June 30, 2009
On a picture perfect night for soccer in Wilmington, The Hammerheads hosted the Chicago Fire as part of the U.S. Open cup tournament. This was the first time the Hammerheads have hosted a MLS squad since their loss to the New York Red Bulls in 2006. On this night however, the Hammerheads showed no fear in a physical battle to say the least. 
Chicago dominated the first half with amazing agility and their professional ball handling skills were certainly on display. The Hammerhead’s faithful fans gasped in the 28th minute as a rocket shot by the Fire zoomed toward the back of the net. Goalkeeper Daryl Sattler showed no mercy and made an amazing save shifting the momentum to the Hammerheads.
Both teams shared offensive possession as the second half approached. It was in the 37th minute that defined the outcome of the game. Defensive standout Tim Karalexis found Kenny Bundy on a beautiful cross to give Wilmington a healthy 1-0 lead.
“ You look at the team and the talent we have, it just all came together, said Bundy.
The crowd roared as the players hit the locker rooms and the second half was no different for the Hammerheads.
The Fire kept attacking in the second period putting the Hammerheads on their heels on several occasions. In the 60th minute, Chicago midfielder Justin Mapp launched a laser headed directly for the net. Defender Tweety Williams made a sliding save to prevent the equalizer.
Chicago continued to test the defensive play of the Hammerheads with a couple close shots coming from corner kicks.
Sattler showed poise and athleticism on a few more close calls having a grand total of 4 saves and a shutout.
“The fans were amazing and loud,” said Sattler. “Awesome man, just awesome.”
On a night where the Hammerheads were clearly the underdogs they displayed the kind of play needed to compete on the next level.
Head Coach David Irving summed the match up to perfection.
“With a little bit of lady luck we did it, “said Irving. “The boys wanted it a little bit more than they did. “They believed in each other, they worked for each other and in the end we put the fire out.”
There’s an old saying, “when you play with fire you get burnt.” In Wilmington tonight, the Hammerheads proved that to be wrong.
The Hammerheads will now travel to the Rochester Rhinos next Tuesday for the fourth round of the open cup.
