Charlotte Eagles News Release -- www.charlotteeagles.com
Saturday, July 9, 2011
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Part two of the Charlotte Eagles against Richmond Kickers weekend saga ended with a Richmond victory as goals by Luke Vercollone and Edson Elcock gave their side a 2-1 victory at Charlotte Christian Stadium on Saturday night.
Richmond struck first as Shaka Bangura delivered a beautiful ball into the box for Vercollone to head past Eric Reed a minute into the second half. An Eagles defensive mistake in the 73rd minute set up Elcock for the second goal of the night, putting Richmond up 2-0. Juan Guzman was able to find the net in the 89th minute putting the Eagles within a goal.
Despite the long, hard fought battle against these two teams in Richmond Friday night, Saturday night's game had an explosive start to it.
Eagles had the first real chance on a corner kick in the 15th minute. Mark Bloom had a low shot on goal, but the Kicker's veteran keeper, Ronnie Pascale, made a quick save to keep it out of the net. Two minutes late Miguel Ferrer had a great opportunity as he deflected a Kicker's clear bouncing off the crossbar.
It took Richmond 25 minutes before they really tested Eric Reed in goal. Two quick consecutive Kickers attacks had Reed coming out to defend the net. By the half hour mark both teams began showing signs of wear and tear from the long weekend.
The Kickers had the best chance of the first half at the 45th minute as Bangura took the shot. Reed was not able to make a clean save, it deflected off Reed and bounced off the crossbar. The Eagles outshot the Kickers 4-2 in the first half, as neither team was able to find the back of the net.
Vercollone headed the ball past Reed 28 seconds into the second half, putting Richmond up 1-0. Bangura was awarded the assist with a beautifully placed ball into the box. Richmond was on the attack again in the 58th minute as Vercollone blasted a ball at the goal; Reed was able to come up with a great save.
The Eagles had a great chance, 62 minutes in, when Luke beat the Richmond defender and made a great cross in front of an open net. Alan Sanchez was on the other end, but not able to put it. Then an Eagles defensive mistake in the 73rd minute set up Elcock for the second goal of the night, putting Richmond up 2-0. Elcock intercepted the ball in the Eagles box after some confusion by the defense.
The Eagles were able to find one goal after confusion in the net in the 89th minute, Guzman firing into the net, putting the Eagles down by just a goal, but Richmond was able to hold on to their lead and take victory.
Catch your Charlotte Eagles back in action on July 15, 2011 for the last doubleheader of the season. Purchase your tickets online at www.CharlotteEagles.com or call the Eagles ticket line for group rates at 704-841-8644x27.