NEWPORT NEWS — Ricky Louis scored his second hat trick of the week to lead Lionsbridge FC to a 4-1 victory over Charlotte Independence II on Tuesday night at TowneBank Stadium, advancing to the USL League Two Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.
Louis scored three goals in a 23-minute span during the second half, finding the net in the 56th, 59th and 79th minutes.
Damian Gallegos opened the scoring in the 15th minute when his shot from outside the 18-yard box deflected into the net following a Charlotte clearance. Charlotte Independence II equalized early in the second half through Emilo Cazares, who finished a pass from Noah Louzan after Lionsbridge turned the ball over in their own half.
Louis restored the lead by heading home Andrew Bennett’s corner kick, then doubled the advantage three minutes later by tapping in a rebound after Taig Healy’s free kick was saved off the post. Louis completed his hat-trick in the 79th minute with a curling shot into the far post after Sam Delgado flicked the ball over a Charlotte defender.
Lionsbridge (14-2-3) outshot Charlotte Independence II 22-7 and earned seven corner kicks to Charlotte’s zero. The game was delayed 30 minutes due to lightning.
Louis scored a hat trick last Wednesday against Virginia Beach City.
Lionsbridge will host Salem City FC in the USL League Two Eastern Conference Quarterfinals on Friday, July 18, at 7:30 p.m. at TowneBank Stadium. It will be the third time in three seasons that the teams have meet in the playoffs in Newport News, with Lionsbridge winning both previous meetings.
