Charlotte Eagles News Release - www.charlotteeagles.com
Thursday, July 21, 2011
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - After a hard fought match in 97 degree heat the Charlotte Lady Eagles were able to edge out the Long Island Rough Riders 2-1 in the first semi-final game of the 2011 USL W-League Eastern Conference Championship. Sam Huecker scored both goals in the first half, the first coming in the 33rd minute and the second, in the 42nd minute. In the 52nd minute The Long Island Rough Riders pressured the Lady Eagles into an own goal.
A great start to the Eastern Conference finals as Charlotte hosted the Long Island Rough Riders at Charlotte Christian stadium at 5:30 PM.
The Lady Eagles began the game applying pressure as they took early control of the midfield.
Breaking the flow of the Lady Eagles, the Rough Riders mounted their first real assault in the 12th minute culminating in a rocket shot by Jen Leaverton that just flew high over the crossbar.
After the first fifteen minutes the game opened up, as the Rough Riders began to settle in to the first half. The Rough Riders gained some success as they mounted their attack, heading up the middle of the field. The Lady Eagles defense was up to the challenge, giving up a few unsuccessful corner kicks.
Christy Rife found herself with the best chance of the first thirty minutes, as she went one on one with the visiting keeper after receiving a beautiful pass from Ashley Aragona. Rife tried to beat the keeper with a far post shot on the ground that was a bit too wide.
Long Island countered immediately with a great possession of their own, resulting in a great save by Rebekah Niedermayer.
The Lady Eagles scored the first goal of the night, in the 33rd minute, off a corner kick from Gmerek. After a beautiful delivery into the box, Huecker was able to beat her mark in the air and put the ball in the back of the net.
After the momentum of the first goal the Lady Eagles continued to apply pressure, with both Braam and Ashley Aragona up the sides. Janel Schmitt had two great chances; both in the 38th minute, but could not find the net.
In the 42nd minute, Hueker scored her second goal of the night. After a beautiful cross from Braam, Hueker found the upper ninety from the top of the box putting the Eagles up 2-0.
After a minute of stoppage time the Eagles went into the half leading 2-0.
The Rough Riders came out strong in the second half with a series of opportunities in front of the Lady Eagles net.
In the 52nd minute the Rough Riders were successful in finding the net. After pressure in the Lady Eagles’ box, a cross was deflected by a Lady Eagle defender ending in an own goal.
Niedermayer came up with a huge save in the 55th minute after Long Island’s pressure ensued.
The Lady Eagles found their form fifteen minutes into the second half. After a number of substitutions, the Lady Eagles were able to step up the pressure.
The 97 degree heat definitely played a role in the last half hour of the game, as both sides began to slow a bit due to fatigue.
The Lady Eagles continued to string together a few promising possessions, but they were not able to add to their first half goals. The Long Island Rough Riders were not able to capitalize on the Lady Eagles’ own goal, falling short by a goal and thus ending their 2011 postseason run.