Eagles Find Fourth Straight Win at Home
Published on June 24, 2011 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release
Charlotte, NC: The Charlotte Eagles won their fourth consecutive game at home beating the Pittsburgh Riverhounds 2-0, Saturday night at Charlotte Christian Stadium. It was all Sallieu Bundu, scoring both goals in the first half, off assists from Ben Page and Greg Dalby. Charlotte's keeper, Eric Reed, had another successful shutout with a beautiful penalty kick save.
After a major shift in the Charlotte Eagles starting roster, it did not take long for the starting eleven to gel. Despite a few shaky possessions the Eagles were first to pressure.
The Pittsburgh Riverhounds had their first chance of the game in the 6th minute. Eric Reed was tested by a quick shot low to the ground.
The first fifteen minutes proved to be much of a midfield battle until Page found Bundu with a dangerous cross through Pittsburgh's box.
In the 15th minute Bundu, fully stretched was able to connect on Page's cross just tapping it past Hunter Gilstrap for the first goal of the night.
The Eagles pursued with a few more great chances. Mark Bloom just missed a header wide of the net.
In the 23rd minute, Bundu copied his first goal with the same run through the box, this time off a cross from Dalby making it 2-0 Eagles.
An Eagles set piece just outside the box had all the makings for the third goal in the 35th minute, as Diego Martins curved the ball beautifully around the wall just wide of the net.
Pittsburgh had their best chance of the first half in the 39th minute when Shintaro Harada beat Reed, but put the ball just wide of the net.
At the half the Eagles were up 2-0 over the Riverhounds.
The Eagles came out in the second half firing shots on the opposing goal. Pittsburgh answered with a great shot on goal that Reed was just able to handle to keep it out of the net.
53rd minute Brady Bryant was the first to draw a caution after committing too late pulling down Harada.
Due to a trip in the box by Josh Rife in the box, Pittsburgh was awarded a penalty kick. Jason Yeisley took the shot, a great low ball to Reed right side. Reed was able to come up with an amazing save in the 68th minute.
Though the Eagles were up 2-0, the game really began to open up with 20 minutes to go. Pittsburgh, with a spark of life put together a few great possessions each resulting in shots picked up by reed.
Deep into the second half Steffens began relieving his starters with his typical starting group. The energy off the bench was too much for Pittsburgh.
Though Bundu had both goals in the match the Player of the Match was given to Reed with seven brilliant saves one being a penalty kick save.
The Eagles were able to hold onto the 2-0 lead for the victory.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 24, 2011
- Kickers Battle FC New York to Scoreless Draw - Richmond Kickers
- Battery Beats Hammerheads - Charleston Battery
- Battery Defeats Hammerheads in Fox Soccer USL PRO Game of the Week - Wilmington Hammerheads FC
- Eagles Find Fourth Straight Win at Home - Charlotte Eagles
- New York Looks To Kick Back Against Richmond, Promotes Noto - FC New York
- Bakersfield's Maduabum is Third NBA D-League Player Drafted by an NBA Team - Charleston Battery
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