Eagles Continue Streak in Open Cup
June 6, 2012 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release
SAN ANTONIO - Mauricio Salles' overtime penalty kick sent the Charlotte Eagles into the quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday night as they defeated the San Antonio Scorpions 2-1 at Heroes Stadium. The victory was the third in as many weeks in Texas in the Open Cup for the Eagles, who had previously defeated the PDL's El Paso Patriots in the second round on May 22, and Major League Soccer's FC Dallas in the third round on May 29.
Charlotte will travel again in the next round, as they head west to face Major League Soccer's CD Chivas USA at the Home Depot Center on Tuesday, June 26. It is the first time the Eagles have reached the tournament's quarterfinals in the club's 19-year history.
The Eagles had to weather some early pressure from the Scorpions, but eventually began to gain more possession and start creating chances of their own. They then took the lead in the 28th minute as Nate Thornton drove home a shot from 25 yards into the top-left corner of the net. The goal was Thornton's third of the tournament this season, having picked up a goal in each of the Eagles' two previous victories.
The Scorpions came close to tying the game before the halftime break, Pablo Campos' shot hitting the right post, and they continued to press in the second half, and found an equalizer with 15 minutes to go as Campos headed home from a cross by Javier Saavedra.
Neither side was able to find a game-winner in regulation, and both had chances to break the deadlock in the first overtime period as Chris Salvaggione and Salas both forced saves from Scorpions goalkeeper Daryl Sattler.
But as time wound down, and it appeared the contest would be decided by penalty kicks, the Scorpions were penalized for a handball in their penalty area. Salles stepped up and fired home, putting his side on the verge of the quarterfinals with four minutes to go.
The Eagles were then able to withstand the Scorpions' late pressure, earning themselves victory and a place in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals.
The next Eagles home game is June 16, 2012 against the Richmond Kickers. Be sure to catch all the action at Charlotte Christian Stadium, part of a doubleheader, game starts at 8:00 PM.
For tickets check out www.charlotteeagles.com and call 704-841-8644 for group information.
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United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 6, 2012
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