Charlotte Eagles News Release - www.charlotteeagles.com
Friday, July 15, 2011
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Charlotte Lady Eagles came through on a must win situation against the Virginia Beach Piranhas, winning 3-0. Ashley Aragona saw the first goal home off a cross from Ashley Braam in the 4th minute. Braam assisted Janel Schmitt in the 37th minute for the second goal. The third goal came in the 77th minute after Laura Novikoff cleared a ball from deep in the Lady Eagles' defense to Ashley Swinehart, who made a perfect one touch play from 30 yards out for goal number three.
The Lady Eagles did not waste any time applying pressure. In the 4th minute of play Braam made a great sideline run crossing it to Rife. Just a bit out of reach for Rife, it skimmed off her head to Aragona who made the trap and put it past the Piranhas' keeper.
In the 14th minute Blakely Mattern made a beautiful header off a free kick from Novikoff. Victoria Johnson was somehow able to react making a spectacular save keeping the Eagles' lead to one. That was quickly followed by another spectacular diving save, denying Sam Huecker the goal in the 16th minute.
The Eagles continued to pressure, with Rife getting her chance; getting off two failed shots before being called for a penalty in the visitor's box.
Emily Kittleson gave the Piranhas their best chance of the half, in the 26th minute, beating her defender she went one on one with Lady Eagles' keeper, Rebekah Niedermayer. Kittleson's shot went just wide.
In the 37th minute, Braam played a great ball to Schmitt who was able to get it past Johnson, for the second goal of the match.
Halftime ended with 2-0 advantage to the Lady Eagles.
The first twenty-five minutes of play in the second half was a mid-field battle with little action in either box.
Swinehart blasted a perfect one touch ball, 30 yards out in the 77th minute. She received a cleared ball from Novikoff, positioned deep in the Eagle' defensive half.
The Lady Eagles finished strong with a 3-0 win.
This win ensures a Lady Eagles playoff berth, securing a second place finish in the Eastern Conference Atlantic Division.