Charlotte Eagles News Release -- www.charlotteeagles.com
Thursday, July 21, 2011
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Charlotte Eagles will look to spark its run for the postseason with two games against bitter rival Wilmington this weekend. This first game is Friday at 7:45 p.m. at Charlotte Christian Stadium.
Only five points separate the two teams in the American Division, as the Hammerheads are 9-5-3 and the Eagles are 7-6-4. Eagles’ Head Coach Mark Steffens says the league table will have no effect on the game.
"Wilmington has been a great rival for years," Steffens said. "No matter where the teams are in the standings, the game will be a battle to the final whistle."
Wilmington have been playing with good form recently. The Hammerheads have won four of their last five games and have outscored opponents 12-7 on this run.
The Hammerheads field the second-most prolific attack in the league, finding the back of the net 30 goals this season. Midfielder Luke Mulholland leads the team with six goals, and forward Chris Banks has added five of his own. Wilmington has struggled on the road so far this season. They are 2-3-3 and have averaged only one goal per road game.
The Eagles gave Wilmington one of those road losses on June 11. Charlotte beat the Hammerheads 3-0 to earn their third victory of the season. Although this favors the Eagles, Steffens says his team will have to bring its ’A’ game to be successful.
After giving up a goal in the first minute last week against the Harrisburg City Islanders, the Eagles rallied to score an equalizer in the 78th minute. Following a shaky opening half hour, Charlotte played well, outshooting the Islanders 13-6 and winning nine corners.
Steffens has "mixed emotions" about the home draw with Harrisburg.
"I feel we didn’t come out with the right intensity," he says. "I am proud of the comeback, yet I am disappointed we didn’t get three points at home.
"Starting slowly and getting behind early makes things difficult in soccer. Most times, the team that scores first wins."
The Eagles are 2-2-1 in July, but they have yet to win at home. Throughout the season, Charlotte is 4-3-2 at Charlotte Christian Stadium. The Eagles have scored 12 goals at home while only conceding six.
Following the game, both teams will board the team buses and head to Wilmington, where they will play Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Before the game, the Eastern Conference Finals of the W-League will take place at 5:30 p.m. The Lady Eagles will play the Long Island Rough Riders at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, and the Atlanta Silverbacks will take on the New Jersey Wildcats at 8 p.m. The winners of these semifinal matches will play Friday.
To purchase tickets, you can visit www.charlotteeagles.com or call 704-841-8644x20.