Wilmington Hammerheads News Release -- www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com
Thursday, June 23, 2011
WILMINGTON, N.C. -- The Wilmington Hammerheads return to USL PRO action hosting the Charleston Battery this Friday night in their second 2011 appearance on Fox Soccer. Last week, the Hammerheads made their national television debut for the 2011 season at Orlando when the two teams finished with a 1-1 draw.
The Hammerheads enter Friday night’s game off a hard-earned second round Open Cup victory against the Charlotte Eagles on Tuesday night. Their come-from-behind overtime win advanced the Hammers into the third round of the Cup where they will travel to take on Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah.
The Battery travel to Wilmington after a second round Open Cup loss on Tuesday to USL PRO leader Orlando City. In league play, the Battery enters Friday’s game off of a 1-0 win over Dayton last Friday night at Blackbaud Stadium. Overall, Charleston sits right in front of the Hammerheads in points with 21, while the Hammerheads are only three points behind with 18.
The Hammerheads and the Battery met previously this season on May 21 at Legion Stadium. This Hammerheads took a 3-0 victory in that contest, led by two goals scored by midfielder Luke Mulholland and the final goal scored by midfielder Jack Avesyan.
The Hammerheads have become notorious this season for their late attacks. In their most recent Open Cup match against the Eagles, the Hammerheads came back to win in overtime from being down two goals in the second half. Forwards Andryi Budnyy and Chris Banks have been a constant in the Hammerhead attack with their crucial game changing goals and Mulholland continues to lead the team with his presence in the midfield and attack.
The Hammerheads and the Battery meet for the third and final time of the 2011 regular season at Blackbaud Stadium on July 14.
The Hammerheads are encouraging fans to wear blue to Friday night’s game to participate in a “Blue Out” to be seen on National television. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time through www.wilmingtontickets.com or by calling the Hammerheads office at 910-777-2111 ext. 10.