Charlotte Hosts Pittsburgh on Friday Night
August 27, 2014 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release
Charlotte, NC - The Charlotte Eagles will host the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in a Friday night USLPRO matchup starting at 7 pm at Queens Sports Complex.
The Eagles (9-13-3, 30 pts) are coming off back-to-back wins over Rochester and Orlando and will look to continue their momentum against the Riverhounds. Charlotte sits in a three-way tie for the final playoff spot with Arizona United and the Wilmington Hammerheads.
Two goals from Wells Thompson and a stellar defensive effort, led by a clean sheet by Alec Kann, saw Charlotte take its first ever victory over Orlando City on Wednesday, August 20th at the Queens Sports Complex. Thompson's first goal was the result of good combination play between the winger and Zak Boggs. Boggs received a pass from Thompson and laid it off for the former Chicago Fire player who took a touch before sending it past Miguel Gallardo to the far post.
Thompson's second goal resulted after some hard work against Luke Boden. After taking possession from Boden at the midfield line he raced in before firing a right footed rocket into the upper right hand corner to seal the victory for the hosts.
Thompson's two goals put him in sole possession of second place, with five behind Jorge Herrera's eight, for goals scored on the season. Drew Yates leads the team in assists with eight which currently has him tied for first in USLPRO with Sacramento's Rodrigo Lopez.
Pittsburgh (8-12-5, 29 pts) comes in to Friday's matchup off of a 3-1 win over FC Dallas Reserves. The Riverhounds were led by goals from Rob Vincent, Kevin Kerr and Michael Green. Matt Dallman recorded his fifth and sixth assists on the night on the goals by Kerr and Green.
Pittsburgh is led in scoring by the 2013 USL PRO MVP, Jose Angulo. Angulo's eight goals have him tied for seventh in the league this season. Last season Angulo, along with Orlando's Dom Dwyer, set the league scoring mark of 15 goals in a season.
The last time the two clubs met in Charlotte the Eagles emerged with a 2-0 victory behind goals from Christian Ramirez and Christian Meza. Earlier this season the Riverhounds earned a 2-0 victory in Pittsburgh. Kevin Kerr and Jose Angulo scored second half goals to defeat a 10-man Eagles squad, as Wells Thompson was shown a second yellow in the 45th minute.
The playoff race is heating up, so be sure to get your tickets early for what should be a thrilling contest. Tickets can be purchased at www.charlotteeagles.com at a discounted rate until Thursday night (midnight).
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United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 27, 2014
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- Roughnecks to Reveal Logo, Colors & Uniforms - FC Tulsa
- Game Preview: Lions Conclude Road Trip in Wilmington on Thursday - Orlando City SC
- OKC Energy FC Releases Forward Paul Wyatt - OKC Energy FC
- Hammerheads Host League-Leader Orlando City - Wilmington Hammerheads FC
- Charlotte Hosts Pittsburgh on Friday Night - Charlotte Eagles
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