Charlotte Beats Charleston with Francis' Free Kick
May 14, 2013 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release
Charlotte, NC -- The Charlotte Eagles remained undefeated in the 2013 USL PRO Season with a 1-0 victory over the Charleston Battery on Tuesday, May 14th. Shaun Francis curled in the game winner on a free kick from just outside the penalty area. The Eagles, who have only allowed one goal at home this season, played some strong defense as Eric Reed recorded his fourth shutout of the season.
Charleston's first chance came in the 18th minute as Emmanuel Adjetey's shot curled just wide of the post. The Battery's Amadou Sanyang took a hard knock and would be subbed out in the 31st minute with Jarad Van Schaik replacing the midfielder.
Charlotte and Charleston entered halftime tied 0-0.
The Eagles enjoyed much of the 2nd half possession, but like the first half were not able to create many scoring chances against a tough Battery defense.
Zach Prince created a Charleston chance in the 60th minute with some fancy dribbling, but his cross was cleared away by Fejiro Okiomah.
The Eagles received a free kick from just outside the penalty area in the 65th minute and Shaun Francis was able to bend it around the wall and give Charlotte a 1-0 lead.
Austin Savage sliced a shot wide of the near post in the 78th minute and Dane Kelly sent a shot high of the crossbar in the 80th minute as Charleston applied pressure looking for the equalizer late in the 2nd half.
The Battery mounted a late charge in an effort to tie the game but the Eagles defense was able to repel each chance and keep the clean-sheet.
The Eagles will host a 2nd round matchup of the 2013 US Open Cup on Tuesday, May 21st at 7 pm here at Queens Sports Complex. Make sure to check out www.CharlotteEagles.com for more details!
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