
Fighting for the Cup, Hammerheads Welcome Battery to ILM
May 20, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Wilmington Hammerheads FC News Release
Wilmington, NC - After a successful 6-0 win against Miami Fusion FC in the second round of the Open Cup, the Wilmington Hammerheads welcome Charleston Battery for the final round of the Southern Derby Cup this Saturday.
On May 21st, Legion Stadium will host the Battery, along with enthusiastic soccer fans. Although this is the Hammerhead's ninth 2016 regular USL season game, and second against the Charleston Battery, the Hammerheads will fight to win a game in the final Derby Cup tournament.
For those who don't know what the Southern Derby Cup is, the Southern Derby was created by the fans of the teams involved (Charleston, Charlotte, and Wilmington) to promote a friendly competition and rivalry along the clubs involved. The Southern Derby is perhaps the first cup competition of its kind in American professional soccer. It is common in nature with other United Soccer Leagues fan cup competitions such as the Cascadia Cup, the James River Cup, and the Voyageurs Cup. It is also similar to Major League Soccer trophy competitions such as the Atlantic Cup, the Brimstone Cup, the Lamar Hunt Pioneer Cup, the Rocky Mountain Cup, and the Texas Derby.
Players to Watch
Since powerhouse Austin Martz's full approval to play several few weeks ago, he has accumulated over 200 minutes on the field. His speed and agility have proven he is one of the best offensive players the Hammerhead's have this season, along with central mid-fielders Mael Corboz and Liam Miller. Along with Martz, newcomer Casey Townsend has assisted several goals. His skillset will continue to help the Hammerhead's accumulate points and push their growing offensive line-up.
Although the Hammerhead's have a developing offensive line-up, Charleston Battery powerhouse Ramiro Williams has accumulated 6 goals this season. Like most teams the Hammerhead's have encountered, the Battery play harder and smarter in the second half, which could prove troublesome for the Hammerheads.
Head coach Mark Briggs stated, "The Charleston game, although early in the season, is a huge game. After the manner of how we lost in Charleston and the referee disallowing our equalizer late on for nothing, it's a chance for us to get 3 points on our own field. Charleston as always will be a very strong team, but hopefully we can take the momentum from our open cup performance into Saturday."
Kick-off is set for 7:00pm. Tickets may be purchased at wilmingtonhammerheads.com or by calling 910.777.2111. Want the best seats in the stadium? Check out our on-field seating! Tickets are ONLY $25/per ticket; it's like you're sitting on the bench!
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