Coggins scores two in 2-0 win over Hammerheads
July 24, 2004 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release
(Charlotte, NC) - The Charlotte Eagles hosted the 2003 Pro Soccer League Champion Wilmington Hammerheads tonight at beautiful Waddell Stadium. Jacob Coggins led the way, scoring two goals in the Eagles 2-0 win over Wilmington.
The Eagles scored the first goal of the match just nine minutes in. Eagles defender Declan Jogi drove down the left side and served a ball in for Jacob Coggins. Coggins, put a header in the back of the net from the top of the six yard box. It was the Charlotte native's 14th goal of the 2004 regular season.
"What a great goal!" said Eagles head coach Mark Steffens. "It was picture perfect. It went from an outside midfielder, Swinehart, to an overlapping left back, Declan Jogi. Declan took it to the end line and served the ball right on Jacob's head. It was the way you draw it up."
Coggins almost added to it in the 31st minute on a break away, but goalkeeper Billy Platz made a kick save to deny the goal.
Wilmington got their chance three minutes later. Eagles goalkeeper Eric Pattison came sprinting out to stop a Wilmington breakaway. Wilmington was awarded a free kick at the top right side of the 18 yard box, but their shot was knocked down by the wall. Wilmington again had a dangerous opportunity in the 38th minute. Neil McNab took a shot from about 12 yards out, but put it just wide left. It was an exciting half with action at both ends of the field. The Eagles held on to their 1-0 lead and outshot Wilmington 8-7 going into halftime.
The second half began with more end to end action. In the 58th minute UNC Charlotte graduate Juan Munoz-Airey tried to squeeze through the defense, and was taken down at the top of the Carolina box. Charlotte was awarded a free kick, about 19 yards out. Jonah Long took the shot, bending the ball around the wall. The low shot was played nicely by Platz, making the save. In the 65th minute, it was Coggins again on the offense to earn another Eagles goal. Midfielder Patrick Daka set up the play with a lead pass through the defense. It was a foot race to the ball that looked to be won by Carolina, but Coggins came on fast and stole a shot. The quick shot beat Platz to the side, taking the Charlotte 2-0 lead. Wilmington's best chance at a goal came in the 90th minute. Midfielder Dan Capecci got up for a header off the Wilimington corner kick. Eagles goalkeeper Eric Pattison came up big with a diving save to deny the goal on the goal line. The match ended with a 2-0 Eagles victory. The win secures Charlotte's top seed in the division heading into the playoffs.
The Eagles currently lead the Pro Soccer League (PSL) Southern Division at 12-2-1 for 37 points, and the Hammerheads trail by eight points in the Division at 9-5-2 for 29 points. Following Saturday nights game, the Eagles and Hammerheads will wrap up the series in Wilmington on July 31st, before meeting up again in the first round of the playoffs. The Eagles still have four regular season home games remaining. Charlotte and Wilmington battle once again next Saturday in Wilmington before the playoffs. Charlotte last regular season home game is on August 7th at beautiful Waddell Stadium, when the Eagles host the Long Island Rough Riders, 7:30pm. Samaritan's Feet will be with us to collect shoe donations for impoverished childred.
Charlotte Eagles Playoff Outlook
The Charlotte Eagles and Wilmington Hammerheads have clinched the two playoff spots in the Pro Soccer League Southern Divsion. The Southern Division playoff will be a two game series with one in Charlotte and one in Wilmington. The games will be played on Wednesday, August 18th and Sunday, August 22nd, with one game at each team's host site. With tonight's victory the Eagles clinched the top seed in the Division heading into playoffs, so Charlotte has the right to choose which game to host. Charlotte's playoff decision will be posted on the Eagles website next week.
Tickets and Stadium information:
The Eagles and Lady Eagles play all regular season home games at beautiful Waddell Stadium located on the campus of E.E. Waddell High School, 1 mile west of I-77 on Nations Ford Road (Exit 4). Tickets can be purchased online, at the gate, or by calling (704)841-8644x30. General admission tickets for regular season games are $8.00 for Adults, and $5.00 for Students (6-18). Five and under FREE! Group and Multi game ticket packages are also available.
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United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 24, 2004
- Coggins scores two in 2-0 win over Hammerheads - Charlotte Eagles
- Rough Riders Scare Off Phantoms 3-2 - Long Island Rough Riders
- Lady Eagles finish regular season with 8-1 win - Charlotte Eagles
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