Cleveland Wins USL-2
Published on August 23, 2008 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release
Cleveland, OH - As predicted, the two best defenses in the league kept it a close game in a closely battled contest all the way to the final whistle. In the end, host Cleveland was one goal better. An own goal and a goal from Sallieu Bundu, plus an amazing performance from goalkeeper Eric Reed sealed the championship for Cleveland.
Both teams started attacking from the start in front an inspired crowd of 2,016 at Krenzler Stadium. Charlotte played their familiar style of possession and Jonah Long nearly took advantage of a great ball played back from Jorge Herrera. Long took the 20 yard shot that beat Eric Reed but was cleared off the line by a defender just before it crossed into the goal.
Just minutes later, Cleveland earned a corner kick in the 15th minute. Mark Shulte's dangerous corner was going toward Musa Otieno, and Steve Shak challenged the ball. Unfortunately, the ball deflected off of Shak's face and landed in Charlotte's net. Cleveland was on top 1-0.
Charlotte came right back on a breakaway as Robert Ssejjemba broke into the penalty box. Just as Ssejjemba went to take the shot, he was met with a sliding Jeremy Tolleson. The two collided and the ball deflected out of bounds. Ssejjemba badly hurt his knee on the play and was out of the game for the remainder of the night.
Patrick Daka entered the game for Ssejjemba and immediately let his impact be known on the field. After several fantastic saves by Cleveland's Eric Reed, Charlotte still trailed by a goal. Cleveland would extend their lead in the 39th minute when Sallieu Bundu ran on to a long ball. He was met by Eagles defender Steve Shak who appeared to have the ball in his control. Contact between the two caused Shak to fall as Bundu found himself alone with Eagles keeper Kevin Trapp. Bundu finished the shot to the far corner and the City Stars took a 2-0 lead into halftime.
The second half began with the Eagles bringing constant pressure to the City Stars, but Cleveland's Eric Reed denied the Eagles time and again. The City Stars tried to take advantage of the Eagles pressure through several counter attacks but Eagles keeper Kevin Trapp had several amazing plays that kept his team in the game.
The Eagles finally found the back of the net in the 87th minute when Danny Harvey played a cross to Joseph Kabwe who finished a great volley that beat Reed. The goal was not enough though as time ran out on the Eagles.
The Charlotte Eagles were left to reflect on an outstanding season with many accomplishments despite their loss tonight. Perhaps the most notable accomplishment was voiced through captain Dustin Swinehart following the game. "We are so thankful to be playing this match with a team that we view as our brothers," commented Swinehart to the Cleveland crowd during the ceremony.
Those relationships this weekend was something that the Eagles and City Stars cherished all weekend. It was a weekend where the teams shared chapels together, and remembered the real reason for them to be joyful in the exciting events of the weekend. The teams battled for 90 minutes, but when it was over Cleveland and Charlotte still found themselves embracing each other.
The Charlotte Eagles would like to thank Cleveland for their amazing hospitality and for their passion to team up with the community and serve the city and the USL in the way they do. The Eagles are excited to continue partnering with the City Stars in the future and playing them in the USL!
The Eagles would also like to thank all their fans in Charlotte and abroad for their loyal support in 2008! Thank you for your support of the organization and allowing the Eagles to continue serving you! See you in 2009!
United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 23, 2008
- City Stars Win Championship With 2-1 Victory Over Charlotte Eagles - Cleveland City Stars
- Cleveland Wins USL-2 - Charlotte Eagles
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