Charlotte Clinches Regular Season Top Spot
Published on August 8, 2008 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release
(Charlotte, NC) - The Charlotte Eagles played their 2008 season finale tonight, hosting the Cleveland City Stars at Restart Field. Dustin Swinehart added to his season scoring lead with another goal tonight in a 1-1 tie with the City Stars. The Eagles have a first round bye in the playoffs and return to action on Saturday, August 16th for a semi final match at Restart Field, 7:00 pm.
Charlotte took the first lead of the match in the 18th minute of play. Joseph Kabwe got the ball on the left side and carried the ball into the middle and straight at the Cleveland defense toward goal. Kabwe danced through the defense with the ball and touched it on to Dustin Swinehart. Swinehart fired a shot on goal from ten yards out, beating goalkeeper Eric Reed to take the 1-0 lead.
Unfortunately for Charlotte the lead wouldn't last. Just seconds after the kick off following the Charlotte goal, Cleveland put the equalizer on the scoreboard. Cleveland played the ball through to the left side for Kwame Sarkodie. Sarkodie, inside the Charlotte 18 yard box put the ball to the far post. Ryan Steward was there on the right side to score off the volley.
The first half was a very even half, with opportunities at both sides of the pitch. Charlotte had a slight edge on attacking play, but shots were nearly even with seven for Charlotte and six for Cleveland. The first half ended in a 1-1 deadlock.
Petro Express was tongiht's game night sponsor. The first 500 fans to register at the game were give a free $10 gas card, and one lucky winner was drawn and awarded $4000 worth of FREE gas from Petro Express. Tonight was also Gifts for Gulu night. Eagles forwards Dustin Swinehart and Robert Ssejjemba shared a bit at halftime about the Eagles work in Gulu Uganda with Sports Outreach.
In the first minute of the second half Cleveland was celebrating what looked to be a goal to take the lead. Sallieu Bundu and Eagles goalkeep Terry Boss went up to make a play on a cross from the left side. The ball ended up in the back of the net and the center referee signaled a goal for Cleveland. The center referee then discussed with the sideline referee and the goal was call back for a hand ball by Bundu.
In the 75th minute Derek Potteiger had a great shot from the top of the box, but Terry Boss was there to make a beautiful diving save to keep the score even. Charlotte and Cleveland played a very physical second half with opportunities at both ends of the field. Both sides played tough defense to keep the second half scoreless and the game ended in a 1-1 tie. The game shot statistic was close to even as well with a 12 shots for Charlotte and 11 for Cleveland.
Tonight's tie was enough for the Eagles to clinch the regular season championship. Cleveland will face the Wilmington Hammerheads tomorrow night, but Cleveland has already clinched its playoff qualification.
The Eagles have clinched a spot in the post season along with a bye to the semi finals. Charlotte will host the Eagles semi final match at Restart Field on Saturday, August 16th. Charlotte's opponent is to be determined, but kickoff for the semi-final match is slated for 7:00pm. Tickets are available online at the Charlotte Eagles website, www.CharlotteEagles.com. Purchase your semi-final game tickets by Friday, August 15th to save $2.00 per ticket.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 8, 2008
- City Stars Battle Charlotte To 1-1 Draw - Cleveland City Stars
- Charlotte Clinches Regular Season Top Spot - Charlotte Eagles
- Palace Close Out Regular Season At Richmond Saturday - Crystal Palace Baltimore
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