Another tie for Hammers

What if?

This might have been the question on the minds of the rain-soaked Wilmington Hammerheads after another draw, this time at home Saturday night against Charlotte.

The 2-2 final was the sixth of the season for Wilmington - that's six times coming one score short of a much-needed three points.

After the match, coach David Irving first grimaced when the subject of ties was brought up before turning to his team's play against the first-place Eagles.

"Good effort," Irving said. "We worked hard. We had some chances. They had some chances. In the end, I think it was fair result.

"It's not two lost. That's a point gained, I think. Some you can win, some you don't. I think that was a good point against a very good Charlotte side."

The Eagles (9-3-1) built a 2-1 advantage in the 34th minute on a goal by Jamal Sutton.

Wilmington midfielder George Corrie was credited with his second goal of the match and third of the season in the 54th minute, evening the score at 2-2. Ross Mackenzie's well-placed corner kick set up the goal.

"We're just competing more and more every game," said forward Charles Nweke. "In the second half, we changed our formation and it allowed us to attack more directly down the wings. I think that really opened things up for us and it created a lot more chances."

As opposed to previous results, where a late goal cost the Hammerheads more than one victory, they rallied and shut out the Eagles after the break.

Wilmington goalkeeper Tyler Kettering came off the line to challenge another shot by Sutton in the 77th minute. Kettering posted another one-on-one save four minutes later vs. Jacob Coggins.

Charlotte scored in the third minute to jump out to an early lead. Ben Johnson's long throw-in was touched once before Taurai Daka punched the ball into the net from a foot off the line.

Corrie drew the match even at 1-1 with a goal in the 30th minute. Ross Mackenzie's shot bounded off the crossbar to Corrie on the left side of the box, where he found the net.

The chances were there for Wilmington on several attacks. Around the 28th minute, on back-to-back trips into the Eagles' half, Mackenzie missed wide right with one shot and then off the left post with another.

"We're still battling," Irving said. "All credit to the boys. They're disappointed but they worked hard."

Wilmington is now 2-5-6 and plays host to the Harrisburg City Islanders on Friday.