Charlotte Eagles News Release -- www.charlotteeagles.com
Friday, July 15, 2011
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Eagles and Harrisburg City Islanders fought to a 1-1 draw on Friday night at Charlotte Christian Stadium as the City Islanders scored first, just seconds into the game, through Nelson Becerra before Luke Williams capitalized off a Harrisburg mistake midway through the second half to earn the Eagles a point.
Harrisburg did not waste any time as Becerra drilled a volley from 25 yards out, placing it over Eagles goalkeeper Eric Reed’s reach in the first minute of play. The Eagles were able to find some composure after the initial goal, but were still a step behind Harrisburg’s speed of play in the midfield. Reed made a spectacular one-on-one save in the 16th minute to keep Harrisburg within reach.
The Eagles’ offense stepped up its play a bit after the first 15 minutes of play and was able to produce a couple of promising attacks in the first half of play. Jorge Herrera had the Eagles best chance of the half in the 25th minute, placing his shot on the ground to the far post only to miss just wide. But Harrisburg did a great job winning balls in the midfield and keeping the Eagles off balance. Harrisburg was able to control the first half of play and went into halftime up 1-0 over the Eagles.
The Eagles came out much stronger to start the second half. Stepping up their midfield play, the Eagles found more success feeding their flanks and applying pressure through crossing the ball into Harrisburg’s box.
Alan Sanchez gives Harrisburg a scare in the 64th minute blasting a shot that hit the crossbar after a broken up corner kick. Two minute later Williams evened things up as he capitalized on Harrisburg’s confusion in the defense. Two Harrisburg defenders collided in the box giving Williams the perfect opportunity to step in and place the ball in the back of the net.
Tension began to mount and with 20 minutes remaining the nature of the game became much more aggressive. In the 88th minute Herrera shot on a near open net as a Harrisburg defender made a great diving kick clearance to keep the game even.
Chase Harrison, Harrisburg’s keeper, was able to make one last outstanding save as he smothered a bullet from Josh Rife, keeping honors even.
Catch the Charlotte Eagles back at home Friday, July 22, 2011 as they face American Division rival the Wilmington Hammerheads at 7 p.m. Purchase your tickets at www.CharlotteEagles.com.