Columbus Eagles use friendly to prepare for WPSL Finale

After the Eagles earned a valuable point on the road in Cincinnati. The Eagles set their sights on Cleveland for a match against the Ambassadors at Hudson High School.

Columbus’ WPSL record wasn’t on the line in this friendly, but the Eagles looked to build on the positive momentum established on Saturday Night in Cincinnati.

Cleveland got on the board early when midfielder Sarah Krause ran down the left side of the field and took a shot from just inside of the 18-yard-box. Krause beat Eagles goalkeeper Shannon Flower to give the Ambassadors a 1-0 advantage.

Cleveland wasn’t done, midfielder Anna Rico streaked down the right side of the field to put a shot on frame that beat Flower as Cleveland gained a 2-0 advantage heading into the locker room at the half.

Eagles Head Coach Mark Wise made it no secret that he loves to rotate players in a friendly and that is exactly what he did.

Wise substituted his starting keeper Shannon Flower for his backup Madi Moore at the start of the second half.

Moore was immediately called into action in the 47th minute when she made a great save on a long-range effort from the Ambassadors.

Defender Monique Hanayik came forward in the 50th minute from her position and worked her way into a dangerous area, where she unleashed a shot that went just wide of the frame. Seven minutes later, defender Amber Kern came forward from the other side of the pitch and created another chance for Columbus but couldn’t get it on frame.

Later in the match, goalkeeper Madi Moore would once again be called into action in the 70th minute as she stopped a point blank shot from 10 yards away.

Moore wasn’t done there, in the 82nd minute as she made three saves on consecutive opportunities.

Controversy emerged in the 89th minute as Cleveland got on the scoreboard one last time.

Defender Monique Hanayik appeared to be fouled on the play as she was the recipient of a forearm to the chest prior to the goal.

The goal was allowed to stand and Cleveland were victorious; topping the Eagles by a score of 3-0.

Since this was a friendly it doesn’t effect the Eagles record and they are still on pace for their best finish in franchise history. The Eagles can clinch 2nd place in the Valley division next week with a victory over FC Pride of Indianapolis.

Kickoff is scheduled for July 15th at 1pm.