Hammerheads Tie Independence
May 10, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Wilmington Hammerheads FC News Release
Although it was a mid-week match, the Port City hosted a crowd of 2,776 for Charlotte Independence at Legion Stadium Tuesday evening.
The start of the 7pm game appeared a bit frantic with little control for both teams. But despite this slow start, the Hammerheads managed to score in the 13th minute when Charlotte gave the Hammerhead's a penalty kick. #23 Bruno Perone eagerly took the penalty kick to set the Hammerheads ahead by one, with a beautiful placement to the bottom left corner of Charlotte's goal.
After Perone's goal, Charlotte's #25 Kyle Renfro fired on an open net, just to find Hammerheads #8, Mael Corboz, in the perfect position for his second impressive save of the season. The Hammerheads held their place with the support of a rambunctious crowd, and careful plays. Each team showcased an explosion in offensive power, playing cat and mouse on the field.
In the 42nd minute, Charlotte's offensive push played off as #9 Brian Brown scored on Canadian goalkeeper, John Smits; bringing the first half to a 1-1 close.
Entering the second half, Charlotte came out of the gate ready to score, but unprepared to face the Hammerhead's consistent defensive line-up. Although the first half was slow and steady, with both teams scoring, the second went from organized chaos to controlled professionalism.
The Hammerheads young team finally found their groove with short and sweet passes up and through the field, providing three impressive shots on goal. Despite these close encounters, it was Charlotte who had ample opportunities to score, closer than comfort, with five shots on goal.
In the end, both teams walked away with one goal and one point as the 2016 USL season moves forward. Head coach Mark Briggs stated, "It's another draw, which isn't the result we were looking for. Again, it's the same old story. We play well, we create chances, but we don't put the ball in the back of the net. Tonight we missed three good opportunities. We'll take the positives from it though. They reacted to what I said to them at halftime and they came out in the second half with a bit more desire and a bit more fight, which is what we were looking for. So we'll take the positives and that's a good thing for us. But we didn't get the three points we were looking, so it's disappointing."
The Hammerheads next home game will be on Wednesday, May 18th at 7pm here in the beautiful Port City for the Open Cup. Purchase your $5 tickets online at http://www.etix.com/ticket/v/10101/legion-stadium-wilmington-hammerheads or by calling 910.777.2111 today!
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United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 10, 2016
- T2's Neco Brett Added to the USL Team of the Week - Portland Timbers 2
- Hammerheads Tie Independence - Wilmington Hammerheads FC
- Independence Extend Unbeaten Streak to Five with 1-1 Draw in Wilmington - Charlotte Independence
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- Port Coquitlam's Kadin Chung Named to USL Team of the Week - Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
- Sammy Ochoa Named USL Player of the Week - FC Tulsa
- Tulsa's Ochoa Named USL Player of the Week - USL
- Dixon Named to USL Team of the Week - Saint Louis FC
- Bengals to Serve as Honorary Captains Saturday - FC Cincinnati
- Kickers Travel to Toronto FC II Wednesday - Richmond Kickers
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