Wilmington Hammerheads News Release -- www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com
Thursday, August 16, 2012
WILMINGTON, N.C. – The Wilmington Hammerheads, currently sitting fifth in the USL PRO standings, will conclude their 2012 regular season this weekend with back-to-back matches against the Charlotte Eagles, who occupy the sixth spot in the division. It’s a tight race, and both teams will be hoping to pick up the needed points to hold off the Los Angeles Blues and Harrisburg City Islanders, who will try to jump ahead of both North Carolina teams as they meet for two games on the west coast.
Charlotte is in impressive form as of late, compiling a 8-1-1 record over the course of their last 10 games. “We have two difficult games ahead of us to top off the season,” said Hammerheads Head Coach David Irving. “Charlotte has been an in-form team and this will be no easy task as we play back-to-back nights -- on the road, then at home.”
Weather issues have left Charlotte Christian Stadium unplayable, negating part of the Eagles’ Friday-night advantage. Instead, Friday night's match starts with a 7 p.m. kickoff at Wingate University, where the Eagles must earn at least a draw against the Hammerheads, who have made Legion Stadium a fortress this season.
The Hammerheads will look to rack up three more points toward their total on Saturday night during their 7:30 p.m. match at Legion Stadium as they encounter the Eagles once more to try and complete an undefeated regular season home record while also pushing their way through to the playoffs.
These familiar foes hope that both teams can represent the state of North Carolina in the USL PRO playoffs, but tensions will be high on each sideline. Wilmington will guarantee itself a place in the playoffs with one win, or a pair of draws over the weekend, but Irving's side will want to take a pair of wins, which will give the team a chance to move into the top four and the right to host a playoff game at Legion Stadium. The top six teams receive a spot in playoffs: first and second place gaining a bye for the first round, and third and fourth earning the home advantage as the playoffs open next weekend.
UPCOMING MATCH
The Wilmington Hammerheads will host their final home game at Legion Stadium on Saturday night against the Charlotte Eagles. The final match is “Fan Appreciation” night and all tickets are $6, adult and youth. Also, the beer garden, otherwise known as Landshark Landing, will be serving a collection of craft beers. For more information, please contact the Wilmington Hammerheads office at (910) 777-2111 or visit our website at www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com.
