Charlotte Eagles News Release -- www.charlotteeagles.com
Friday, July 29, 2011
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Though Rochester came out strong, taking a two-goal lead in the second half, the Charlotte Eagles fought hard, getting goals from Jorge Herrera in the 78th minute and Chris Salvaggione in the 80th to earn a 2-2 draw at Charlotte Christian Stadium on Friday night.
Kendall Jagdeosingh put Rochester up 1-0 in the 23rd minute and Andrew Hoxie made it 2-0 in the 73rd minute. Tony Donatelli had both assisted for the night.
The Rhinos pressured immediately from the opening whistle, with their first corner kick just two minutes into the game. The Eagles defense passed the early test, able to clear the ball and assemble some stability in the midfield, but the Rhino's pace began much faster than the Eagles, winning most confrontations in the midfield. The Eagles did everything they could in the first 15 minutes to settle the game and play on their terms.
The Eagles had their first chance of the night in the 13th minute with a nice cross into the box from Mark Bloom, as Diego Martins deflected the header towards the net just missing over the crossbar. Darren Toby also had a chance for the Eagles, just missing the net wide with a great chance as he was able to beat his defender off a through ball from Martins in the 20th minute.
Rochester responded with a great counter-attack in the 23rd minute. Donatelli served the ball into the box to Jagdeosingh, who was able to punch the ball over Eric Reed for the first goal of the night.
At the half hour mark, Rochester continued to dominate the tempo of the game. The Eagles were working hard to just clear the ball out of their half. Sparks of Eagles' offense would show itself on occasion, but without any pressure in the box. In the 39th minute Isaac Kissi had a chance going one-on-one with Reed, only to shoot wide and keep the score 1-0 at the break.
The Eagles opened the second half better, with substitute Sallieu Bundu shot a rocket across the net just missing wide. At the hour-mark Rochester seemed content to sit on their one-goal lead and let the Eagles control the possession.
Bundu continued to make his presence felt as he was able to cause trouble for Rochester goalkeeper Neal Kitson, but not able to finish in the 65th minute.
Rochester, though, continued to produce sporadic, quick counter attacks. Their speed continued to produce difficulties for Charlotte's defense, and that speed saw the Rhinos add their second goal in the 75th minute as Hoxie found the backdoor and beat Reed to put Rochester up 2-0. Donatelli had his second assist of the night with a great cross to the far post.
The Eagles quickly hit back as they came on strong to score two goals in three minutes. The first was from Herrera, who was able to push the ball pash Kitson after a good pass by Martins. Two minutes later Miguel Ferrer found Salvaggione, who flicked the ball into the net bringing the Eagles even with Rochester.
The Eagles had to withstand a late put from the Rhinos, and Reed came up huge in the 88th minute saving a rocket of a shot off Rick Costanzo's boot. But while both teams had chances in stoppage time neither team was able find a game-winner. After a hard fought battle the Eagles were able to walk away with one point.