Women's Soccer Hits the Road for Charlotte Classic
September 03, 2003 | Soccer
GREENVILLE, N.C. -- The East Carolina women's soccer team will be on the road for its next two matches this week as the Pirates (1-1) will be participating in the Charlotte Classic Tournament at Transamerica Field, in Charlotte, N.C., Friday annd Sunday, Sept. 5-7.
ECU will face in-state rival and former Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) opponent UNC Wilmington (1-1) on Friday at 5 p.m. The Pirates and Seahawks will be facing off for the 11th time in the short rivalry, with the Pirates owning a 7-2-1 lead in the series.
"Every time that we play Wilmington, we know that it is going to be a real battle," said ECU head coach Rob Donnenwirth. "We've always had great games against them and not many times has the outcome been decided by more than one goal. I anticipate a great game on Friday and I think our team is pumped for this match."
The Pirates will also face another member of the CAA on Sunday at 11 a.m. in Delaware. Picked to place at the top of the conference, Coach Donnenwirth knows this will not be an easy match against the Blue Hens (2-0).
"Delaware is very strong this year. The last time we faced them the game went down to the last couple of minutes. Fortunately we got the win, but they have a lot of great players back this year from that last meeting in 2000."
In the Pirates' two games this season, Donnenwirth has been pleased with the way the team has responded, especially his bench play.
"The one good thing about our team this year is our depth. We feel that when other teams sub out during the game, we have an advantage. Our bench has really helped us a lot in the first two games. I don't think there is a drop off in talent when we make substitutions, where in years past maybe there was a drop off. That bench play will be a big factor in the success of the team."
After this weekend's tournament, the Lady Pirates will travel to Gainesville, Fla., to face nationally ranked Florida (No. 21) on Sept. 12, before heading home to host Western Carolina at 1 p.m. on Sept. 14.
