Eagles Veterans Lead The Way In Saturday's Home Opener
Published on April 14, 2010 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release
Charlotte, NC: Only two more days to purchase discount tickets online for the Eagles home opener.
The Charlotte Eagles begin their 2010 season this Saturday, April 17, 2010 against the Charleston Battery at Charlotte Christian Stadium at 7 PM ET. The 2010 season marks a new chapter in Eagles soccer as the team will be without longtime veterans Dustin Swinehart, Jacob Coggins, Ben Johnson and Patrick Daka.
Finding a mix of experience and strong leadership won't be a problem. With 15 returning players the roster is steeped with experience providing the standard of excellence which the Eagles organization demands on and off the field.
Josh Rife, now the longest serving veteran, enters his seventh season with the Eagles. Rife set a precedent with the Eagles in 2004, leading the defense as Charlotte advanced to the Championship game. He earned All-League recognition and won the USL-2 Defender of the Year award. Rife's leadership on and off the field has helped establish the Eagles as a USL main stay, and his influence on the team's defense has helped Charlotte maintain one of the best averages in USL-2. He was recently named as one of the top ten USL-2 Influential players of the decade (#7).
Colombian sensation Jorge Herrera returns for his third year in Charlotte's midfield. With fantastic speed, ball control and pinpoint accuracy, Herrera will continue to help define the Eagles' offenses a strong scoring machine. Making a huge impact in his first season in 2007, Herrera scored five goals in his first five games. In 2008 Herrera helped the Eagles claim the regular season title with goals and six assists.
Chris Lemons, the only current Eagle who was part of the 2005 USL-2 Championship squad, knows how to produce wins. A versatile player with USL-1 experience, Lemons was hampered by an injury early in the 2009 season and is poised to assist Charlotte as a regular part of the rotation.
Other returnees Brady Bryant, Jo Conner, Luke Williams, Chad Smith, Chris Klotz, Diego Martin, Ben Page, Darren Toby, Gustavo Bentos, Steward Ceus on loan from the Colorado Rapids, Erik Lefebvre and Corbin Waller others are prepared to take care of business this seasonThe competition will be ruthless with the always-formidable 2009 USL-2 Champions Richmond Kickers, as well as the return of the Charleston Battery to USL-2.
Don't miss out on your chance to be a part of Charlotte soccer at its best. Tickets can be purchased at www.CharlotteEagles.com. Order tickets online in advance to receive the early bird special. Group discounts are available by contacting the ticket office at tickets@charlotteeagles.com. Catch all the action with a Family season pass or All-Access Pass (only 3 remain).
United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 14, 2010
- Kickers Regular Season Opens Saturday - Richmond Kickers
- Eagles Veterans Lead The Way In Saturday's Home Opener - Charlotte Eagles
- Kevin Jackson Returns To Battery - Charleston Battery
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