Hammerheads Get Much Needed Win; Defeat Real Maryland

A full moon was rising Friday evening in Wilmington, NC as the Hammerheads took on the Real Maryland Monarchs at Legion Stadium Sports Complex.

The Hammerheads started the night off fast with midfielder Josh Smith sending a cross to forward Jamie Holmes for the score just 50 seconds into the first half. Wilmington would strike again in the 6th minute when defender Ben Clark took advantage of a flick from Holmes in front of the goal for the straight forward score.

Maryland would get going in the 11th minute as forward Ronald Cerritos settled a free kick from 40 yards out and a one touch past John O'Hara. The Monarchs were not finished. In the 25th minute forward Nilson Perez a shot on goal after a breakaway that was deflected by O'Hara. Forward William Brindley picked up the deflection and chipped it up and over an out of position O'Hara for the easy goal.

Action remained even but exciting for the remainder of the 1st half of play with both teams creating opportunities for scoring. Just as you thought the half was over Holmes scored in the 45th minute after chesting down a long free kick from Trey Alexander that set up a one touch blast for the final goal and lead of the half. The Hammerheads also out shot the monarchs 7 to 4.

The second half was more physical. This was obvious as players Foday Kamara for Maryland and Jamie Holmes for Wilmington received yellow cards in the 65th and 66th minutes. Wilmington extended their lead in the 80th minute when Jyler Noviello sent a ball to an oncoming Jeff Rowland for the 4th goal of the evening.

The icing on the cake came in the final minute of play when Alexander bent a free kick around the Monarchs player wall to the upper ninety from 25 yards out for the 5-2 victory and ultimately shattered any hopes that Maryland had left of a positive finish on the night. -Courtesy Wilmington Hammerheads

-- Jesse Jones, CAPE FEAR SPORTS REPORT