Wilmington, NC – Wilmington Hammerheads FC is scheduled to take the pitch for their USL PRO quarterfinal match against Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday, September 13 at 10:30 p.m. ET at Bonney Field.
“Before the start of our practice week we took a moment to smile and celebrate the accomplishment of making the playoffs,” said Wilmington Hammerheads FC Technical Director Carson Porter. “After that moment, our entire focus has been on Sacramento and our preparations for the game on Saturday.”
Republic FC finished their inaugural season in second place in the league standings, pairing with the seventh seed Hammerheads in the playoff table. Wilmington fell 2-0 against Sacramento on the West Coast last month with goals by Thomas Stewart and Emrah Klimenta, but the two teams played to a draw at Legion Stadium a week later.
The Hammerheads made a final push for their position in the playoffs last weekend against the Dayton Dutch Lions and Rochester Rhinos. Wilmington claimed a 4-0 victory over the Dutch Lions following two goals and an assist from Sunny Jane that later earned him recognition on the final release of USL PRO’s Team of the Week. Sammy Ochoa and Corben Bone added to Jane’s tallies with one goal each.
Wilmington fell 2-0 to Rochester days later in the final league match of the regular season, allowing the Rhinos to move one spot above in the league rankings and further determining the playoff field.
The Hammerheads ended their regular season with a heavy home and away schedule, playing seven matches in 18 days; including cross-country travel.
“This is the first week in a long time that we have gotten to have a decent training schedule and get into a good rhythm,” said Porter. “We are working on getting everyone healthy and giving them all the information and confidence they need to have success this weekend.”
Saturday’s playoff match can be viewed live on Sacramento Republic FC’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/SacRepublicFC. Fans are encouraged to join the Hammerheads organization at The Harp near downtown Wilmington to support the team as they play at Bonney Field.
For more information regarding Wilmington Hammerheads FC or to purchase 2015 season tickets, please contact (910) 777-2111 or visit online at www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com.
