Match Preview: Hammerheads Face LA Blues at Home
Published on June 30, 2011 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Wilmington Hammerheads FC News Release
Wilmington, NC - Saturday, July 2, the Hammerheads welcome their west coast rival the LA Blues to Legion Stadium for their first match up of the 2011 USL PRO season. To kick off the July 4th weekend, there will be a patriotic fireworks show immediately following the conclusion of the match.
The Hammerheads enter Saturday night's game at home off of a US Open Cup loss against Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and also a loss at home against Charleston last Friday night during the USL PRO Fox Soccer Game of the Week. Wilmington currently sits last in the American Division with five wins, four losses, and three ties, but has eleven games left in their USL PRO season to jump in the standings.
When discussing the upcoming match against LA, Hammerhead head coach David Irving expressed the importance of earning all three points. "With only five home games left in our regular season, now more than ever it is crucial for us to win. As long as we can capitalize and gain points in our next few matches, we can take a leap in the standings." He also added, "It is important for us to pick ourselves up after two back to back losses and regain composure on our home turf."
The Blues also enter Saturday night's game coming off of an Open Cup loss against the Los Angeles Galaxy 2-1 and a USL PRO loss against the Harrisburg City Islanders.
This is the first match up between the two teams who are tied in points at 18. Wilmington and LA have surprising similar records; both teams have five wins and three ties. LA has one leg up on the Hammerheads with only three losses while the Hammerheads have four. If Saturday night's goes in favor of Wilmington, they will jump ahead of LA in the overall USL PRO standings.
Hammerhead defender Gareth Evans will be marking his former teammates on Saturday night - in early April, Evans transferred to join the Wilmington squad after spending preseason with the Blues.
Saturday night is Military Appreciation Night at Legion Stadium; all Military personnel, with a valid military ID, will receive half off a single ticket price at the gate.
Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $6 for children 4-12. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Hammerheads office, through the Hammerhead ticket line at 910-777-2111 ext. 10, and at www.wilmingtontickets.com .
United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 30, 2011
- FC New York Hope to have Fish on Friday - FC New York
- USL PRO Game of the Week Set for New York - USL
- Blues Hit Road for Back-To-Back Matches - Orange County SC
- Riverhounds Return Home - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- Match Preview: Hammerheads Face LA Blues at Home - Wilmington Hammerheads FC
- Lions Conclude Six Game Road Trip this Weekend - Orlando City SC
- Eagles Face Tough Two-Game Road Trip - Charlotte Eagles
- Midfielder Michael Tetteh Loaned to Orlando City from MLS's Seattle Sounders FC - Orlando City SC
- Battery Set for L.A. Blues - Charleston Battery
- Kickers Team up with VistaOne - Richmond Kickers
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