Eagles Host Seattle Sounders U23 in Open Cup
May 16, 2013 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release
Charlotte, NC -- The Charlotte Eagles will kick off their 2013 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup campaign with a game this Tuesday, May 21st at Queens Sports Complex at 7 pm against Major League Soccer's Seattle Sounders under 23 team. The Sounders u23's beat Doxa Italia 5-1 in the first round of the US Open Cup on Tuesday, May 14th.
The Eagles will hope that their current USL PRO form, 3-0-3 so far, will carry over to the Open Cup tournament. Tuesday night Charlotte was able to beat long time rival Charleston Battery 1-0 with defender Shaun Francis notching the goal on a free kick in the 65th minute.
Who are the Seattle Sounders u23? Formerly known as the Tacoma Tide, the Sounders u23 are a United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League team that serves as the development platform for Major League Soccer's Seattle Sounders. The head coach is Sounders FC director of youth development Darren Sawatzky. The team is comprised mostly of college-aged players who may have the opportunity to play for the first team Sounders down the line.
Seattle comes to Charlotte after beating Doxa Italia of Manhattan Beach, California 5-1 in the first round of the Open Cup. Sounders u23 forward David Geno, 21, scored 4 goals in the first half as the Sounders took a 5-0 lead into the half. Geno, who just completed his junior season at East Tennessee State, was signed by the Sounders u23's out of the IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL. In his Junior season Geno ended the year with 11 goals and 8 assists in 20 games played.
The Eagles are looking to duplicate their success from the 2012 Open Cup which saw them beat Major League Soccer side FC Dallas before losing to Chivas USA of the MLS in the Quarterfinal 2-1. Charlotte took a tour of Texas during their 2012 run, first they took on the El Paso Patriots of the PDL. Next, they traveled to FC Dallas where they won 2-0, their final stop in Texas was against the San Antonio Scorpions of the NASL whom they beat 2-1.
Midfielder Nate Thornton was a man on fire in the last Open Cup as he was tied for 5th in the tournament in scoring with three goals. Former Eagle Clint Irwin, now with Major League Soccer's Colorado Rapids, was another big part of the successful Open Cup run.
Tickets, if purchased online, are $7.50 for Adults and $5.50 for Youth plus fees. To purchase tickets for the Open Cup game CLICK HERE.
Don't forget that the Charlotte Eagles and Lady Eagles are set to have a doubleheader Saturday, June 1st. It is the return of Mustache night as well as Princess night for the Lady Eagles game. So come dressed as your favorite princess or rocking your 'stache for the game!
• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League Championship message board...
United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 16, 2013
- Battery Travels to Houston to Take on the Dynamo Reserves - Charleston Battery
- Rhinos Host Orlando City Saturday Night - Rochester Rhinos
- Eagles Host Seattle Sounders U23 in Open Cup - Charlotte Eagles
- Lions Travel to Ocala for US Open Cup Tuesday - Orlando City SC
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.
