A battle of two longtime rivals, the Wilmington Hammerheads (1–3–0) host the Charlotte Eagles (4–1–0) on Wednesday night. When both clubs met in the 2017 season opener, an eight goal affair was on tap, as Charlotte walked away as 6–2 victors. The Hammerheads will look to get the better of their in-state foes in the reverse fixture.

This is the second match of a loaded week for Wilmington, who are playing on a day’s rest after their 3–1 loss to Myrtle Beach on Monday. Tanner Roberts added to his goal tally with his third score of the season in the 5th minute on Monday night, but the Hammerheads were unable to hold their lead as Mutiny scored three unanswered goals.

Last Saturday, Charlotte returned to its winning ways, taking all three points in a crucial road result over the SC United Bantams. Douglas Oliveira scored the lone goal for the Eagles on 49 minutes, moving the club to 12 points on the season and second place in the South Atlantic Division.

Players to Watch

Wilmington Hammerheads: Cameron Lindley

Cameron Lindley has recorded an assist in each of the past two matches, leading the team in the statistic. The UNC-Chapel Hill midfielder has made his mark on the Hammerheads with the chances he has created for their attack and will look to find more attempts at goal tonight.

Charlotte Eagles: Kelvin Omondi

The PDL leader in goals with seven, Kelvin Omondi has set the pace for the imposing force on offense for Charlotte, accounting for nearly half of the club’s goals on the year. When the Eagles hosted Wilmington back in May, Omondi scored twice on four shots. Look for the Hammerheads to try and mark down the league’s premier scoring target.

Prediction

Wilmington Hammerheads 1–3 Charlotte Eagles

Charlotte averages three goals a match, and the visitors look to be on the fast track for a third consecutive PDL playoff appearance this season.