The Eagles took a break from their USL-2 schedule to compete in the US Open Cup just up the road in Cary, NC. The hosts were the Carolina RailHawks of the NASL.
One current Eagle, Chris Lemons, played for the RailHawks in 2008, and as was noted by the commentator, Dean Linke, "Lemons is one of those great people...an all-around good guy." His commentating partner added, "He's a great player who comes to work every day and puts it all on the line...lining up against his former team he will have an axe to grind."
When Lemons left the field injured they both noted, "he's had a great game; a vital player."
The Eagles couldn't put in a winning effort vs the RailHawks but they gave them a run for their money. A goal early on by Carolina, which the announcers thought was offside at first, was the only score of the game. From the 60th minute on it was all Eagles and Charlotte were just unlucky not to score. An awesome freekick by Diego Martins was heading in to the upper left corner, when the RailHawks keeper knocked it out in the last second. In the waning minutes the Eagles had several freekicks and corners and came close several times, but again were unlucky on the drop.
I was a little disappointed with the fortitude of the RailHawks, especially defender Mark Schulte. For a 6' 3" 205-pounder, he went down like Cristiano Ronaldo. I'd say, "stop being a girl," but then girls don't fall down like that!
A good effort from the Eagles despite the wet conditions.
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