Charlotte Eagles News Release -- www.charlotteeagles.com
Saturday, June 11, 2011
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- In-between rain showers, the Charlotte Eagles put together a dominating 3-0 victory against the Wilmington Hammerheads on Saturday night at Charlotte Christian Stadium. Cheyne Roberts received the player of the match award, scoring goals in both the 11th and 40th minute. Diego Martins sealed the victory with a goal in the 71st minute.
A torrential down pour delayed the game, bringing about a much cooler 8 p.m. start. From the whistle both the Eagles and the Hammerheads fell into their groove. For the first ten minutes, a midfield battle ensued. Wilmington tested Eagles goalkeeper Eric Reed early, firing a shot low and in the corner that Reed was able to make a diving save to set up for a Wilmington corner.
The Eagles answered quickly after a blown Eagles corner kick. Sanchez got in the way of a Wilmington clearance and delievered the ball back into a chaotic Wilmington penalty area. Roberts quickly settled and turned, finding the corner of the net with his shot.
The Eagles continued to apply pressure and just minutes after the first goal a rocket from Martins flashed just wide of the net. Then both teams settled, sharing possession late into the first half. Wilmington had their best chance of the half off a beautiful free kick taken by Luke Mulholland. The ball skipped past the wall, but Reed smothered it just in time to deny the goal in the 37th minute.
Two minutes later Reed made another great save as Wilmington had a great chance off a broken corner kick play.
In the 40th minute the Eagles added their second as Herrera found Roberts on a cross. Roberts beat his defender in the air for his second goal of the night and a 2-0 lead for the Eagles at the break.
The second half was hard fought by both teams making for some great soccer. While both teams were able to create opportunities, the Eagles were able to capitalize one last time in the 71st minute. Herrera found himself on a breakaway with Wilmington’s defense closing fast. Feeling the heat, Herrera led Martins into the box. Martins finished easily, putting the Eagles up 3-0.
The Eagles were able to extend their current undefeated streak to five games. The next Eagles home game is next Saturday night, and will be part of a doubleheader with the USL W-League's Charlotte Lady Eagles, who face the Dayton Dutch Lions Women at 5:30 p.m. and before USL PRO's Dayton Dutch Lions take on the Eagles at 8 p.m.