(Charlotte, NC) - The Charlotte Eagles handed Cleveland their first loss of the season tonight at Waddell Stadium.   Charlotte Eagles midfielder Steve Shak scored the lone goal of the match in the 28^th minute, and a solid defensive showing preserved the victory.  The Eagles maintained their spot at the top of the USL-2 with the victory with a record of 10-3-0, for 30 points.   The Eagles are just one point above undefeated Richmond since Charlotte has played two more games than Richmond.

 

Steve Shak put the Eagles up 1-0 in the 28^th minute with a top-spin shot from about 30 yards out.   Shak's shot caught the Cleveland goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap off guard coming so quick. The shot grazed a Cleveland defender, adding to the top spin, and it that sailed over his head and bent just under the cross bar.

 

 

The first half ended with the Eagles up 1-0.  Charlotte had a strong first half, out-shooting Cleveland 9-5.  

Cleveland thought they had the match tied in the final minute of play.  Adam Moffat received a long pass at the top of the six yard box.  Moffat redirected the ball into the lower left corner of the Charlotte goal, but the goal was waived off for offsides on the play.

Eagles Head Coach Mark Steffens was particularly pleased with the defensive effort saying, "our third shutout in a row with collective defending.   Our goalkeeper said that we had everyone behind the ball on defense and that's what we've been working on."

Steve Shak was tonight's man of the match scoring the lone goal and really controlling play in the center of the field.  

The Eagles are on the road for their next two matches.  On June 26^th the Eagles travel to Atlanta to face the USL-1 Atlanta Silverbacks in round two of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.  Winner of the match advances to the third round to face the FC Dallas of the MLS.   On June 30 the Eagles are in Wilmington to take on USL-2 rival the Wilmington Hammerheads.  The Eagles return to home field action on Saturday, July 7^th for another doubleheader night with the Lady Eagles.   The Lady Eagles host the Cocoa Expos at 5:30 pm followed by the Eagles match against Harrisburg at 8:00 pm.  July 7^th is also Scouts Night.  Tickets for the July 7^th doubleheader can be purchased online at www.CharlotteEagles.com.  Save $2.00 on each ticket purchased prior to gameday.

(Charlotte, NC) - The Charlotte Lady Eagles hosted the Hampton Roads Piranhas tonight at Waddell Stadium.   Kelly Schmedes posted a goal and two assists to lead the Lady Eagles to a 4-1 victory over Hampton Roads.  With the victory the Lady Eagles improve to 5-2-1, for 16 points. 

The Piranhas put the first goal on the scoreboard tonight in the 23 ^rd minute.  Laura Beeman carried the ball into the Charlotte 18 yard box and was taken down by the Charlotte defense.  Beeman was awarded a penalty kick.  Beeman took the shot and beat Laura Armstrong on the right side.

Darcel Mollon evened up the score in the final minute of the first half.   Ashley Swinehart began the attack from out of the back, passing a ball up the right side into space for Kelly Schmedes to run onto.  Schmedes served a beautiful cross into the middle, onto the run of Darcel Mollon.   Mollon scored off the volley with a looping shot over Hampton Roads goalkeeper Lindsay Williams.  The first half ended with the teams even at one goal a piece.

The Lady Eagles seemed to come alive in the second half, stringing together crisp passes and working hard to maintain possession.

Darcel Mollon was robbed of a second goal by Williams in the 50th minute.   Darcel pushed past the Piranhas defense to the left side of the 18 yard box.  She positioned for a shot looking to place it around a Hampton Roads defender on the goal line, but as she fired off the shot, Williams came sliding in and swallowed it up.

The Lady Eagles took over the lead two minutes later.  Kelly Schmedes earned her second assist of the night.  This time she carried the ball to the end line and pass across the goal mouth.  Tina Murphy was there to touch it in before Williams could get there.

Kelly Schmedes put the Lady Eagles up by two goals in the 59 ^th minute.  Schmedes drove toward goal from the right side and was tripped up inside the penalty box by Tiffany Azzarito.  Schmedes was awarded a penalty kick and she finished it nicely with a hard shot to the lower left corner, as Williams dove opposite.

Christy Rife scored the final goal of the match for a Lady Eagles 4-1 victory.   Ashley Swinehart assisted on the goal, feeding into Rife inside the 18 yard box.  Rife turned and scored with a low shot under the save attempt by Williams. 

The Lady Eagles are on the road for their next match in Atlanta on Thursday, June 28 ^th.  They return to home field action on Saturday, July 7^th for another doubleheader night with the Charlotte Eagles.  The Lady Eagles host the Cocoa Expos at 5:30 pm followed by the Eagles match against Harrisburg at 8:00 pm.   July 7^th is also Scouts Night.  Tickets for the July 7^th doubleheader can be purchased online at www.CharlotteEagles.com.  Save $2.00 on each ticket purchased prior to gameday.