Eagles Conclude Regular Season Against Orlando City SC
Published on August 15, 2013 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release
Charlotte, NC - The Charlotte Eagles will conclude the 2013 USL PRO regular season against 2nd place Orlando City SC on Saturday, August 17th at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, FL. Charlotte will play Orlando
Orlando City heads into Saturday's match after losing a thrilling match against the Richmond Kickers on Wednesday night. The Richmond Kickers claimed the 2013 USL PRO Regular Season Championship on Wednesday night, thrilling a crowd of 4,921 with a 2-0 win against Orlando City at City Stadium. A first half Matthew Delicâte double carried the Kickers to their sixth Regular Season title as goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra backstopped a stalwart defense with five saves to preserve his league-leading 10th shutout to close out the Kickers' regular season home finale in style.
Orlando City will finish in 2nd place in the regular season for the first time after winning the regular season title in both 2011 and 2012. In 2011 they pulled off "the double" by winning the regular season title and the playoff title with a 3-2 win on penalties against the Harrisburg City Islanders.
In the previous meeting between Orlando and Charlotte it was Nate Thornton who scored in the 90th minute to salvage a point for the Eagles. Thornton took advantage of some miscommunication between the Lions defense to tuck away his second goal of the season. Earlier in the game Dom Dwyer, who was on loan from Major League Soccer's Sporting Kansas City, scored in the 8th minute. Dwyer went on to set a USL PRO single-season record with 15 goals in only 13 games for Orlando before being recalled to Sporting KC.
Midfielder Jamie Watson is Orlando's current leading scorer with 27 points on 10 goals and seven assists. Forward Dennis Chin is currently second with five goals and three assists. The MLS-USL PRO affiliation has proved valuable to Orlando City currently has four players on loan from Sporting KC. Goalkeepr Jon Kempin, defender Kevin Ellis, midfielder Christian Duke and forward CJ Sapong have all played in matches for the Lions. Defender Renan Boufleur is also on loan from Phoenix FC. In addition to Dwyer, defender Yann Songo'o was also loaned to Orlando City before he was given his release by Sporting KC and signed by Blackburn Rovers of the English Premier League.
Be sure to tune in Friday night as the Charlotte Eagles take on VSI Tampa Bay FC at 7:30 pm. The Eagles are looking for wins in both games to secure 3rd place in the standings and a home playoff game.
Keep that Orange Flag Flying High!
United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 15, 2013
- Kelly Scores Twice as Battery Beats Antigua - Charleston Battery
- VSI vs Eagles Friday Night Preview - VSI Tampa Bay FC
- Kickers Clinch Regular Season Championship - USL
- Eagles Conclude Regular Season Against Orlando City SC - Charlotte Eagles
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