Charlotte Hands Cleveland Its First Loss
June 23, 2007 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release
(Charlotte, NC) - The Charlotte Eagles handed Cleveland their first loss of the season tonight at Waddell Stadium. Charlotte Eagles midfielder Steve Shak scored the lone goal of the match in the 28th minute, and a solid defensive showing preserved the victory. The Eagles maintained their spot at the top of the USL-2 with the victory with a record of 10-3-0, for 30 points. The Eagles are just one point above undefeated Richmond since Charlotte has played two more games than Richmond.
Steve Shak put the Eagles up 1-0 in the 28th minute with a top-spin shot from about 30 yards out. Shak's shot caught the Cleveland goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap off guard coming so quick. The shot grazed a Cleveland defender, adding to the top spin, and it that sailed over his head and bent just under the cross bar.
The first half ended with the Eagles up 1-0. Charlotte had a strong first half, out-shooting Cleveland 9-5.
Cleveland thought they had the match tied in the final minute of play. Adam Moffat received a long pass at the top of the six yard box. Moffat redirected the ball into the lower left corner of the Charlotte goal, but the goal was waived off for offsides on the play.
Eagles Head Coach Mark Steffens was particularly pleased with the defensive effort saying, "our third shutout in a row with collective defending. Our goalkeeper said that we had everyone behind the ball on defense and that's what we've been working on."
Steve Shak was tonight's man of the match scoring the lone goal and really controlling play in the center of the field.
The Eagles are on the road for their next two matches. On June 26th the Eagles travel to Atlanta to face the USL-1 Atlanta Silverbacks in round two of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Winner of the match advances to the third round to face the FC Dallas of the MLS. On June 30 the Eagles are in Wilmington to take on USL-2 rival the Wilmington Hammerheads. The Eagles return to home field action on Saturday, July 7th for another doubleheader night with the Lady Eagles. The Lady Eagles host the Cocoa Expos at 5:30 pm followed by the Eagles match against Harrisburg at 8:00 pm. July 7th is also Scouts Night. Tickets for the July 7th doubleheader can be purchased online at www.CharlotteEagles.com. Save $2.00 on each ticket purchased prior to gameday.
• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League Championship message board...
United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 23, 2007
- City Islanders shutout New Hampshire Phantoms - Penn FC
- Charlotte Hands Cleveland Its First Loss - Charlotte Eagles
- Cincinnati Kings Rally again for tie - Cincinnati Kings
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
