Both teams come into the game fighting hard for a possible playoff spot. This is the first of four games with the Blast over a three week period. Games in which the Eagles need points with still a road trip to Seattle and Portland ahead.
The Eagles start with a slightly modified line-up with Jacob Coggins at forward for only the second time and Nate Watkins playing defender with the absence of Ben Parry. The game started a little late due to the Lady Eagles 8-0 win over New Jersey. The win ended the regular season for the Lady Eagles with their record at 11-1. The Lady Eagles start their quest for the W-2 title next week and have a strong opportunity to match the Eagles National Championship with a National Championship of their own.
The game for most of the first half was very rough. This will be elaborated upon later in the report under the stats. Local (UNC-Charlotte) player Jacob Coggins opened the scoring off an assist by Jose Gomez in the 25th minute. The Blast tied the game with Andy McDermott's goal and Craig Donaldson's assist. The play appeared to be offside. (I wish we had instant reply- not really) The half ended 1-1.
The second half started with the Eagles very aggressive truly dominating the game with shot after shot just missing. At the 52nd minute defender Jose Correa went on the attack working his way past the defense then sliding the ball over to Jacob Coggins who tapped in the ball for his second goal and a 2-1 Eagle lead.
Charlotte continued to control the ball but as is the case in soccer, the Blast made one more good steal at midfield resulting in a James Prosser goal with the assist going to Mark Allen at the 73rd minute making it 2-2.
With the Eagles continuing to pressure, Mark Allen made a dangerous tackle which earned him a red card at the 82nd minute thus giving the Eagles all the momentum. During the final minutes forward Dustin Swinehart had a great chance but was wide right. He is still a little rusty from his injury but soon will be back in form.
The referee signals 3 minutes of injury time.
After about 2 minutes and 15 seconds by my unofficial / official watch, Dustin Swinehart played the ball to Leo Gajarda who made 2 or 3 beautiful jukes to create an opening and he scored. Wild celebration, more play, whistle blows, EAGLES WIN !!! The Eagles do have a flare for the dramatic!
STATS:
Shots Saves Fouls Offside Corners
Charlotte 20 4 20 1 4
Indiana 12 2 14 1 3
CAUTIONS:
Indiana- McDermott- 17th min- yellow
Charlotte- Correa- 23rd- yellow
Indiana- Allen- 82nd- red card
Indiana- Fundenberger- 90th- yellow
STARTERS:
Charlotte: Goalie Adams, Correa, Watkins, O'Brien, Gajarda, Gomez, Pinch, Galeano ( Sorzano 64'), Mouw ( Swinehart 53'), Lieb ( Avilez 76'), Coggins ( Norkus 78')
Indiana: Goalie Winner, Demmin, Knott, Tenoff, Aldrich, Costa, Parrish ( Fundenberger 75'), Donaldson (Prosser 70'), McDermott ( Dresser 70'), Baah ( Keenan 83' ), Allen 82' - red card
REFEREES: Charles Mitchell, Alex Almagure, Kagee Kanell, Pat Spruans
ATTENDENCE: 2,054
EAGLEMAN OF THE MATCH- Forward Jacob Coggins
