Charlotte Eagles Disappointing Draw 1-1 Against Real Maryland Monarchs
July 19, 2009 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release
The Charlotte Eagles hosted the Real Maryland Monarchs for the first time this year at Charlotte Christian Stadium. Though the Eagles dominated, Real Maryland was able to pull out a 1-1 draw.
Real Maryland (7-7-0) sits two points ahead of the Eagles (5-5-4) in the standings after losing to the Wilmington Hammerheads Friday night. An Eagle win tonight would have moved the Eagles to fourth place; a disappointing finish for the Eagles after taking control early and dominating most of the game.
The Eagles opened the game with three quick near misses from Diego Martins. Winning balls in the midfield and using both sides of the field well, the Eagles applied heavy pressure to the Monarchs defensive line.
In the seventh minute Dustin Swinehart drew a free kick, in which Diego Martins made a near perfect strike, curling the ball around the wall only to hit the crossbar. This near miss would define the drama to unfold.
Real Maryland had their best opportunity in the first half in the twelfth minute. Steward Cues made a great save, one on one as he smothered the ball after it was struck hard just inside the eighteen.
The Monarchs keeper, Dave Kern, was tested fifteen times in the first half, three of which bounced off the woodwork.
Despite the Eagles dominance, the first half of play ended 0-0.
The second half began with more of an open feel. Both teams found opportunities at their opponent's end of the field and both keepers exchanged good saves.
Fifty two minutes into the game Diego had another free kick opportunity. Again, he struck the ball with perfect accuracy, but the framework denied him yet again.
Luke Williams, in the sixty ninth minute made a great run through the Monarch's defense making the keeper commit. At the last moment he crossed the ball back in front of the goal and found Amaury Nunes who sank it in the back of the net, giving the Eagles a 1-0 lead.
The Eagles were not able to sustain their lead long. Ryan Cordeiro, breaking through the right side found Gary Brooks on a cross, who beat the keeper with his head.
Stoppage time proved to be quite a heart stopper as Real Maryland committed a foul just outside the box. The Eagles came close on their last free kick attempt, but despite the effort the result was a 1-1 draw.
The Charlotte Eagles drew a crowd of over 1850 for Blue Cross Blue Shield Night. The Charlotte Eagles along with Sports Outreach would like to thank all the fans that brought their new and used donations to help support Gifts for Gulu.
The Eagles last home game will be August 15th at 7 PM EST at Charlotte Christian Stadium.
Individual game tickets can be purchased online at www.charlotteeagles.com, at the gate, or by contacting the Eagles Ticket Department at ticketsales@CharlotteEagles.com or (704) 841-8644 (ext. 20).
Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for youth at the gate ($8 for adults and $5 for youth if purchased at www.charlotteeagles.com by midnight the day before the game).
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United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 19, 2009
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- Charlotte Eagles Disappointing Draw 1-1 Against Real Maryland Monarchs - Charlotte Eagles
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