Fight for the Cup Results in a 1-1 Draw
August 20, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Wilmington Hammerheads FC News Release
Wilmington, NC - The Wilmington Hammerheads hosted Charleston Battery Saturday night, lining Legion Stadium's field with neon green and bright pink kits.
With a 30-minute delay at the start of the game due to lightning, 3,473 fans stayed to support the Port City team as they fought for the Southern Derby Cup against their neighborly rival.
Wilmington came out of the gate strong, hungry to score and anxious to play. With two weeks on the road against the Rochester Rhinos and Charlotte Independence, Wilmington presented two close scoring attempts within the first 10 minutes.
A notable play happened in the 13th minute, when #91 Jermie Lynch made a dangerous low cross to #9 Matthew Barns Homer, who missed the ball by a toe. Quickly following, #4 Michael Mecham fired a high shot, skimming the top of the net. At this point in the game, Wilmington dominated the field.
The game progressed with strategic offensive plays by Wilmington, counteracted with Charleston holding the Port City team at their defensive line. The building aggression between the teams lead to Charleston's #7 O'Brian Woodbine and Wilmington's #3 Peabo Doue to earn yellow cards in the 28th minute. Shortly after, another yellow card was given to Charleston's #24 Zach Prince, as a result from growing tension.
The battle paid off for Wilmington when #21 Michael Binns scored the first goal of the match in the 35th minute, sending the crowd into a roar of excitement.
As the first half was closing, Charleston made an impressive comeback when Woodbine scored a long-range goal hitting the back right corner of the net in stoppage time.
With an aggressive second half anticipated, #47 Ashani Fairclough received a yellow card for a trip from behind in the 51st minute. Wilmington bounced back when they tested goalkeeper #1 Alex Tambakis in the 56th minute. #18 Stefan Defregger launched a ball across Charleston's 18 where Lynch headed the ball sending it wide. #10 Justin Moose settled the ball and fired a shot, only to be blocked by Charleston's defense.
Wilmington's defender Fairclough made an incredible save when Charleston beat goalkeeper #16 Eric Ati. Fairclough blocked the play; which should have resulted in a goal for Charleston during the 66th minute.
In the 72nd minute, both teams struggled to contain the continuous volleyed balls, Charleston finally crossed the ball low across the net. Immediately following, Wilmington's #7 Austin Martz beat the goalkeeper in a one-v-one, crossing the ball to substitution, #22 Kyle Parker, who followed with a header. A quick reaction by Charleston's defense resulted in an impressively saved goal.
Despite an intense and thrilling game, the match was called early due to inclement weather; resulting in a 1-1 draw. Head coach Mark Briggs stated, "Disappointing end to an exciting game. It's not the result we were looking for, but there were a lot of positives to take into Wednesday's game against Pittsburgh."
Wilmington supported New Hanover Regional Medical Center Foundation's Pink Ribbon Project by sporting their pink kits. The bold jerseys are available in an online auction from now until Monday, August 29th at midnight. All proceeds will benefit the Pink Ribbon Project, in a cherished cause to support the battle against breast cancer.
Don't miss Wilmington's next home game on August 27th at Legion Stadium at 7pm for BLUE OUT - Alumni Night. Cheer on Wilmington as they take on the Rochester Rhinos. Enjoy the game and meet former Wilmington players. Purchase your tickets today by calling 910-777-2111 or visit wilmingtonhammerheads.com.
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United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 20, 2016
- Fight for the Cup Results in a 1-1 Draw - Wilmington Hammerheads FC
- Rhinos Win at Home against Pittsburgh - Rochester Rhinos
- Arizona United Prepared for Bounce Back - Phoenix Rising FC
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