Coggins & McClellan lead Charlotte in 1-0 Shutout Over Cincinnati
April 21, 2006 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release
Charlotte, NC - The reigning USL-2 National Champion Charlotte Eagles hosted the Cincinnati Kings tonight at Waddell Stadium to open the 2006 season. Jacob Coggins lead the Eagles to victory with the first goal of the season for a 1-0 victory.
Prior to the match, players from the Charlotte Eagles 2005 Championship team, and other Charlotte area championship teams were recognized for their achievements. The Eagles were also presented with commemorative championship rings by Tim Biakabatuka, Muhsin Mohammed, Dee Brown, and Majda Garrity-Smith of Beya Jewelry.
Charlotte and Cincinnati played a physical but fairly even first half. The Eagles outshot the Kings 7-5 in the half. Charlotte 's first quality chance came 11 minutes into the half off a long throw in. Patrick Daka, with his back to the net hit a shot over his head, but just caught the cross bar. Four minutes later Dustin Swinehart got his own chance. Charlotte played a ball forward for Swinehart who maneuvered in behind the Cincinnati defense. Dustin hit a shot toward the top right corner, bending around goalkeeper Jordan James, but Swinehart's shot caught the cross bar and careened over.
The first goal of the match and Charlotte 's first of the 2006 season came in the 23rd minute by 2005 USL-2 League MVP and Scoring Champion Jacob Coggins. Sam Casey set up the goal for Charlotte with a beautiful pass through the defense to find Jacob Coggins all alone on goal. Coggins, with poise, placed a hard shot inside the right post to beat goalkeeper Jordan James. Eagles head coach, Mark Steffens commented on the goal:
"Jacob's goal was nice. Sam Casey set it up with a brilliant pass. Jacob just muscled his way through the defense to receive the lead pass. It was a great finish by Jacob. He did it with a lot of composure, and it was a difficult shot to make. He's come a long way in his finishing."
The Cincinnati Kings had some good possession in the first half, but were unable to capitalize on any opportunities. The half ended with Charlotte up 1-0.
The Cincinnati Kings continued their physical, aggressive play in the second half, but Charlotte possessed the ball better with the addition of Joseph Kabwe in the central midfield. With just a one goal lead, Charlotte continued to press forward.
In the 62nd minute Kabwe at about 12 yards out was able to fire off a shot on goal, rebounding back out off the post. Kabwe got a second chance on the rebound and fired again on goal, only to be denied by a Cincinnati defensive header.
The Cincinnati Kings got their offensive opportunities on the counter attack. In the 89th minute, the Kings pressured and packed in the Charlotte 18 yard box. The traffic in front of the net stressed the Charlotte defense. Chris Lemons saved a Cincinnati shot off the line, and goalkeeper Chris McClellan quickly smother it with a dive.
Despite the late half pressure from Cincinnati, the Charlotte defense held firm and 2005 Goalkeeper of the Year, Chris McClellan held on for an opening season shutout.
The Charlotte Eagles are back at home next Friday night for a 2005 Championship game rematch against the Western Mass. Pioneers. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm. The first 500 fans through the gate will receive a FREE Charlotte Eagles Seat Cushion sponsored by Frank Owen and Associates. Fans who purchase tickets in advance online at www.CharlotteEagles.com or by calling the Eagles Ticket Line: (704) 841-8644 x 32 can save $2 per ticket if purchased by April 27th.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 21, 2006
- Coggins & McClellan lead Charlotte in 1-0 Shutout Over Cincinnati - Charlotte Eagles
- Kings lose to Eagles - Cincinnati Kings
- Cincinnati Kings drop opener - Cincinnati Kings
- City Islanders Complete Perfect Preseason - Penn FC
- USL Second Division Game Postponed and Rescheduled - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
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