Wilmington Hammerheads News Release -- www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com

Friday, June 29, 2012

WILMINGTON, N.C. – The Wilmington Hammerheads have worked all week to bounce back from a 4-0 defeat against the Dayton Dutch Lions in their last away match. Now they are set to host the Los Angeles Blues on Saturday night in the third meeting of the season between the two teams at 7:30 p.m. ET at Legion Stadium.

The Hammerheads and the Blues faced off twice earlier this season in back-to-back matches in Los Angeles at the beginning of May. The Hammerheads completed the weekend with a 2-1 loss and a 2-2 tie, and have more than enough motivation to come out against the Blues with fourth place in the USL PRO standings on the line.

Bryce Taylor scored the lone goal for the Hammerheads in the opening game of the season series, which the Blues won 2-1, while Jack Avesyan scored both goals in the second match, earning the Hammerheads a 2-2. Although the Hammerheads led both games, they were not able to finish either game on top. Los Angeles' second-half intensity proved much for the Hammerhead’s to handle in both previous meetings.

The Blues are also coming off a defeat in their last outing, however, after they fell 3-2 on Thursday night against the Charlotte Eagles in the first game of their three-game road trip. Bright Dike will be a man to watch for the Hammerheads' defense after he scored another pair of goals in the loss, giving him six goals in seven games since joining Los Angeles on loan from Major League Soccer's Portland Timbers.

Wilmington was boosted this week, however, by the extension of their loan deal that keeps forward Corey Hertzog with the club through the remainder of the season from the New York Red Bulls. Hertzog has scored four goals, and added two assists, since joining the Hammerheads, and will hope to add to his total against the Blues.

The Hammerheads are currently two points above the Blues, sitting in fourth place in the USL PRO league standings. A win would better secure this position and bring the Hammerheads closer to the third-place Rochester Rhinos, whom they trail by six points. 

Upcoming Games

The Wilmington Hammerheads will take on the Richmond Riverhounds on Saturday, July 7 at 7:30pm at Legion Stadium, marking the second time this season the Hammerheads hosted the Riverhounds. The theme for game night is “Christmas in July,” sponsored by Independence Mall of Wilmington.

As a part of the Christmas in July celebration, Independence Mall’s very own Santa will be making a guest appearance and available for pictures throughout the game. Come out and join other Hammerhead fans over food, drinks, soccer, and everyone’s favorite holiday season.

For more information about the Wilmington Hammerheads and to purchase tickets, please visit www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com or call our offices at (910) 777-2111.