Virginia Beach, Virginia – The PDL Piranhas and the Carolina Dynamo met for the third time this season Wednesday night in the rubber match of their 2010 three-game series, fighting to a nil-nil draw at the Sportsplex. Each team won its road match – Carolina won 4-1 at the Sportsplex on May 30, followed by a Piranhas 2-1 win at Mcpherson Stadium on June 12.
The Piranhas were looking to play spoiler, keeping the Dynamo out of the playoff picture. The Piranhas have officially been eliminated from playoff contention and as a result of tonight’s match Carolina has been eliminated as well.
The match was wide open from beginning to end, with both sides trying hard to score. Carolina played an over-the-top game for the first half with fast breaks and the Piranhas played at an equally frenzied pace. Both teams settled down for the second half playing a more controlled game but neither could find the back of the net.
Carolina had its best chance in the 81st minute when defender Donnie Smith sent a through-ball to Tanner Wolfe who was one-on-one with Piranhas keeper Tyler Benham. Benham’s huge save preserved the draw and the point for Hampton Roads.
The Piranhas also threatened late in the game. In the 87th minute, Piranhas Bryan Iotte was tripped by Carolina midfielder Matt Rose while making a run up the right side just outside the box. Iotte sent the ball into the center to teammate Tommy Webb who crossed to Harry Gillespie but Gillespie was inches offside.
“It was a hard-fought game and it was good to see our boys play hard on tired legs,” said Piranhas head coach Leroi Wilson. “Playing two games in four days is difficult and we earned our point tonight.”
The Piranhas will travel to Charleston, West Virginia on Saturday to face the Chaos at Schoenbaum Stadium at 7:30 p.m. The team’s next home match is Friday, July 23 against Northern Virginia, also at 7:30 p.m.
For more information on the Hampton Roads Piranhas, including tickets, sponsorships or to volunteer, please call 757-226-9040 or visit www.hrpiranhas.com.
SCORING SUMMARY
1 2 F
HAMPTON ROADS 0 0 0
CAROLINA 0 0 0
Starting Lineups:
Hampton Roads: Ryan Zmuda (Tyler Benham 45), Cody Merkes (Tom Van Dyke 60), Robert Acosta Daduda Diomande, Thomas Webb, Bryan Iotte, Devin Pierce, Charles Nweke (Jacob Corliss 79), Thomas Schmitt (Harry Gillespie 83), Renato Barbosa (Rich Duffie 81), Mamadou Kone
Carolina: Brock Duckworth (Alex Long 45), Mark Linville, Michael Balogun, Scott Rojo, Donnie Smith, Richard Jata, Deon Joseph-Cuffie (Ryan Johnson 72), Tanner Wolfe, Karo Okiomah (Matt Rose 76), Fejiro Okiomah, Kris Byrd
Statistics:
Shots: HRP 9, CAR 14; Saves: HRP 2, CAR 3; Fouls: HRP 19, CAR 12; Offsides: HRP 7, CAR 2; Corners: HRP 4, CAR 7; Cautions: HRP (Tommy Webb 70); CAR (Deon Joseph-Cuffee 4), Ejections: None; Officials: Shaun Papperman, Patrick Stephan, Michael Samaan; Attendance: 458; Weather: Clear, hot, humid.
