Game Summary:

Once again, the Charlotte Eagles entered Friday night’s game against Atlanta looking for their first win of the 2003 season.  The Eagles played their best soccer of the season in a tough back-to-back series against the Charleston Battery the previous weekend.  The Eagles lost 0 – 1 to the Battery at home in a very close contest and bounced back on the road, playing well enough to lead the Battery in Charleston 2 – 1 only to give up a goal in the 89^th minute and in the end, settle for a tie.  The Silverbacks are also looking for their first win of the 2003 season.  After a preseason coaching change and the loss of several players from last years’ team, the Silverbacks are searching for an identity.  This game was not only a Southeast division rivalry, but also an Open Cup qualifying game, so it was important for both teams.

      The Eagles controlled play early in the game.  Through the first ten minutes of the game, the ball rarely cleared midfield for Atlanta.  Early on the Silverbacks seemed completely out of sync and were fortunate that the Eagles were unable to capitalize for a score.  For example, in the 2^nd minute, Atlanta’s keeper Hancock easily stopped a weak Eagles cross.  In his attempt to throw the ball up-field, he hit one of his defenders in the back of the head and the ball dropped directly in front of an Eagles forward just outside the box.  The Eagle was so surprised by the play he rushed the shot and it sailed wide of an open net. 

The Backs survived this period and were able to score on their first real offensive possession of the night.  In the 12^th minute, Martin Klinger found the ball at his feet after a flurry in front of the goal and a failed clearance by the Eagles defense.  Klinger was about seven yards out and easily beat Eagles keeper Dwayne Adams for the score.  That goal woke up the Silverbacks and they played well the remainder of the game.  The Eagles, on the other hand, were stunned and played like it for the next several minutes.  The Backs almost scored their second goal in the 15^th minute, but were denied on an outstanding diving save by Adams.  The Eagles who looked so sharp early in the game, pulled themselves back together midway through the first half.  In the 31^st  minute, Eagles forward Jacob Coggins broke free and received an excellent through pass but was called offside even though there were two defenders behind him.  It was one of several terrible calls that were a definite factor in the outcome of this game.  In the 33^rd minute, Carlos Calderson made a beautiful run up the right side of the Atlanta defense and ripped a shot from eighteen yards out.  The shot was right on target and it took an excellent save by Hancock to keep the Eagles off the board.  Another great opportunity for the Eagles came in the 45^th minute.  Jacob Coggins played in a great cross to an open Jose Gomez, who turned on goal, had time to measure the shot, but sent it wide.  That play is indicative of the whole season for the Eagles – great opportunities are created but the finish is just not there.

      The Eagles came out in the 2^nd half, picking up where they left off at the end of the first half.  In the 47^th minute, Carlos again ripped a shot that just barely missed, bouncing off the left post.  In the 48^th minute the Eagles Andy McDermott just missed scoring off a free kick as Hancock was able to get enough of a finger on the ball to tip it over the top post.  Off of the resulting corner kick, the Eagles finally scored only to have it waived off by the referee.  A beautiful corner kick was played in (and I can’t say that about many Eagles corner kicks) and a flurry of activity followed.  A shot was taken and Hancock deflected the ball into the air directly at Eagles forward Dustin Swinehart who easily headed in the ball for the goal.  As the Eagles celebrated, the referee waived the goal off claiming an Eagle had interfered with the Atlanta keeper.  It was a terrible call that should be reviewed by the league.  It was also the first indication that the officiating, which had been poor (but evenly so) all night, had turned decidedly in Atlanta’s favor. 

      The Eagles continued putting almost constant pressure on the Backs defense for the first twenty minutes of the second half, but were unable to score.  In the 78^th minute, Jacob Coggins got off a good shot that was deflected by Hancock.  The referee overruled the corner kick call by the side official and awarded Atlanta a goal kick.  In the 81^st minute, Andy Guastaferro (who had just entered the game) made a great run up the middle of the Atlanta defense and got off an excellent shot that took a great diving save by Hancock to push wide.  The Eagles finally scored the equalizer in the 81^st minute off a beautiful throw-in by Ben Johnson.  Ben’s throw-in sailed to Lee Paul who back-headed the ball past Hancock for his first goal of the season.  The excitement of this goal was short lived as Eagles defender Kevin O’Brien pulled an Atlanta forward down from behind in the 83^rd minute for his second yellow card of the night.  His ejection from the game meant the Eagles would be playing a man down the rest of the game.  Despite being a man down, the Eagles put on most of the offensive pressure for the rest of regulation time.  Atlanta did make their most impressive offensive play of the game in stoppage time resulting in a pretty shot that just missed wide right.  Regulation ended 1 – 1 and the teams prepared to play overtime.

      Overall, play was even in the first overtime.  Players on both teams were tired after a tough 90 minutes of soccer on a warm, humid night.  Both teams generated some offense although each team was only credited with one shot in overtime.

      Play was very sloppy in the second overtime.  Fatigue was a huge factor and Charlotte used all of their allowed substitutions.  In the 105^th minute, Atlanta had a very dangerous free kick about 25 yards out directly in front of the goal.  The ball was played in well but was cleared by Eagles forward Swinehart.  It was obvious at that point that Swinehart and some of the other Eagles who had played the entire game, were absolutely spent.  It didn’t help they were also playing a man down.  Atlanta, who did not use all of their substitutions, did make a move in the 108^th minute as they brought in forward Lucas Okolie.  His fresh legs were obvious, but the Eagles defense held and the game ended 1 – 1.

      Overall, I think the Eagles played well enough to win and should have won the game (actually they did except for a mistake by the official).  Most of the players I spoke with were disappointed with the outcome and are at a loss to explain the lack of scoring.  The offensive problems have to be resolved soon if the Eagles have any chance to make a run at the playoffs this season.  One bright spot, Lee Paul played well offensively for the Eagles – scoring his first goal of the season and creating some offense in the overtime periods.  Another bright spot, the Eagles defense seems to have found itself after some poor performances early in the season.  Josh Rife and Kevin O’Brien have been outstanding in every game.  Ben Johnson has also played very well, although he generally comes off the bench.  Hayden Woodworth (generally a midfielder) played a great game in defense against Atlanta

despite having never played the position before.  There is reason for optimism for the Eagles but offensive efficiency and goalkeeper continue to be concerns for this team. 

Eagles Injury/Visa Report

·        Leo Gajardo (midfield) is out for several weeks with a pulled hamstring.

·        Dean Short (goalkeeper) is out with an injured hand.

·        Hugo Galeano (defender) is still in Columbia trying to resolve Visa problems.

·        Roger Groome (defender) is still trying to get a work permit.

·        Richard Goddard (goalkeeper) has given up in his effort to obtain a Visa and will not join the Eagles this season.  This is a huge loss for the team.

·        Dwayne Adams (goalkeeper), who is from and lives/works in Bermuda, has graciously agreed to play for the Eagles while they try to resolve these Visa problems.  His time with the team is limited though, so his status is week to week.

Game Stats

Cautions/Ejections

Substitutions