Wilmington Claims Victory over Orlando City
August 28, 2014 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Wilmington Hammerheads FC News Release
Wilmington, NC - Wilmington Hammerheads FC clinched a 3-1 victory over league-leader Orlando City Soccer Club on Thursday night at Legion Stadium. The recent victory pushes Wilmington into seventh place in the league rankings as they continue to compete for one of the remaining playoff positions.
The Hammerheads entered Thursday's contest following a string of matches on the West Coast that brought home their first victory since mid-July. Wilmington put the pressure on Orlando within minutes after Philadelphia Union loanee Corben Bone put the ball in the net past goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo in the 3rd minute. Orlando responded with several opportunities as they tried to balance the attempts taken on goal by Wilmington, but none found the back of the net until Austin da Luz knocked in his third goal of season in the 41st minute after consecutive shots were taken in the penalty area.
Hammerheads forward Sunny Jane was close to lifting the score for Wilmington before the half off a cross from Mark-Anthony Kaye, but overpowered the shot sending it over the crossbar and leaving the score equalized 1-1 into halftime. Jane and Kaye were on point entering the second half and feeding each other opportunities in the penalty area. Kaye finally found his mark and eventually increased the score in the 61st minute after receiving a short volley by Jane from the far post.
Orlando's Darwin Cer�n was offered a free kick soon after Wilmington's goal that nearly equalized the score once more, however goalkeeper Brad Stuver captured the high attempt preventing any contact with the net and adding to his accumulated seven saves Thursday night. When the final score looked to be definite, the Hammerheads secured their victory in stoppage time following a ground ball into the goal by forward Sammy Ochoa after a cross by Kaye. The Hammerheads victory increases Orlando City's loss count to four during the regular season.
The Hammerheads return to Legion Stadium on Saturday, August 30 as they host Sacramento Republic FC and again on Wednesday, September 3 as they encounter Orlando City for a rematch during their last home game of the regular season. Each match is slated for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff.
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United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 28, 2014
- Riverhounds Head South, Look to Go North in Standings - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- Wilmington Claims Victory over Orlando City - Wilmington Hammerheads FC
- City Suffers 3-1 Defeat to Wilmington in Tough Road Match - Orlando City SC
- Philadelphia Union downs Isles - Penn FC
- Rhinos Travel to Harrisburg Saturday Night - Rochester Rhinos
- Kickers Head West - Richmond Kickers
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