Charlotte Eagles News Release - www.charlotteeagles.com
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
CHARLOTTE, NC -- The Charlotte Eagles soared past the Real Maryland Monarchs 3-1 in First Round game of the USL-2 playoffs, advancing to Saturday's Semifinals and another encounter with state rival Wilmington Hammerheads.
A penalty kick in the fourth minute got things started for the Eagles. Dustin Swinehart made it 2-0, a lead the Eagles would keep through most of the game. The Monarchs persevered late into the game and finally found the back of the net with six minutes to go in regular time. The Eagles feeling the pressure were able to seal the deal in extra time when Gustavo Bentos poked the ball past the keeper bringing the game to a 3-1 final.
From the first whistle this match had all the emotion of a playoff game. As both teams came out hard, it was Real Maryland who made the early mistake as a penalty was called in the box in the early minutes of the game. Jorge Herrera made it look effortless as he placed the ball in the right corner of the net, putting the Eagles up 1-0.
Maryland's counter attack was strong as Steward Ceus was tested early. The pace of the game continued to possess a feeling of electricity at both teams, evenly matched fought aggressively in the midfield, seeking quick attacks on goal.
The Eagles were able to create a couple great chances which brought pressure on Real Maryland's back four.
Winning a ball at center field, Diego Martins made a quick, beautiful through ball to retirement-bound Dustin Swinehart, who touched the ball past the keeper in the 16th minute.
Real Maryland responded with a quick attack of their own which would have resulted in their first goal had it not been for Joseph Conner.
Continuing to pressure, Kevin King of Real Maryland made a stellar run through the Eagles' defense and sent off a rocket, which was picked up by Steward Ceus.
Despite the intensity from both clubs the half came to a close with the Eagles leading 2-0.
The second half began as though there were no break in the action. As the Eagles began to make substitutions so their chances were increasing. Diego Martins had a near miss in minute 56 as he hit the woodwork. Dustin Swinehart, in the next play, placed a shot in the far corner only to miss by a hair.
As time began to run off the clock Real Maryland found Charlotte a bit complacent and were able to take advantage in the 84th minute as Gary Brooks headed the ball past the Steward Ceus from a beautiful cross out of the left flank.
The Eagles, not content to finish 2-1, in stoppage time saw Jacob Coggins cross the field to Jorge Herrera, who drew off the defense and crossed the ball through the penalty area, finding Gustavo Bentos. Bentos was able to punch the ball up over the keeper bring the final score to 3-1
The Eagles will now travel to Wilmington this Saturday to play the regular season champion the Wilmington Hammerheads in a 7 PM match. The pair have already met four times this season with the pair playing to an even 1-1-1 record in the regular season. Wilmington was able to get the better of Charlotte in the Second Round of the US Open Cup 2-0.
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