The Charlotte Eagles avenged last year's championship match by handing the Kickers their first regular season loss at the University of Richmond Stadium since 2006, edging the home side 1-0. Eagles midfielder Jorge Herrera connected with forward Gustavo Bentos in the 29th minute for the lone goal of the night. Both teams got off to a slow start with few chances materializing on either side of the pitch. Charlotte capitalized on their first dangerous chance of the night 29 minutes in when Bentos received a chip pass from Herrera on the right side. Controlling the ball with his chest, the forward side volleyed the ball from 10 yards out into the upper right hand corner. The Eagles increased the pressure three minutes later when a shot from forward Debola Ogunseye struck from the penalty area but Kickers goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale was there to make the save. The first opportunity for the Kickers came in the 35 minute when midfielder Chris Carrieri lined up a free kick from just outside the box but his bending shot around the defensive wall found goalkeeper Steward Ceus alert on his line. When a cross from the right side could not be cleared by Charlotte defenders, it appeared the Kickers could level the score but rookie midfielder Charlie Reiter's hard volley from the top of the box sailed skyward. The Kickers nearly closed the gap seconds before the break when forward Reiter chipped the ball to an onrushing Edson Elcock, breaking through the defensive line. The streaking forward attempted to bury the ball from point-blank range but his lob missed the goal as the first half frustrations for the Kickers continued. Nearly 20 minutes passed in the second half before either team looked dangerous. The Kickers received the ball in front of the goal when a short cross from Sascha Gorres found Elcock in scoring position. Elcock's well-intended volley was deflected by a Charlotte defender over the end line. The Kickers saw their best opportunity of the night slip by in the 64th minute when Reiter played a nice inswinger from the right side. Forward Matthew Delicate could not get a touch on the ball inches from the target and Ceus was able to keep the home team off the scoreboard. Determined to find the equalizer as the game neared regulation, Görres was able to pick up a short clearance 25 yards out but his rocket strike narrowly missed the target in the 90th minute. The Charlotte Eagle are on the road for the second straight week as they head down to Charleston to settle the score on May 1st. The Eagles are back home on May 7th to host the Harrisburg City Islanders at Charlotte Christian Stadium at 7:00 PM. Purchase your discounted tickets at www.charlotteeagles.com.
