Eagles and Lions Set for 2013 Championship Game
Published on September 6, 2013 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release
Orlando, FL - The Charlotte Eagles are set to take on Orlando City SC in the 2013 USL PRO Championship Game on Saturday, September 7th at 7:30 pm. Charlotte advanced to the championship game following a 2-1 victory against the top-seeded Richmond Kickers. Orlando City defeated the Charleston Battery 3-2 on Friday, August 30th.
Charlotte won their semifinal match up against the top-seeded Kickers thanks to goals from Christian Ramirez and Nate Thornton. Richmond opened the scoring in the 11th minute thanks to a Mike Callahan header off a corner from Brian Ownby. The Eagles leveled the score just past the half hour mark when midfielder Ben Newnam carried the ball deep on the left wing and sliced a perfectly placed cross into the box. An unmarked Ramirez dove from six yards to redirect a header into the back of the net. Charlotte struck again two minutes later as Stephen Okai found Nate Thornton whose shot rolled between Dykstra's legs and gave the Eagles the lead at the break. Richmond pressed hard for the equalizer but Michael Seaton's shot from six yards out forced a reaction save from Eric Reed to preserve to win.
Orlando City advanced to the championship game following a 3-2 victory against the defending champions Charleston Battery. The Lions scored three goals in the opening 20 minutes and then held off a late charge from the Battery to advance to the final. Orlando struck in the 5th minute as Adama Mbengue's low cross found Long Tan who scored his third goal of the playoffs. Mbengue struck a minute later as he got on the end of a Erik Ustruck cross. Charleston grabbed a lifeline in the 33rd minute as Mike Azira's header from 40 yards out sailed into the back of the net. In the 60th minute Jose Cuevas found an unmarked Amadou Sanyang inside the six-yard area for a headed finish. Orlando held on in the final 15 minutes as both Long Tan and Charleston's Colin Falvey were both sent off after an off-the-ball altercation.
The Eagles offense will be led by Jorge Herrera and Christian Ramirez. Herrera who scored 10 goals and added four assists in the regular season was named USL PRO All-League Second Team. Ramirez added eight goals and five assists in the regular season and has also added a two goals in the playoffs.
Orlando City added co-golden boot winner Dom Dwyer back to their roster for the championship game. Dwyer who was on loan from Sporting Kansas City played in 13 games and scored 15 goals for the Lions before being recalled back to MLS. Dwyer has gone on to score in MLS and the CONCACAF Champions League for Sporting KC.
Charlotte is in its ninth championship appearance in franchise history and is in search of its third title. Orlando is looking for its second USL PRO championship in three seasons. Orlando has gone 4-0-2 all-time against Charlotte, with the two teams playing to a 1-1 draw in their first meeting this season on April 23, and the Lions edging out a 1-0 win in the final game of the regular season for both teams on August 17.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from September 6, 2013
- Colin Falvey Named USL PRO Defender of the Year - Charleston Battery
- Jose Angulo Named USL PRO Most Valuable Player - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- USL PRO Awards Winners Announced - Richmond Kickers
- USL PRO Awards Winners Announced - USL
- Eagles and Lions Set for 2013 Championship Game - Charlotte Eagles
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.
