FAIRMONT, W.Va. (May 10, 2008)--The West Virginia Illusion opened the 2008 W-League season with a 3-0 loss to the Charlotte Lady Eagles at Duvall-Rosier Field on Saturday afternoon.in front of a crowd of about 200 fans.

Tina Murphy and Kelly Schmedes each had a goal and assist to spark the Lady Eagles, who were 8-2-2 last season.

“We did very well for the first 20 minutes. Charlotte's a very good team; you can tell they've played together for a while,” said Illusion head coach Joe Dorini.

The Illusion got the best chance early when Marisa Kanela's corner kick from the left side was headed in the six-yard box by Ashley Rees, forcing Lady Eagles goalkeeper Laura Armstrong to make a diving save to her left.

“We held our own for the first 20, then I think fitness came to be an issue as well as our girls not having played together for more than five days,” said Dorini.

Charlotte opened their scoring ledger for 2008 in the 37th minute when Schmedes collected her own rebound and dished the ball to Tina Murphy at the top of the box. Murphy's shot banked off the left post and into the goal.

Less than three minutes into the second half, Murphy hit a driving corner kick to the near post to the waiting head of Schmedes.

Charlotte sealed the deal when substitute Laura Novikoff buried a rebound in the 77th minute.

The Lady Eagles out-shot the Illusion 12 to 10; each goalkeeper made eight saves. The Illusion held a slight 5-4 edge in corner kicks, but only one came after halftime.

Kanela had three shots and Megan Mischler two to pace the Illusion. Schmedes had five shots for the Lady Eagles.

“I think the next games will be promising,” said Dorini.

Charlotte improves to 1-0-0 on the young season, while West Virginia falls to 0-1-0. The Illusion's next game is Sunday, May 18, against Tampa Hellenic at 7 p.m.

CHAR—Murphy (Schmedes) 36:55
CHAR—Schmedes (Murphy) 47:25
CHAR—Novikoff 76:28

Illusion Lineup: Megan Jessee, Christen Seaman (Kaitlin Parsons 45), Kelsey Fowler, Nicole Mailloux, Greer Barnes, Kendra Graber (Bailey Bryant 83), Michelle Molinari, Marisa Kanela, Megan Mischler, Ashley Rees (Megan Cecchini 49)

Lady Eagles Lineup: Laura Armstrong (Katie Forbis 75), Ashley Swinehart, Holly Ryder, Danielle Jordan, Cory Alexander, Carrie Lorenz, Lulu Quigley (Jordan Edwards 86), Tina Murphy, Christy Rife (Laura Novikoff 70), Kelly Schmedes, Nikki Lyons (Leticia DaSilva 75)