this season, Griffin will hope to finish his chances against the Hammers. Former Hammerhead Jamie Watson has recorded 12 shots on goal this season and will look to cause problems for the Hammers' defence.
Despite the fact that Orlando has played 11 games and the Hammerheads have only played seven, both team’s records are very similar. If the Hammerheads could defeat Orlando and their remaining games in hand, the standings could shift at the top of the American Division.