Hammerheads Rise to the Challenge, Tying Number One
June 11, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Wilmington Hammerheads FC News Release
Louisville, KY - There was confidence, character, and a concluded tie between Louisville City FC and the Wilmington Hammerheads at Slugger Field Saturday night.
Louisville took the kick-off at 7:30pm on the 160-degree turf in hot Louisville, KY. During the fifth minute, Goalie John Smits made a close save taking on Louisville's #77 Andrew Lubahn in the 18-yard box. Smits made another close save in the 8th minute, pushing the ball just over the net. At this point in the match, Louisville's caught their stride, and is gaining scoring opportunities against Wilmington. A corner kick opportunity placed the ball at #20 Enrique Montano's chest for a 50/50 air ball between him and Smits, with yet, another save in the 11th minute.
Heading into the 13th minute and both teams have had numerous opportunities, lining the game up to be a long 90 minutes of close calls and encounters.
#22 Kyle Parker streaking up the sidelines with a great defensive strategy by Louisville's #4 Aodhan Quinn, stopped Parker from taking any shot. The 16th minute provided a broken corner kick, which resulted in Parker scoring the first goal of the match, with a clearance across the net's traffic by #19 Jeff Michaud.
Both teams created ample opportunities to score throughout the first half. Louisville took a free kick at the top of the 18-yard box during the 26th minute, where a missed header resulted in the ball hitting the post and another lost scoring opportunity.
It wasn't until the 37th minute when Louisville's #17 Chandler Hoffman scored the equalizer with an assist by #12 Mark-Anthony Kaye. Thus, bringing the end of the first half to a 1-1 tie. Wilmington had 6 shots, 2 of which were on goal, compared to Louisville's 6 shots, one on goal, during the first half.
Parker and #8 Mael Corboz were first half power players, generating several opportunities to score against the number one team in the league. Corboz's placement with corner kicks and free kicks allows the Hammerheads offensive lineup to attack. Louisville's Quinn, Anthony-Kaye, and Hoffman pulling in power plays during the first half as well.
In the second half, Hoffman came out of the gate strong scoring in the 48th minute. Re-directing the ball and a deflection off the Hammerheads defender, finding the back of the net. This was Hoffman's 10th goal of the season and second of the match.
The equalizer from Corboz came off of a corner kick during extra time, scored by #3 Peabo Doue.
While Louisville dominated the second half for more opportunities to score, it was the Hammerheads defense whom worked overtime to prevent the addition of any goal after Hoffman's second of the match. Head coach Mark Briggs stated, "It's a great point for us on the road. The team continued to believe up until the last minute of the game. And when you believe good things happen." He continued, "There won't be many teams who get results here in Louisville."
The Wilmington Hammerheads take on Real Salt Lake for round four of the Open Cup on Tuesday, June 14th. Their next home match is next Friday, June 17th at Legion Stadium at 7:00pm. Follow their Open Cup match online or to see them live in Wilmington, purchase your tickets by calling 910.777.2111.
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