Eagles Take Win from the Blues
June 28, 2012 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release
The Eagles defeated the LA Blues 3-2 on Thursday night at Charlotte Christian Stadium. Mauricio Salles scored first off a penalty shot in the 29th minute. Christian Meza scored the second in the 32nd minute off an assist from Darren Toby. Bright Dike scored both Blues goals, coming in the 58th minute and the 87th minute. Jorge Herrera scored the winning goal in the 87th minute.
The game began a bit reserved by both teams due to the near 100 degree temperature.
Eagles had the first chance of the night with consecutive corner kicks in the 12th minute. The Blues were able to handle it without any trouble.
The Eagles were first to establish dominance in the midfield gaining early control of the game.
24 minutes into the first half; the Blues defense came prepared. The Eagles received multiple chances to put the ball in the net and each time the Blues were able to get someone in the way to block it.
The pressure was felt in the 29th minute. Miguel Ferrer was pressuring in the box and drew a handball in the box causing a penalty kick. Salles made quick work of the penalty beating Miranda putting the Eagles up 1-0.
The Blues came at the Eagles immediately after the goal and tested Eric Reed for the first time of the night. Reed was able to make a great save.
On the Eagles counter attack, in the 32nd minute, Meza controlled a flick pass from Toby and pushed it past Miranda for the second goal of the night.
The Blues came close in the 42nd minute with a free kick just outside the box. With the Eagles defense sitting back a bit, the Blues continued to pressure but to no avail.
The half ended with the Eagles up 2-0 over the LA Blues.
The Blues made four substitutions for the second half and their presence was felt immediately. With a much more aggressive style the Blues front two began causing problems for the Eagles back line.
In the 58th minute Dike muscled his way past the Eagles back four and placed the ball just past Reed, bringing the Blues within one.
Just after the hour mark the Eagles began making substitutions.
With fatigue starting to set in, both sides resolved to play more long ball; the game opened up.
Feeling pressure deep into the second half the Blues stepped up the pressure, but it was matched by the Eagles.
In the 87th minute Thornton beat out his man to make the cross into the box. Roberts touched it on to Herrera who put it in the back of the net.
The Blues immediately came back as Dike was able to find the back of the net for the second time bringing the Blues within one.
With three minutes of stoppage time the Blues worked hard for the equalizer, but ran out of time.
The Eagles took victory over the Blues 3-2.
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