Eagles and Blues Play to a Thrilling 3-3 Draw
July 25, 2013 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release
Charlotte, NC -- The Charlotte Eagles and Los Angeles Blues played to a thrilling 3-3 draw in midweek USL PRO action. Los Angeles took a 3-2 lead into the break and were on their way to passing the Eagles in the standings before Drew Yates scored a second half stoppage-time goal to earn the draw. Charlotte now sits with a 8-2-10 record and still remains in 4th place in the USL PRO standings.
Los Angeles had the first chance of the night as Shay Spitz's shot found the crossbar off of a long throw-in. Chris Cortez, who was the Blues most dangerous player of the night, created a pair of chances in the first 15 minutes with a header right at Eric Reed. Cortez's goal-mouth cross found Mershad Momeni whose shot was just wide of the post.
Charlotte countered with a good piece of combination play, but Drew Yates' shot was wide of the post. Stephen Okai had a chance to open the scoring in the 18th minute but his shot was punched away by LA goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski.
The Blues opened the scoring in the 21st minute as Shay Spitz hit a left footed volley into the top corner off of a Rodrigo Lopez cross.
Charlotte answered the opening goal 12 minutes later as Jorge Herrera capitalized on some miscommunication between the LA defense and put the ball in the empty net.
Los Angeles didn't wait long to take the lead as Chris Cortez caught the Eagles on a quick restart and fired a shot past Eric Reed to give the Blues a 2-1 lead. The Blues kept the pressure on the Eagles defense and scored via a Charlotte-own goal in the 41st minute to move their lead to 3-1.
Charlotte rallied after giving up the late first half goal as Stephen Okai and Jorge Herrera combined well inside the penalty area with Okai slotting the ball home to move the hosts to within a goal at the half.
The two teams traded possession for much of the beginning of the second half with Los Angeles coming close in the 60th minute as Cortez's cross was deflected wide by Eric Reed.
Charlotte added late pressure as second-half sub Christian Meza's shot was fired inches wide of the left post off an 86th minute free kick. The late pressure paid off as Drew Yates scored on a second half stoppage time header to give the Eagles their 10th draw on the season. Jorge Herrera continued his fine run of form with a goal and two assists tonight.
The Eagles will return home on Saturday to play Phoenix FC at 7 pm. Tickets and other details can be found at www.CharlotteEagles.com.
• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League Championship message board...
United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 25, 2013
- Eagles and Blues Play to a Thrilling 3-3 Draw - Charlotte Eagles
- Dayton Dutch Lions Readies for Antigua Barracudas FC - Dayton Dutch Lions
- Prodigal Names Board of Advisors for Soccer Team - OKC Energy FC
- Battery Faces LA Blues - Charleston Battery
- Hammerheads Host VSI Tampa Bay FC - Wilmington Hammerheads FC
- Eagles and Blues Rescheduled for Today at 5 pm - Charlotte Eagles
- VSI Tampa Bay Away This Weekend - VSI Tampa Bay FC
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.
