Louisville Beats Wilmington at Legion Stadium, 4-1
July 17, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Wilmington Hammerheads FC News Release
Wilmington, NC - Wilmington welcomed Louisville City FC for a hot and muggy game at Legion Stadium Sunday night.
The Port City team kicked off at 6pm welcoming 2,927 fans that embraced the heat to watch Wilmington challenge the number one team in the league.
Within the first five minutes, Wilmington had an unbelievable two-on-one with #14 Logan Miller and #7 Austin Martz. Miller carried the ball down the sideline to pass it to Martz, who fired a low shot hitting the left post, bouncing the ball across an open net. #10 Justin Moose met the open ball and was unable to keep it in play.
Wilmington had numerous controlled plays in the first half, with several offensive strides against the strong Louisville team. Wilmington's goalkeeper #16 Eric Ati made an incredible diving save in the 10th minute when Louisville fired a shot on goal. Unfortunately, the rebounded ball found three Louisville players before #8 Guy Abend put the ball in the back of the net in the 11th minute.
Although Louisville scored the first goal of the match, it didn't stop Martz from presenting yet another close shot. Martz's low, yet solid cross got caught in Miller's feet during a battle and lost it to Louisville's defense.
As Wilmington continued to test the Kentucky team, it was Louisville who led the first half, 1-0.
Head coach Mark Briggs stated, "A disappointing result especially when you have terrible decisions that effect the game. It's hard enough playing against the top team without having another factor against you."
As the second half began, Wilmington and Louisville began neck in neck. Unfortunately, due to a difficult call in the 63rd minute against Ati, Louisville was granted a penalty kick. #17 Chandler Hoffman walked to the line, with a goal in mind and got his wish. Firing a low shot to the left post, Ati dove to the opposite side, bringing Louisville up 2-0 against the Port City team.
After Louisville's second goal, Wilmington began to lose momentum. Louisville was now a step ahead of Wilmington to every ball. Wilmington's tired legs caused a few unnecessary fouls, two close to their own goal.
The first foul resulted in a penalty kick goal, followed by a second foul resulting in a free kick. In the 69th minute Louisville earned a free kick at the top of the 18 resulting in #4 Aodhan Quinn's goal, bringing Louisville to a 3-0 lead.
Wilmington didn't give up, as #20 Zev Taublieb fired a shot in the 73rd minute requiring Louisville's goalkeeper #13 Greg Ranjitsingh to make a high jump, pushing the ball over the net. Louisville continued with their offensive rampage scoring their fourth goal in the 84th minute.
It wasn't until the 87th minute where #23 Bruno Perone scored Wilmington's only goal of the game, reviving the team a bit.
Louisville walked away with a 4-1 win against Wilmington.
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United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 17, 2016
- Hounds Drop Third-Straight in 2-1 Loss to City Islanders - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- ity Islanders Snap Winless Streak in First Keystone - Penn FC
- Louisville Defeats Wilmington at Legion Stadium, 4-1 - Wilmington Hammerheads FC
- Louisville City FC Plays to Strengths in Win at Wilmington - Louisville City FC
- Louisville Beats Wilmington at Legion Stadium, 4-1 - Wilmington Hammerheads FC
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