The first half of the match got off to a scrappy start with end to end action.   Wilmington had the two best scoring chances early on.  The first attempt off a cornerkick was cleared off the goal line by Eagles forward Taurai Daka.  Then in the 27^th minute Eagles goalkeeper Dan Benton made a great diving save to deny the close range header by Wilmington forward Jamie Holmes.

Charlotte had some good offensive pressure especially in the latter part of the second half, but they were unable to capitalize on chances.  Wilmington goalkeeper Dan Ruch was not strongly tested in the half.  The first half ended scoreless.

Charlotte veteran forward Taurai Daka scored in the 52^nd minute to put the Eagles up 1-0.  Joseph Kabwe passed the ball from the left midfield into the middle for Dustin Swinehart.  Swinehart controlled the ball, picked his spot and drilled a shot from 20 yards out.   Wilmington goalkeeper Dan Ruch made a great effort to make the save but the strong shot powered through his finger tips and carried toward the goal line.  Taurai Daka rushed in from the right side to finish off the goal, and touched the ball into the open net.

Charlotte Eagles head coach commented on the match, "we felt like our backs were against the wall coming into tonight.   It's not that we have been playing poorly, just not getting the results. In fact, I though we played more poorly tonight than the ones we've lost, so it was good to get the win." 

The Charlotte Eagles have a two game road trip next weekend facing the Cincinnati Kings on July 27 ^th and the Cleveland City Stars on July 28^th.  Charlotte then has a weekend off before wrapping up the regular season at home on August 10^th hosting the Bermuda Hogges.  Tickets for the August 10^th match can be purchased online at www.CharlotteEagles.com.  Save $2.00 on each ticket by purchasing your tickets prior to gameday at the Eagles website.

     Charlotte Eagles Soccer...