(Charlotte, NC) - The Pro Soccer League National
Championship reception took place on Friday in the
Hyatt Charlotte at Southpark. The United Soccer
Leagues and the two Pro Soccer League (PSL)
National Championship opponents, the Charlotte
Eagles and Utah Blitzz came together in a prelude
to the PSL Championship Match (7:00 pm Saturday,
September 4th at Waddell Stadium).Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory welcomed Steven Thompson, Pro Soccer League Director of Operations and the Utah Blitzz to the City of Charlotte. He also expressed his appreciation for the Charlotte's Eagles standard of excellence in developing quality role models for the youth of Charlotte on top of their excellence on the soccer field.
Steven Thompson of the USL presented several league awards to the teams. Charlotte forward Jacob Coggins was a standout, accepting five awards including Pro Soccer League MVP, Scoring Champion, Goal Scoring Champion, Assist Leader and PSL 1st Team All-League Selection. Veteran forward Dustin Swinehart was presented the Assist Leader Award (tying Coggins for the league lead) and PSL 1st Team All-League Selection. Charlotte Goalkeeper Eric Pattison was presented the Goalkeeper of the year award, finishing the regular season with the best goalkeeper statistics including nine shutouts. Eagles head coach Mark Steffens was chosen as Coach of the Year and veteran defender Josh Rife was recognized for his Second Team All-League selection. Utah Blitzz goalkeeper Chad Sackett was recognized for his First Team All-League Selection. Teammates Trevor Perssonand Alejandro Gutierrez were both recognized for Second Team All-League Selection.
Charlotte and Utah will battle it out for the Championship Trophy on Saturday, Sept. 4th at Waddell Stadium in Charlotte. Both teams have won the league championship once in the past. It's sure be to be an exciting match between the league's best statistical offensive team (Charlotte) versus the league's best statistical defensive team (Utah). The Charlotte Eagles are expecting a packed house at Waddell Stadium. Tickets will be available at the gate for $10 Adults, and $7 Students (ages 6-18).
Can't make it to the game? Saturday's match will also be televised live on Fox Sports World, or can be followed through updates on the Charlotte Eagles website: www.CharlotteEagles.com.
• Discuss this story on the USL Second Division message board...
• Digg this story
• Add to Del.icio.us
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.