NH Phantoms Host Western Pioneers in USL-2 Matchup
June 18, 2007 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
New Hampshire Phantoms News Release
CHARLOTTE, NC - (June 18, 2007) - New Hampshire Phantoms lost a 2-0 decision to first place Charlotte Eagles (8-3-0, 24 points) Saturday night at Waddell Stadium in Charlotte. The loss dropped the Phantoms to 1-5-4 (7 points) in United Soccer League Division 2 play.
The Phantoms were playing the back end of a two-game road trip having tied Wilmington Hammerheads on Friday night 1-1 and entered the game versus Charlotte on a three-game unbeaten streak. The visiting team appeared travel weary early on against the Eagles and gave up what turned out to be the winning goal just five minutes into the match when the Eagles' Steve Shak notched his second goal of the season assisted by Adam Rudd. Charlotte got an insurance goal from Dustin Swinehart at the 34 minute mark, his fifth marker of the year, with a Shak assist.
Phantoms midfielder Narciso Fernandes was ejected from the match when he collided with an Eagles player in a mid-air battle for a head ball. Fernandes was cited for throwing an elbow and NH was forced to play down a player for the remaining 20 minutes of regulation and five minutes of extra time. Nonetheless, the Granite Staters never quit and put together an offensive flurry that included a 9-shot attack on the night with two each coming from Rob Dow (UMaine '03), Romelle Burgess (SNHU '06), and Neil Krause (BC '05).
NH returns home for a rare mid-week encounter with arch rival Western Mass Pioneers at Chabot-McDonough Stadium and a 7:30 PM kickoff. Last week the Phantoms defeated the Pioneers 1-0 for its first victory of the season. It will be the third meeting between the two teams. The first game ended in a 1-1 tie on May 5 at Lusitano Stadium in Ludlow.
The Phantoms are expecting a big crowd at the game that as been themed "School's Out Night" and "Support Our Troops" Night. All youth wearing a team jersey from any sport will be admitted free and any adults showing a military identification will also be allowed in at no charge.
On hand will be GI Johnny, the 12-foot tall inflatable suited mascot for the Manchester Army Career Center. There will also be a Army Strong H-3 Hummer on display for public viewing as well as other interactive game. Gates open at 6:30 PM. Regular admission is $8 for adults and $5 for youth.
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