Eagles ready for Pro Soccer League National Championship
Published on September 1, 2004 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release
(Charlotte, NC) - The Charlotte Eagles Soccer Club will be hosting the Western Division champion Utah Blitzz in the Pro Soccer League National Championship match on Saturday, September 4th at Waddell Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:00 pm in this nationally televised game on FOX Sports World. Charlotte and Utah both advanced to the finals with 1-0 victories in the semi finals over New Hampshire and Pittsburgh respectively.
Charlotte is undefeated at its home field Waddell Stadium in 2004. The Eagles hope to keep that record intact and win the Pro Soccer League National Championship trophy on Saturday night. Charlotte has been to the National Championship match of its league three times previously, and won in 2000. Head Coach Mark Steffens, and current players Jacob Coggins, Dustin Swinehart, Nate Watkins, Ben Johnson and Mark Pinch were all on the 2000 National Championship team.
In the semi final match last Saturday night, Eagles midfielder Patrick Daka scored the lone goal of the match, with an unbelievable bending shot from 20 yards placed in top right corner. The Eagles out-shot New Hampshire by just one shot 12-11, but controlled the flow of the match, and created the best scoring opportunities. Charlotte's Eric Pattison, PSL Goal Keeper of the Year in stats, earned his ninth shutout, and came up with two big saves to hold onto the win.
"I think we had our best practice of the year on Tuesday, and the guys are excited about the Championship match" commented Eagles head coach Mark Steffens. "The shutout in the semi final match is a good indication for us that things have come together well. Our scoring has been good all year, so it often comes down to who makes the least amount of mistakes in the back. Give a lot of credit to our backs and midfielders who had an excellent game in the semi final."
This will be the first time for Charlotte to play Western Division opponent Utah this season. Utah is the perennial power in the west and has reached the semifinals in each of its five seasons of existence. Utah has a 7-3-0 all-time post season record. The Blitzz finished the regular season at the top of the Western Division with the third best record in the league behind Pittsburgh and Charlotte.
The Utah Blitzz advanced to the finals with a 1-0 win over top seeded Pittsbugh last weekend. Utah's goal in the 50th minute by Byron Carmichael and some solid defense was enough to win the match. Pro Soccer League 1st team All-League goalkeeper Chad Sackett came up with four big saves to hold onto the win despite being down a man for the final 20 minutes.
The Pro Soccer League National Championship match is sure to be an exciting game between two quality teams. Fans can save $2.00/ticket by ordering in advance online at www.CharlotteEagles.com or calling (704) 841-8644 x 30 before 5:00 pm, Friday, September 3rd. Season ticket holders save an extra $1.00/ticket when they call (704) 841-8644 x 30 and order in advance. Gate ticket prices are $10 for Adults and $7 for Students (6-18). Five and under FREE!
United Soccer League Championship Stories from September 1, 2004
- USL Fox Sports World Games of the Week - USL
- PSL Rookie, Defender of the Year awards announced - USL
- Eagles ready for Pro Soccer League National Championship - Charlotte Eagles
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