Conference Finals Brings Newcomers and an 'Old Guard'
Published on July 27, 2006 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release
Charlotte, NC: On the eve of the W-League Central Conference Finals, the Charlotte Lady Eagles have been used to getting ready for this type of playoff series. That is the opposite story for the other 3 franchises, Richmond, Michigan, and Minnesota who are all experiencing their first postseasons. The Lady Eagles also know that overlooking these teams would be a grave mistake.
Charlotte will face Minnesota tomorrow night at Waddell Stadium at 8:00pm in the second semi-final of the evening. The playoffs have been no stranger to Charlotte who has made the postseason every year in their 7-year existence, which includes a national championship in 2001. The Lady Eagles return this year with a mix of veterans and youth that have guided them to a 10-4 record, and Atlantic Division Championship. The team is coached by reigning 2005 Coach of the Year, Lee Horton. Coach Horton has been an integral part in the development of the Lady Eagles since their beginning, and will look to lead his team to its 7th straight Conference Final.
Although an expansion team, Minnesota stormed into the league this year with a 9-3-2 record to finish second in the Midwest. The Lightning have been able to continue a winning tradition in an organization that also consists of a men's USL First Division club, the Minnesota Thunder. The Thunder have experienced 13 years of success in the USL including a National Championship in 1999. The Lightning will look to continue to add to that tradition tomorrow night.
The other two teams facing off in the first semi-final tomorrow at 5:30pm will be Richmond and Michigan, who will also look to carry on a bit of tradition.
Richmond, in their 3rd year, finished only 2 points behind Charlotte with a 9-4-1 record. The Kickers Destiny are led by coach Jesse Myers, who also serves as an assistant to the Kickers' USL professional men's team. Myers will bring his playoff experience with the Kickers (in their 14th year) to the Destiny as they look to move past Michigan tomorrow night.
The Michigan Hawks are another expansion franchise that experienced great success in the 2006 season, leading the team to a Midwest Division Championship. Although a first-year franchise, the team consists of many players from the Detroit Jaguars; a team that folded in 2005. Those players participated in the conference finals last year, and will look to use their playoff experience against a well-coached Richmond team. The Hawks have also had the benefit of drawing their roster from their storied youth club, which has won 6 USYSA National Championships.
The winners of the semi-final match-ups will battle for the Conference Championship on Saturday, July 29th at 5:00pm ET. The winner will move on to the W-League Final Four next week in Vancouver, BC. Following the championship match will be the Charlotte Eagles Pro Soccer team taking on the Harrisburg City Islanders at 7:30.
Tickets for both the semi-finals and championship can be purchased at www.CharlotteEagles.com or by calling 704-841-8644 ext32. Please be advised that season tickets or youth club passes DO NOT APPLY to Friday's Conference Playoff matches. Tickets purchased in advance by Midnight before game-day are $8.00/Adults $5.00/Students (6-18), Kids 5 and under always FREE. All tickets at gate are $10 and $7.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 27, 2006
- Conference Finals Brings Newcomers and an 'Old Guard' - Charlotte Eagles
- Kickers move offices - Richmond Kickers
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