Lady Eagles Topple First Place Atlanta
Published on June 16, 2010 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release
The Charlotte Lady Eagles (2-2-2) defeated the Atlanta Silverbacks (4-1-1) with a final score of 2-0. Janel Schmitt (M) and Ashleigh Gunning (F) both scored for Charlotte while Gunning and Samantha Huecker (M) provided the assists.
The first half looked like a match from the first set of games in the FIFA World Cup. Both teams looked cautious and eager to pass but were unable to score when the ball was played into the box. The Eagles had the advantage in possession in the first half and were able to have a shot on goal within the 1st minute.
Atlanta's defense, however, was able to clear all of Charlotte's attacks in the first half and also managed to have 7 shots of their own in the first 45.
Mo Smunt (D) and Hannah Gmerek (F) put together a great run near the end of the first half, but the play was ruled dead after an offside call.
Early in the second half, Atlanta's Kyri-Ann Harbrueger (F) had a shot similar to Maicon's (Brazil) goal against North Korea, but this time the shot slid wide past the goal.
In the 52nd minute, Maria Owen (F) won a corner for the Lady Eagles after a brilliant run down the left wing. Gunning took the corner and played it near post, but the Silverbacks knocked it into the side netting for another corner. This time, Gunning hit it far post to Schmitt who headed it into the back of the net to put the Eagles on the scoreboard.
Then in the 65th, Gunning ripped a shot from the corner of the box after an assist from Samantha Huecker for the second goal of the night.
The Silverbacks kept pressuring the Eagles and tested Alyssa Whitehead in goal. Whitehead finished the game with 8 must-have saves for her 4th shutout of the year, but Ashleigh Gunning was named Player of the Match for her goal and assist.
The Lady Eagles will face Atlanta 2 more times this season which should prove to be difficult battles like this game.
Both teams' next home game will be June 26th in a doubleheader at Charlotte Christian Stadium. The Lady Eagles will kick off at 5:30 PM against the Northern Virginia Majestics and the men will kick off the second game at 8:00 PM against the Richmond Kickers.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 16, 2010
- Lady Eagles Topple First Place Atlanta - Charlotte Eagles
- Islanders Face Richmond Saturday - Penn FC
- Monarchs Needed a Little Extra in Reading - Real Maryland Monarchs
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