Wilmington Earns Three Points against Toronto
July 2, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Wilmington Hammerheads FC News Release
Wilmington, NC - Legion Stadium was home to over 3,000 soccer fans Saturday night to kick-off the holiday weekend, watching the Wilmington Hammerheads take on Toronto FC II.
The first half began with Wilmington dominating the field. Combine speed from #7, Austin Martz, and technical tenacity from fellow midfielder #10, Justin Moose, and you create scoring opportunity. In the 14th minute, Wilmington's offensive push opened the door for #18, Stefan Defregger to assist #12, Casey Townsend in the first goal of the match. Defregger stated, "Last week in New York, I missed a few chances that I probably should've put away, but it built the confidence for me to step in today."
As the first half continued to build with anticipation, Wilmington appeared one step ahead of Toronto, producing numerous opportunities to score. #16 Eric Ati started his second game for Wilmington, making an impressive save in the 35th minute, when Toronto's offense broke Wilmington's defensive line, firing their only shot on goal in the first half.
Despite Toronto's constant push, Defregger came through again with a second assist in the 30th minute, with a goal by Martz. Taking the lead, 2-0, Wilmington used their scoring momentum; which shortly after lead to Defregger making his third assist in the 45th minute. The final score of the first half, and of the game, came to fruition by #14 Logan Miller.
With seven shots on goal in the first half alone, Wilmington entered the second half with emphasis. Toronto met Wilmington testing goalkeeper Ati. Mustering through the second half, Toronto accumulated three shots on goal, in comparison to Wilmington's four. In the 60th minute, Toronto fired a shot on goal; which required Ati to graze the ball up and over the net.
Two minutes later, Ati was tested again, when he went one-on-one with Toronto's #31 Sal Bernal. With no such luck, Toronto was denied a goal by Wilmington.
The first card of the game was given to #47 Ashani Fairclough of Wilmington, which created a free kick deep in Wilmington's defensive zone. #55 Aiden Daniels took the kick for Toronto placing the ball in the upper right corner of the goal, where Ati came out of no-where and deflected the ball, once again.
Although Toronto had numerous opportunities to score late in the second half, Wilmington walked away with a 3-0 win. Wilmington's head coach Mark Briggs stated, "It was pleasing to score three goals tonight. It was important to bounce back from last week's end result. From that regard it's satisfying, but there's still a number of things I think we can work on." He continued, "Stefan, we always know he has a lot of quality, especially in the final third. He whips a very good ball in and he has a good brain. He doesn't rush anything in critical areas and I think we saw that tonight. Those are the little differences you want in players and Stefan has taken his opportunity when he's gotten it and he deserves the success."
In honor of Independence Day, the match recognized those who served and continue to serve our country. As Wilmington met Toronto on the field for the second time this season, Wilmington sported special Capelli brand military jerseys. These game worn jerseys are available in an on-going online auction, which will end at midnight, July 8th, and will support the USS Battleship NC.
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