The Wilmington Hammerheads could not defend their home turf Saturday night as they were defeated 4-3 by the USL-2’s top team, the Charlotte Eagles, at Legion Stadium in front of 2137 fans.

The Hammerheads, now 2-7-6, staked a 1-0 lead on Brian Cvilikas’ goal in the 15th minute.  However, Charlotte would respond with a flurry of goals, three in four minutes, shortly before halftime.  Jorge Herrera scored in the 39th minute, Robert Ssejjemba in the 41st, and Herrara again in the 43rd minute, as the Eagles pulled ahead 3-1.

Trey Alexander scored a goal that gave the Hammerheads some hope headed into the locker room as he scored in the 45th minute and cut the deficit to 3-2 going into halftime.

With first place Charlotte just a goal ahead, Wilmington looked to get the equalizer and outshot the Eagles 8-3 in the second half.  However, it was Charlotte which got on the scoreboard next when Jonah Long scored on an assist from Dustin Swinehart as they assumed a 4-2 lead in the 62nd minute. 

Wilmington’s Trey Alexander added his second goal of the night in the 90th minute, capping the 4-3 score.

With the loss, the Hammers sit in seventh place, just one spot out of the playoffs.  However, they trail sixth place Western Mass by eight points in the standings.  If they can get some help from the W. Mass opponents and beat Real Maryland at Legion on Friday, the Hammers’ would set up a clash at Western Mass on July 26 in which Wilmington could get themselves back in the playoff hunt.

Next Game:  The Hammerheads will be at home Friday night, July 18, to host the Real Maryland Monarchs.  Game time is 7:30.