Carol Senechal, Communications, 757-619-4343

Marcie Laumann, President

 

May 8, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

 

Charlotte, NC – In what United Soccer Leagues called “clash of former champions,” The Hampton Roads Piranhas came from behind in the second half to beat the Charlotte Lady Eagles 2-1 at Charlotte Christian Stadium. Charlotte won the 2001 W-League championship and Hampton Roads posted a perfect season in 2003 to win the crown.

 

Charlotte midfielder Samantha Hire opened the scoring for Charlotte in the 33^rd minute assisted by Jordan Edwards.

 

The half ended 1-0 in favor of the home side.

 

The Piranhas got on the board in the 60^th minute on an unassisted goal by forward Mercy Akide-Udoh. Udoh made a turn at midfield to receive the ball, turned back towards the center of the field, beat a defender to the left and put it in the back of the net. Piranha’s midfielder Kim Francis won the game for the red and white on a direct free kick in the 82^nd minute. Head coach and defender Wendy Kotwas-Waddell was fouled 24 yards out and Francis delivered a rocket of a shot just under the crossbar.

 

The Piranhas defense was able to hold the Lady Eagles scoreless for the remaining eight minutes plus four more of stoppage time. 

 

The Piranhas will host the Northern Virginia Lady Majestics at Virginia Wesleyan’s Foster Field on May 16 in their home opener at 5:30 p.m. It will be the first half of a doubleheader with the PDL squad who will follow against the Carolina Dynamo at 8 p.m.

 

For more information about the Hampton Roads Piranhas please call 757-572-1592 or visit www.hrpiranhas.com.