RICHMOND WINS USL-2 CHAMPIONSHIP 2-1 OVER CHARLOTTE

 

(Richmond, VA) -  The Charlotte Eagles pro soccer team played in their third consecutive USL Second Division Championship match tonight, hoping to defend their 2005 Championship title.  The Eagles were hosted by the 2005 USL First Division finalists, the Richmond Kickers, at the University of Richmond Stadium.  Richmond took a 2-0 lead in the first half and held on to win 2-1 for the USL-2 Championship title.

 

Charlotte got the first quality chance on goal in the 2^nd minute of play.  The ball skirted out to Andy Guastaferro at the top right corner of the six yard box.  Guastaferro hit a one timer on the volley, blasting it inside the right post, but Pascale was there to make a quality save.

 

Richmond took the lead in the 9^th minute on a penalty kick.  Michael Burke, advancing in on goal from the left side was taken down by Aaron Faro.  Robert Ssejjemba took the awarded penalty shot and beat Dan Benton on the right side, as Benton went opposite.

 

In the 33^rd minute Richmond extended their lead to two goals.  Kevin Knight set up the goal with a beautiful cross from the left corner.  Knight’s serve found Chris Carrieri in the middle.  Carrieri control with his chest and fired a volley shot to the lower right corner, beating the dive of Benton.

 

Mike Burke had one last quality chance for Richmond before the first half whistle.  Burke’s shot from the top of the box was saved by Benton, but continued to trickle toward the goal.  Ben Johnson cleared the ball out just before reaching the goal line.  The first half ended with the Kickers up 2-0.

 

The Eagles had a close chance to cut the lead in half in the 60^th minute off the corner kick from Dustin Swinehart.  Kevin Knight cleared the ball at the goal line with a bicycle kick to preserve the 2-0 lead.

 

The Richmond Kickers dropped back for most of the second half, protecting the lead with tight defense and looking for chances to advance on the counter attack.  Charlotte possessed the ball well in Richmond’s half, but had trouble penetrating in the final third to create and capitalize on scoring chances.

 

Charlotte really began to pour it on the final minutes of play.  In the 89^th minute, Ross Spencer pushed down the right side and made a low pass across to Sam Casey at the top of the six yard box.  Casey’s shot was sent over the cross bar.

 

In the 90^th minute Charlotte’s pressure finally paid off with a goal.  Andriy Budnyy made a great through pass onto the run of Ross Spencer.  Spencer maneuvered around goalkeeper Pascale and scored with a left-footed shot to the right side.

 

Richmond held onto the lead through injury time to cap off the 2-1 victory, earning the 2006 USL Second Division Championship.  It was an exciting match between two quality teams.  The Charlotte Eagles Soccer Club would like to congratulate Richmond on their victory and thank all of the faithful Charlotte Eagles fans for such great support in the 2006 season.  Charlotte looks forward to 2007 season.  2007 season tickets will be available shortly at a discounted rate at www.CharlotteEagles.com