Lady Eagles Advance to Central Conference Final with 6-2 Win
Published on July 30, 2005 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release
Cincinnati, OH - The Charlotte Lady Eagles faced the Cleveland Internationals in the W-League Central Conference Semi-Finals tonight in Cincinnati. Charlotte defeated Cleveland 6-2, advancing to the Central Conference Finals against the Central Florida Krush on Sunday, July 31st at 6:00 pm in Cincinnati.
The Charlotte Lady Eagles took the early lead in Saturday night's match when Tina Murphy played a ball through for Kelley Schmedes. Schmedes chipped the Cleveland goalkeeper, putting the ball in the net at the far post in the first minute of play.
Kelly Schmedes continued the Charlotte pressure in the 6th minute. This time setting up Tina Murphy for the 2-0 lead. Schmedes drove down the flank and dropped a ball back for Murphy at the top of the six yard box for the close range finish.
Christy Rife scored the third goal of the match in the 15th minute, capitalizing on the goalkeeper's miss-clear. Rife hit a first touch looping shot over the Cleveland keeper for her tenth goal of the season.
Ashley Swinehart finished the first half scoring in the 38th minute off the assist from Lydia Vandenbergh. Lydia played the ball forward for Swinehart on the break. Swinehart beat the keeper with a hard shot to the near post.
Charlotte took a 5-0 lead about 15 minutes into the second half, when Tina Murphy scored her second goal of the night. Ashley Swinehart pushed the ball to the Cleveland endline and dropped a cross back to the top of the six yard box. Murphy collected the cross and finished.
The Cleveland Internationals scored their two goals of the match in the 82nd and 85th minutes, preventing the Charlotte shutout.
Nicky Darling drove the final nail in the Cleveland coffin in the 88th minute. Darling broke through the defense on a solo break away, dribbled around the keeper, and finished the shot in the open net.
Charlotte's victory advances the team to the W-League Central Conference finals to be played Sunday night. Charlotte will face 2004 Lady Eagles player Karen Eusey and the Central Florida Krush at 6:00 pm. Winner of that match will advance to the W-League North American Championship Semi-Final match to be played in New Jersey on August 5th.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 30, 2005
- Ordain Leads Charlotte Over Long Island 3-0 - Charlotte Eagles
- Lady Eagles Advance to Central Conference Final with 6-2 Win - Charlotte Eagles
- Rough Riders Miss Playoffs with Loss to Eagles - Long Island Rough Riders
- City Islanders Clinch Playoff Berth With 7-0 Rout - Penn FC
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