Date: August 9, 2002
Location: UNCC Transamerica Field, Charlotte, NC
Game Conditions: Pleasant, sunny, 86°
Attendance: 1,232
Starting Line-ups
Charlotte Charleston
1 GK Richard Goddard 1 GK Dusty Hudock
2 D Ben Johnson 15 D Andrew Lewis
4 D Nate Watkins 2 M Kyle Swords
5 D Kevin O'Brien 25 D John Wilson
7 M Leo Gajardo 6 D Linval Dixon
9 M Andy Guasterferro 19 F Steve Klein
13 D Jeremy Sorzano 23 M Steve Kraemer
16 F Jose Gomez 13 M Kevin Anderson
18 F Dustin Swinehart 3 D Terry Phelan
20 M Jacob Coggins 10 F Paul Conway
23 M Andy McDermott 18 M Justin Evans
Game Summary:
The Eagles and Battery have a history of hard-fought, close games and this one was no exception. The Eagles had the best of play early scoring in the 25th minute and again in the 44th minute. The first goal was not so much the direct result of excellent offensive play by the Eagles but due to sloppy defense and poor clearing by the Battery defense. The 2nd goal was a free kick just outside the penalty area hit well by Andy McDermott and glancing off of one or more players on its way to the net. Charlotte had several decent chances to add to the lead, but either failed to finish or were denied by Battery keeper Hudock. The Battery played well during the first half, but it was uninspired and due more to pure talent and not extraordinary effort. Charleston didn't have the same confidence and fire that I saw in them earlier in the season. The first time the Eagles played the Battery in Charlotte, it seemed at times like they had more than 11 players on the field. They were everywhere at once. I never had that feeling in this game. The Eagles forwards were able to run by, around and through the Battery defense time after time and it seemed only a matter of time before another goal was scored. Charleston is an excellent team, though and managed to stay close despite playing below their potential.
The second half was a different story for the Battery. They were much more aggressive and did a good job of controlling play. The Eagles actually scored a 3rd goal although, it was waived off by the referee. A very questionable foul was called on Dustin Swinehart who made an excellent run through the Battery defense into the penalty area. Just as he crossed the ball to Coggins for the easy score, Hudock rushed out to try to stop the ball. He crashed into YT and they both fell to the ground and the foul was called on the offense. That foul call changed the course and ultimately, the outcome of the game.
The Battery broke through for their first goal in minute 53 as Paul Conway scored one of the prettiest goals I have ever seen. The play began with poor clearance of the ball out of the penalty area by the Charlotte defense. The ball was being kicked around by both teams until a high ball drifted to Conway about 12 yards out to the right of the goal. Charlotte keeper Goddard was perfectly in position but Paul turned quickly and hit a perfect lofted shot just over Goddard's outstretched hand and into the left corner of the net. I hope that goal is on tape because it was a highlight film goal.
The rest of the 2nd half was enjoyable to watch, but uneventful as both teams played well. It appeared Charlotte was on its way to the win and 4 much need points in the playoff race as the game entered stoppage time. Charleston was applying tremendous offensive pressure trying to get the needed goal to send the game into overtime. In the absolute closing moments of stoppage, a scramble took place in front of the Battery goal. The Battery had several shots on goal and the Eagles defense was scattered. An Eagles defender attempted to clear the ball but missed the kick and then another Eagle attempted to head the ball out of bounds, but the ball hit the center goal post and dropped directly in front of Trout who calmly put the ball in the net for the tie.
The teams then battled through two 10-minute overtime periods. Both teams had opportunities to score with Charleston applying more consistent pressure. Play continued at a high level despite the fatigue that was evident in both teams. The game ended in a tie. While that outcome was less than optimal for the Battery, they were pleased to avoid the loss with the late goal. For the Eagles, however the tie was a great disappointment. They are currently fighting for the 6th and final playoff spot and need points desperately. To be so close to defeating one of the top teams in the league and have it slip away was tough to handle. Both teams played well and the fans definitely were treated to an excellent game.
Game Stats
Scoring 1 2 1OT 2OT Final
Charlotte 2 0 0 0 2
Charleston 0 2 0 0 2
Scoring Summary Minute Goal Assist
Charlotte 25th Coggins Unassisted
Charlotte 44th McDermott Unassisted
Charleston 53rd Conway Wilson
Charleston 90th Trout Unassisted
Shots 1 2 1OT 2OT Final
Charlotte 7 8 0 0 15
Charleston 11 10 2 1 24
Saves 1 2 1OT 2OT Final
Charlotte 5 1 2 0 8
Charleston 3 6 0 0 9
Fouls 1 2 1OT 2OT Final
Charlotte 5 8 1 1 15
Charleston 6 8 1 0 15
Offside 1 2 1OT 2OT Final
Charlotte 1 2 1 0 4
Charleston 2 1 0 0 3
Corners 1 2 1OT 2OT Final
Charlotte 2 2 0 0 4
Charleston 3 4 0 1 8
Cautions
Min. 44 Wilson Charleston
Min. 62 Coggins Chalotte
Min. 87 Evans Charleston
Substitutions
Team Minute Player In Player Out
Charleston 64th Mac Cozier Kevin Anderson
Charlotte 68th Jamie Wellington Andy Guastaferro
Charleston 46th Ryan Trout Kyle Swords
Charleston 45th Morgan Zeba Steve Kraemer
Charleston 86th Jake Edwards Steve Klein
Charleston 98th Matt Farris Terry Phelan
Charlotte 81st Carlos Calderson Jacob Coggins
Charlotte 86th Rob Mouw Jose Gomez
Charlotte 88th Caleb Norkus Dustin Swinehart
Charlotte 97th V. Barria Leo Gajarda
