Eagles Invitational Combine a Success
Published on January 29, 2011 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release
Charlotte - Friday and Saturday marked the annual Eagles' Invitational Combine held at Charlotte Christian Stadium.
After countless hours of watching tape, speaking with coaches, and initial interviews during the off season; Eagles' coaching staff offered invitations to 24 select men from across the nation and abroad.
Assistant Coach Steve Shak kicked off the weekend on Friday morning with an overview of the Charlotte Eagles, a brief history and a vision of where the Eagles are headed.
As the players took the field Friday afternoon, the Charlotte weather finally decided to cooperate with a mild 56 degrees.
With a mixture of specific drills to open the first day of training, Coach Steffens and staff quickly began measuring skills and abilities. The second half of training focused on scrimmage play, with all eyes on players who would stand out from the crowd.
Steffens remarked, "We are always looking for a diamond in the rough at our combines. They are so difficult to find. Although I think we may have found a few."
Eagles' veteran, Chad Smith, participated in both days of field play, along with Greg Dalby on Friday and Jo Conner on Saturday.
With an understanding what it takes to play at the USL PRO level, Smith was quite optimistic about the group. Smith stated, "The Eagles' coaching staff did a great job selecting players for the combine this year. There are several guys that stood out right away, and as players began to settle in, the level of play really took off."
Smith echoed Coach Steffens, as he later said, " The coaching staff is looking for some impact players and I believe there are a couple guys here who can fill that roll."
In sunny, 60-degree weather, Saturday afternoon was spent in scrimmage play. The Eagles' coaches were able to observe and study specific match-ups, as well as consistencies in play. Overall the day was a success.
Shak summed up the weekend: "The level of play was very good. We are happy with the turnout. There are some very good players out here and it is very competitive, but we are looking for players that we think are going to change the game for us."
Now begins the work of identifying those game-changing players. As the Eagles begin to sign returning players and identify first year players, it is all done with the understanding that USL PRO competition for 2011 will be steep.
It is imperative that the Eagles find that perfect chemistry that has established the successful franchise over the past 19 years.
The Eagles home game opener is on Saturday, April 16, 2011, against Orlando City Soccer Club.
The game will be held at Charlotte Christian Stadium at 7:00 PM. Purchase season ticket packages today at www.CharlotteEagles.com.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from January 29, 2011
- Eagles Invitational Combine a Success - Charlotte Eagles
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