Game Summary

The Charlotte Eagles entered Friday night’s game looking for their first win of the 2003 season against a familiar opponent, the Charleston Battery.  The Eagles and Battery have a history of very competitive, close games and it was anticipated that this one would be no different.  Although Charleston was coming into this game undefeated in 2003 (at 3-0), the Eagles tend to raise their level of play against the Battery so hopes were high for a win.  The weather finally cooperated and game time conditions were the best thus far this season.  The temperature was 90° and it was humid, but there was no rain so that was a big plus.  The attendance was the best of the season for the Eagles at 1,255. 

The Battery controlled play early in the game, creating several scoring opportunities.  Eagles keeper Dwayne Adams redeemed himself from a terrible mistake in the Eagles loss to Syracuse last week with several excellent plays.  The Eagles have never announced “man of the match” awards, but in my opinion Dwayne would have been the winner Friday night.  He kept the Eagles in the game early on as he was credited with five saves on eight Battery shots in the first half.   It seemed to be twice that many as Charleston continually broke down the Eagles defense.  The Battery finally scored off a corner kick in the 29^th minute as the Eagles failed to clear the ball out of the box and Paul Conway made a pretty pass to Ted Chronopoulos who drilled a shot by Adams for what proved to be the game winner.  The Battery very nearly scored a 2^nd goal in the 35^th minute as Conway found the ball at his feet six yards out, but a diving Adams deflected Conway’s shot and the Eagles defense kept the score within striking range. 

The Eagles created a few scoring opportunities in the first half, but managed only two shots and both of those came late in the half.  The best opportunity for the Eagles in the first half was stopped by a mystery offside call in the 37^th minute.  The Eagles had set up a perfect counter-attack that had the Battery defense scrambling to recover.  The side official called offside even though there were clearly two Battery defenders back – out of position, but back.  There is of course no guarantee that the Eagles would have scored on the play, but you hate to see an official’s mistake take away scoring chances – especially when your team is having trouble scoring goals.

The second half was much more even in overall ball control and the edge has to go to the Eagles in terms of scoring opportunities, as they outshot the Battery 8–3.

However, even though the Eagles created more offense, the quality of the shots created was not that good as Battery keeper Hudock was credited with only one save.  The Eagles kept almost constant pressure on the Battery the last twenty minutes of the game, but resorted to the long ball too much.  The Battery defense is much too talented to let those long passes turn into scoring chances. 

Considering the small field and the intensity of this rivalry, this was a very clean game.  The Eagles were charged with ten fouls and the Battery with nine.  The only caution of the game was charged to the Eagles forward Jacob Coggins on a collision with Battery goalkeeper Hudock in the 75^th minute.  The Eagles played the ball in high and as Coggins ran hard for a header, Hudock came off his line and ran out to catch the ball.  The two collided and although neither player went down, Coggins was called for the foul and awarded a yellow card for his efforts.  It was a silly card and should not have even been a foul.

Overall, this was the best game of the season for the Eagles.  Although the result is less than was hoped for, the effort was excellent for 90 minutes and the opponent is among the best teams in the league.  The small field continues to plague the Eagles as they are a team built for speed and their speed is negated on a small field.  The play is much slower and much more physical and this is not the Eagles’ preferred style of play.  However, if the Eagles continue to play as they did against the Battery Friday night, the wins will come and soon.  This is assuming the Eagles resolve their goalkeeper problems.  Dwayne is expected to be available for the back-to-back series with Atlanta next week, but is doubtful beyond that.  Without an experienced keeper (i.e. Richard Goddard), it will be a long and difficult season for the Eagles.

Eagles’ Injury/Visa Report

• Leo Gajardo is out for several weeks with a pulled hamstring.
• Dean Short is out with an injured hand.
• Still having visa problems are Richard Goddard in Canada and Hugo Galeano in Colombia.
• Roger Groome is still working to obtain a Green Card.
• Dwayne Adams, who is from and currently lives in Bermuda, will be with the Eagles again next weekend for the back-to-back matches with Atlanta.

Game Stats

Goal scored in the 29^th minute by Ted Chronopoulos, assisted by Paul Conway.

Cautions/Ejections

Substitutions

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