Lady Eagles stop Piranhas' win streak at 23
July 9, 2004 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release
Charlotte, NC) - The Charlotte Lady Eagles hosted the 2003 W-League National Champions, the Hampton Roads Piranhas, tonight at beautiful Waddell Stadium. Tonight's match was a big game for the Lady Eagles in pursuit of the W-League playoffs. Hampton Roads and Charlotte were one and two in the W-League Central Conference Atlantic Division coming into tonight's match. The Lady Eagles were 7-2-1 for 22 points, and Hampton Roads is the only team that Charlotte has lost to. The Piranhas were 8-0-1 for 25 points to lead the division. Hampton Roads is a powerhouse in the W-League with the 2003 National Title and 23 game unbeaten streak coming into the match, but Charlotte came away victorious tonight with a 2-1 victory.
Charlotte had a very strong first half, controlling much of the game flow and getting the best of the scoring opportunities. In the tenth minute the Piranhas nearly scored an own goal, when a defender hit the Hampton Roads goal post. Lady Eagles veteran midfielder Nkiru Okosieme headed the rebound back on goal, but Piranhas goalkeeper Carrie Bennett was there to make the save. Just two minutes later the Lady Eagles were again on the offense, attacking with numbers. Ashley Swinehart drove down the right flank and sent a low cross into the Piranhas six yard box, but Bennett there to swallow it up. The Piranhas best scoring chance came in the 33rd minute, when Mercy Akide fired a shot from the top of the eighteen yard box, headed just under the crossbar. Lady Eagles goalkeeper Lindsey Deason had a beautiful save, reaching and tipping it over the crossbar. The Lady Eagles' closest scoring chance of the first half came in the 37th minute when Swinehart's flip throw found Christy Timbers. Timbers' header was saved on the goal line with a header by Piranhas defender Raveia. The half ended with a no score. Charlotte outshot Hampton Roads 8-6.
"We played a phenomenal first half, and Hampton Roads was very fortunate to not be behind at the half with the chances we had." said Lady Eagles head coach Lee Horton. "Our girls work so hard even in today's heat, and the full team earned the victory today."
Hampton Roads nearly scored the first goal of the game to start the second half when forward Duffy took a strong shot from inside Charlotte's box, but the shot floated just over the goal. The Lady Eagles got the first goal of the match in the 55th minute. Once again it was Swinehart with dangerous flip throw to set up the goal. Former Nigerian National team player Nkiru Okosieme flicked the throw on with her head to the back post where defender Sarah Turner was crashing the net. Turner got a foot on the ball and blasted it past Bennett for the goal. It was Turner's first goal of the season. Less than a minute later Christy Timbers scored the second Charlotte goal for the 2-0 lead. Timbers found a loose ball at the top corner of the six yard box, and beat Bennet with a shot to the top right. Akide was once again dangerous for the Piranhas in the 59th minute, but Deason came up with another nice save. Hampton Roads pulled within one goal of Charlotte in the 78th minute. Piranhas forward Duffy found a loose ball right at the left post and had an easy goal with a shot into the open side. In the final minutes of play, Hampton Roads pushed forward in desperation, hoping to tie the match, but the Lady Eagles held on for the 2-1 victory. Charlotte outshot Hampton Roads 14-9 in the match.
The Charlotte Lady Eagles' victory put an end to Hampton Roads 23 game unbeaten streak, and maintained their own season unbeaten streak at Waddell Stadium. Charlotte's record is now 8-2-1 for 25 points. Hampton Roads moves to 8-1-1 for 25 points. Charlotte outshot Hampton Roads 14-9 in the match. The Lady Eagles' next match is on the road on July 14th when Charlotte takes on the Carolina Dynamo Women. The Charlotte Eagles men's team plays tomorrow night, Saturday, July 10th at beautiful Waddell Stadium hosting the West Virginia Chaos.
Tickets and Stadium information: The Eagles and Lady Eagles play all regular season home games at beautiful Waddell Stadium located on the campus of E.E. Waddell High School, 1 mile west of I-77 on Nations Ford Road (Exit 4). Tickets for the can be purchased by calling (704) 841-8644 x 30, or at the gate on the night of the game. Group and Multi-game ticket packages are also available. General admission tickets for regular season games are $8.00 for Adults, and $5.00 for Students (6-18). Five and under FREE!
• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League Championship message board...
United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 9, 2004
- Lady Eagles stop Piranhas' win streak at 23 - Charlotte Eagles
- City Islanders Add Two to Roster - Penn FC
- Ridgewood Savings Bank sponsors Rough Riders vs. MetroStars Game - Long Island Rough Riders
- Three home game weekend starts tonight - Charlotte Eagles
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
