Wilmington, Orlando Finish Scoreless
September 3, 2014 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Wilmington Hammerheads FC News Release
Wilmington, NC - Orlando City Soccer Club was dubbed the 2014 USL PRO Regular Season Champions following Wednesday night's scoreless draw versus Wilmington Hammerheads FC at Legion Stadium. The Hammerheads are still in pursuit of clinching a spot in the playoffs as they approach their final two matches of the regular season in the upcoming weekend; needing only one point in the league standings to claim one of the three remaining slots.
The stakes were high for Orlando and Wilmington entering Wednesday's match. Orlando needed a victory or a draw to claim the regular season title for the third time and Wilmington was in search of a victory to clinch a definite spot in the playoffs. Hammerheads forward Cody Arnoux was quick out of the gate in the first half with a near goal in the 12 minute, but was denied by goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski on a diving save. Adama Mbengue followed soon after for the Lions with a hard shot on Brad Stuver, saving it by the fingertips.
Arnoux and Mark-Anthony Kaye worked an attempt near the end of the first half off a cross, however Kaye could not find the right angle on the header towards the net. Mbengue was pushing hard for the Lions to increase the score, tallying four shots overall on Stuver, but none of which found the back of the goal.
Kaye was back on his feet into the second half, placing a short pass into the box looking for an opportunity from teammate to run onto. Samuel Ochoa took a breakaway down the sideline looking to reenact his goal against the Lions last week and going one-on-one with Woszczynski, but was shut down by Orlando defense as he entered into the penalty area.
Wilmington nearly put a point on the board off a Corben Bone free kick that crossed through the penalty area and soared just wide of the far post in the 89th minute. Orlando was close to claiming a victory in stoppage time, but Stuver proved his presence by pushing the ball on a dive towards the sideline.
The Hammerheads are scheduled to finish their 2014 USL PRO regular season on the road against the Dayton Dutch Lions at DOC Stadium on Friday, September 5 and versus the Rochester Rhinos on Sunday, September 6 at Sahlen's Stadium. The Hammerheads will be hosting a watch party on Friday at Buffalo Wild Wings on Old Eastwood Road in Wilmington to watch the team in Dayton. Sunday's watch party location has yet to be announced.
For more information regarding Wilmington Hammerheads FC or to purchase 2015 season tickets, please contact (910) 777-2111 or visit www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com.
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United Soccer League Championship Stories from September 3, 2014
- Wilmington, Orlando Finish Scoreless - Wilmington Hammerheads FC
- Orlando City Wins Third USL PRO Regular Season Title, Secures Home Field Advantage for Playoffs - Orlando City SC
- OKC Energy FC Takes on Sacramento Thursday Night - OKC Energy FC
- Battery Fight to Hold Playoff Position Friday - Charleston Battery
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