Third-tier Charlotte Eagles advance in US Open Cup
Mauricio Salles scored on a penalty in extra time to send the third-tier Charlotte Eagles to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup with a 2-1 victory over the San Antonio Scorpions on Tuesday night.
Ryan Cochrane was called for a hand ball while in the box. San Antonio goalkeeper Daryl Sattler dove left on the penalty kick, Salles blasted the shot into the right corner of the goal in the 116th minute.
Charlotte, which plays in the USL Professional Division will face Chivas USA of MLS - two levels above USL Pro in the U.S. soccer pyramid - in the quarterfinals.
Sattler finished with seven saves. Eagles midfielder Nate Thornton scored the first goal from 15 yards out in the 28th minute.
The Scorpions tied it in the second half with three of their primary attackers on the bench. Hans Denissen sat out the second half after aggravating a hamstring injury. Midfielder Walter Ramirez and forward Esteban Bayona were taken out early in the second half.
Scorpions forward Pablo Campos headed in an assist from Javier Saavedra to tie the game in the 75th. Campos' shot went past diving Eagles goaltender Clint Irwin and trickled slowly past two defenders.