Wilmington Hammerheads News Release -- www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
WILMINGTON, N.C. – The Wilmington Hammerheads fought a fierce battle back from a two-goal deficit to triumph, 3-2, against the Charlotte Eagles in a second round match of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday night at Legion Stadium.
The Hammerheads will take on Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer in the third round next Tuesday, June 28, at the Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah for a 7 p.m. MDT kick-off.
Charlotte attacked early on pressuring Wilmington inside of the box and firing two shots on goal in the opening 15 minutes of the first half. Minutes later the Hammerheads had their first attack on goal by midfielder Luke Mulholland who pushed the ball just out of reach and out of bounds before he could make a cross.
In the 44th minute, Charlotte defender Cheyne Roberts drew first blood off a run down the sideline to receive a speedy free kick and tuck the ball just inside the far post for a 1-0 lead into halftime.
After the break Wilmington came out fast on their feet when Noviello gave a quick give and go to Mulholland beating Charlotte defenders but ultimately denied by goalkeeper Eric Reed in the 46th minute.
The Eagles quickly fell back into form when midfielder Darren Toby put a second goal in the back of the net and on the board in the 53rd minute to increase their lead to 2-0.
However, the 2-0 lead would be short lived as the Hammerheads rallied back in the 61st minute when forward Andryi Budnyy fired a low shot to score off an assist from forward Chris Banks.
In the 78th minute the Hammerheads received a free kick just outside the penalty area, which was sent high across the box for a header from Banks to score and tie the game 2-2. Midfielder Jack Avesyan was credited with the assist on the play.
The Hammerheads continued to carry the momentum, outshooting Charlotte 4-3 in the second half, and in the 81st minute Banks connected with a long cross and drilled a diving header just off the crossbar.
The score remained tied 2-2 in the 90th minute and the game went to overtime to decide who would advance to the next round.
For the first 13 minutes of overtime both teams struggled to find the back of the net but Mulholland would not be denied as he fired a long shot into the far, side net for a 3-2 lead.
After the quick break of the overtime period, Hammerheads forward Andrews Cuero raced down the field to take on Eagles keeper one-on-one but shot the ball high over the crossbar. In stoppage time, Charlotte midfielder Jorge Herrera blasted one final attempt on goal that flew well over the crossbar to leave Wilmington fans on their feet as their side closed out the tie.
This Friday, June 24, the Hammerheads will return to USL PRO regular season action as they play to host the Charleston Battery in an 8 p.m. game at Legion Stadium that will be televised by Fox Soccer. The Eagles will also play this Friday at the Charlotte Christian Stadium for a 7 p.m. kick off against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.