Charlotte Eagles News Release -- www.charlotteeagles.com
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Charlotte Eagles fell to the Harrisburg City Islanders on Wednesday night, Harrisburg denying Charlotte the chance to seal its place in the USL PRO playoffs with a 1-0 victory at Charlotte Christian Stadium. Jose Angulo scored the lone goal in the 87th minute, leaving the Eagles' playoff fate to be determined on Friday night against the Charleston Battery.
Both sides opened the match patiently, understanding the pressure of the match neither team wanted to make the first mistake. The first 20 minutes were even, with both the Eagles and the City Islanders sharing possession without much pressure in either penalty area.
The first real chance of the night came in the 22nd minute as Chris Salvaggione played a great through ball into Sallieu Bundu for the Eagles. Bundu's touch was a good one, but his shot went straight at Harrisburg goalkeeper Chase Harrison.
In the 29th minute Harrisburg's Jason Pelletier had a rocket of a shot from 25 yards out. Eric Reed was able to snatch it out of the air keeping the game scoreless.
The game continued to be a stand-off in the midfield for most of the remainder of the first half. Both Reed and Harrison kept their teams in the game, up to this point, by making a couple of good saves apiece, but neither offense really applied pressure to truly test the keepers.
Harrisburg came out strongly to start the second half, putting a scare into Charlotte in the second minute of play. The Eagles' defense was able to stand its ground and finally clear the ball from the box. Reed then came up huge in the 53rd minute, making a diving save to the far post after Harrisburg's Brian Ombiji blasted a ball on target.
Charlotte's Darren Toby had a great opportunity in the 75th minute, hitting the crossbar with his shot from inside the penalty area. Harrisburg then counter-attacked, beating the Eagles' defense, but could not keep the finish on target.
With 15 minutes left, the game began to open up. The Eagles' pressure became much more apparent, while Harrisburg did everything they could to keep the ball out of their net. But in the 87th minute Angulo found the back of the net after a Harrisburg counter-attack. The Eagles were not able to answer, allowing the City Islanders to draw level with the Rochester Rhinos at the top of the National Division with their victory.
Charlotte will now face the Battery on Friday night in the USL PRO Game of the Week on FOX Soccer needing a draw to earn the fourth and final place in USL PRO's American Division playoffs. Kickoff at Blackbaud Stadium is scheduled for 8 p.m.