May 27, 2016 USL Toronto FC II--Toronto FC II vs Wilmington Hammerheads match preview (from wilmingtonhammerheads.com)
Charting International Territory, Hammerheads Travel to Toronto Wilmington, NC – The Wilmington Hammerheads are coming off of a busy week at home, just to forge into an even more demanding week. For the first time this season, the Hammerheads will chart international territory travelling to Toronto on Sunday, May 29th to play Toronto FC II at the Ontario Soccer Centre. This will be the Hammerheads tenth game of the 2016 USL season; excluding their Open Cup games. While the Open Cup games are placed into the middle of the regular season, it’s a great opportunity for each team to gain extra playing time, and even more national recognition. Wilmington beat Miami Fusion FC during the second round of the Open Cup on May 18th, 6-0. This win now sends the Hammerheads to play in Miami on Wednesday, June 1st against Miami FC. Head coach Mark Briggs stated, “I am thrilled we beat Miami Fusion the way we did, but Miami FC is part of NASL and have a fantastic squad and coach.” He continued, “While we made it to the third round, we want to be in the fourth round and play Salt Lake next.” As for this Sunday’s match, the Hammerheads and Toronto only sit one seed, and one point, away from one another in the USL standings. Representing eleventh place, the Hammerheads are fighting hard to find the middle of the pack. While their defensive line-up is strong, and hold an even stronger stance with their midfield, their offensive line-up lacks. Briggs explained, “Since our game against Charleston, we’ve spoken as a group. We have the potential, we have the hunger, but we have struggled in front of the goal. Missed opportunities like we’ve had will cost any team, but the team and staff are determined to change that.” He continued, “Although we have three games in five days, which will be hard on the squad, we have every reason to be confident in all three matches.” Players to Watch Casey Townsend, Hammerheads newcomer, joined the team only a few weeks ago. Coming from Oklahoma City Energy FC, Townsend stems from a talented history. He played soccer at the University of Maryland, and from there he’s played as a powerhouse forward for Chivas USA, D.C. United, Richmond Kickers, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Oklahoma City Energy FC, and now the Wilmington Hammerheads. Coach Briggs stated in a previous interview, “Casey will bring the experience and skillset we need to our forward line. We needed additional firepower and he’s going to provide that for us.” In the match against Miami Fusion FC, Townsend assisted both Logan Miller and Austin Martz in beautiful goals, all within the first 22 minutes of kick-off. Along with Townsend is Toronto’s midfielder, Raheem Edwards. Edwards has played in all seven games this season, accumulating 630 minutes; ultimately scoring four goals so far this year. In 2015, Edwards signed his first professional contract with Toronto FC II, Toronto FC’s reserve team. He made his debut as a substitute on March 28th against FC Montreal. Edwards debuted for the Canadian program with the U-23 side at the 2015 Pan American Games. He appeared in his first match against Brazil’s U-23 side, again, as a substitute. In May of 2016, Edwards was called to Canada’s U-23 national team for a pair of friendlies against Guyana and Grenada. He scored in both games, and received Man of the Match honors with a goal and three assists in the U-23’s 5-1 victory against Guyana’s full national team on May 15, 2016. Between these two powerhouses, it will be interesting to see the outcome of these driven and skilled players, with teams so close in the league standings. Even though the team will be in Canada, watch the game live at the Fox & Hound Sports Tavern this Sunday at 7:30pm. After Toronto, the Hammerheads travel to Miami to take on Miami FC for the third round in the 2016 Open Cup, on June 1st. From Miami, the Hammerheads will host Harrisburg City Islanders on Friday, June 3rd at Legion Stadium. Kick-off is set for 7:00pm. Visit wilmingtonhammerheads.com or call 910.777.2111 to purchase tickets today! This is a week in soccer you don’t want to miss! Wilmington Hammerheads FC Professional Soccer USL The Hammerheads are a professional soccer franchise founded in 1996. Competing in the USL, the Hammerheads have grown to be an internationally recognized organization. The USL is the most sophisticated and best operated professional league beneath and in support of Major League Soccer in the United States and Canada. The goal of Wilmington Hammerheads FC is to provide an opportunity for players to develop and reach their goals, while providing affordable family entertainment to Wilmington and the surrounding areas. Wilmington Hammerheads FC Public Relations –Morgan Pare – Wilmington, NC – 910.777.2111 Twitter: @WilmHammerheads | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wilmingtonhammerheadsfc/?fref=ts Posted May 27, 2016 by Wilmington Hammerheads FC
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