The Charlotte Eagles, in a must win situation, failed for the third straight game to find the back of the net. Eagles and New York draw 0-0 with Eric Reed receiving player of the match with his first shutout as an Eagle. The Eagles hosted F. C. New York at Charlotte Christian Saturday night, April 23, 2011. The Eagles applied pressure early, as the midfield was able to find holes in New York's defense. Chris Salvaggione, with a great cross from the right, just missed Ben Page for the header. The Eagles quickly followed up with a few similar situation but with nothing to show for it. Reed had his first test, as he saved a shot from Graciano Brito in the eleventh minute. Josh Rife continued to apply pressure as he collided with New York's keeper, Derby Carrillo, just outside the box from a cross by Luke Williams. Rife's shot just missed the top crossbar in minute fifteen. Carrillo left the game after the collision and was replaced by New York's back-up keeper,Steve Diaz. As the twenty fifth minute approached the game found itspace. New York, able to build a few promising possessions, could not successfully penetrate the Eagle back four. The Eagles continued to dominate possession without the ability to capitalize. In minute thirty five, Salvaggione hit a rocket twenty five yards out hitting the crossbar. In the following play he missed just wide off a header. The Eagle continued, throughout the latter part of the first half, to bombard New York's box, but with nothing to show for it. The Eagles outshot New York 7-2 in the first half, without testing Diaz. The half ended 0-0. The only Eagles' roster change at halftime was Sallieu Bundu for Page. The second half began much more evenly with both sides gaining chances. Coach Steffens looking for speed, brought Walter Moore into the game in minute sixty three. The Eagles relying on its speed up front fell back on the long ball, trying to dump the ball over New York's defense. New York was able to answer by controlling Bundu in the center. Marking the three quarter point in the game the Eagles found a couple of consecutive corner kicks that put the scare in New York, but the Eagles could not get the ball into the net. New York answered with a few close calls themselves ending with a great diving punch save from Eric Reed. The final whistle blew without a goal. Charlotte and New York each went home with their first point of the season drawing the game 0-0. The Charlotte Eagles want to thank Takis for the great half-time give-a-ways! The next Eagles home game is Friday, April 29, 2011 against Charleston Battery at Winthrop stadium. Purchase your tickets online at www.CharlotteEagles.com.
