Eagles Blank Wilmington at Home
July 26, 2014 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release
Charlotte, NC -- The Charlotte Eagles took a big step towards the playoffs with a 2-0 victory over the Wilmington Hammerheads on Saturday, July 26th. A first half goal from Ben Newnam and a Jorge Herrera second half goal were the difference for the Eagles.
Both teams had chances in the first fifteen minutes as Alec Kann was forced into a diving save on a Wilmington cross. Jorge Herrera's free kick from the top of the Hammerhead penalty area struck the left upright in the twelfth minute to keep the match scoreless.
Kann was forced into action again shortly after as an errant back-pass forced the Eagles keeper into a sliding challenge to clear the ball out of danger.
The Eagles opened up in the 26th minute as Ben Newnam recorded his second goal of the USL PRO campaign. Newnam picked up a loose ball in the box, turned and fired a left-footed shot past Roberts.
Wilmington created a chance late in the first half as Brian Ackley laid a ball off for Steven Miller but Miller's shot was right at Alec Kann. Charlotte entered the half with the 1-0 lead.
The second half started evenly as both teams traded possession back and forth for the first 15 minutes. Wilmington would come close to evening the score as a dangerous corner was played over the bar for an Eagles goal kick.
Charlotte doubled their advantage shortly there after as Wilmington was called for a hand ball in the box in the 69th minute of play. Eagles captain Jorge Herrera converted the spot kick, marking the sixth time the Colombian has scored this season.
Wilmington mounted pressure in the final twenty minutes but Alec Kann and the Eagles defense stood strong and recorded the shutout.
Tonight's victory was the first time this season the Eagles have won back-to-back contests.
Charlotte will travel to Orlando to take on the league leaders on Saturday, August 2nd. Make sure to follow all of the action on the Charlotte Eagles Twitter. The Eagles will return to Queens Sports Complex on Saturday, August 16th as the Rochester Rhinos come to town.
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