Swinehart Returns for 12th Season
Published on April 13, 2009 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release
Charlotte, NC - The Charlotte Eagles announced the return of reigning 2008 USL-2 MVP, Dustin Swinehart and former Houston Dynamo keeper Corbin Waller today as the Eagles begin to complete their 2009 roster.
The team also announced the return of Patrick Daka, Alex Woods, Gustavo Bentos and Darren Toby who all contributed to the Eagles' 2008 Regular Season Title.
With Jacob Coggins spending the 2008 season with the Railhawks of USL-1, many in Charlotte were concerned about the ability of the Eagles to score goals. After all, at age 33 it was unlikely that veteran striker Dustin Swinehart would be able to carry the load needed to provide the Eagles much of a potent offense. As Swinehart proved, they were all very wrong.
The Worthington, Ohio native and father of four stormed into the USL-2 season in 2008 with remarkable success. Lead by Swinehart and Colombian teammate Jorge Herrera, the Eagles became a feared attacking team in 2008.
A rejuvenated Swinehart scored 16 goals in 19 games, and added 7 assists on his way to the 2008 USL-2 Scoring Title and the USL-2 MVP Award. He was named to the USL-2 First Team for the 6th time in his career, and lead the Eagles to their 7th National Championship appearance.
Now at age 34, Swinehart will look to get his team back in the USL-2 Final for an eighth time. And for anyone who still doubts the ability of Swinehart to do just that, they need to remember in 2009 "YT" has help. With the return of two-time MVP Jacob Coggins, the Eagles now possess a duo that has claimed 3 MVP awards and 4 scoring titles in the last 5 years.
On the other side of the field, the Eagles solidified a back-up keeper and training partner for goalkeeper Kevin Trapp. The team annoucned the signing of former Houston Dynamo keeper, and High Point, NC native Corbin Waller.
Corbin comes to the Eagles for his first season in Charlotte after playing for the Houston Dynamo in 2008. Corbin is a graduate of College of Charleston in South Carolina where he lead the Southern Conference with 87 saves in 2006. Waller earned 9 shutouts his senior season and was second team All-South NSCAA. As a rookie with the Dynamo, Waller displayed great size and amazing reflexes in his first professional season. The young keeper should be a great asset to the Eagles and starting keeper, Kevin Trapp.
The Eagles also announced the returning of three more of their internationals from 2008 in Patrick Daka, Gustavo Bentos and Darren Toby.
A former U-23 National Team player for his native country of Trinidad & Tobago, Darren Toby returns for his second year with the Charlotte Eagles after having a successful rookie season in 2008. He is a very good possession player and rarely loses the ball even under heavy pressure. In his rookie season with the Eagles, the College of Charleston standout earned his way on to the starting lineup and became a constant threat for the Eagles as they claimed the USL-2 Regular Season Title.
A veteran with the Eagles since 2004, Zimbabwe native Patrick Daka returns for his sixth season in 2009. The former Zimbabwe National Team player has helped the Eagles to 4 National Championship appearances in the last 5 years including the Eagles' 2005 National Championship. Daka graduated from Western Baptist College where he earned many honors including NAIA All-American, College Male Athlete of the Year, NCAA National Championship Most Outstanding Offensive Player and All-Conference Honors. The leader of the Eagles personal training academy will yet again attempt to help his team get to the championship for a fifth time in 2009.
After struggling with injuries most of the 2008 season, Uruguayan Gustavo Bentos is excited to enter his second season with the Eagles in healthy form as he signs with the team for another year in 2009. He is a proven goalscorer from Uruguay who played the majority of his career in Chile, most recently with Deportes Copiapo. Gustavo holds the ball well in the attacking third of the field, and is one of the best players in the air for the Eagles. Bentos also has experience with the U-17, U-20 and U-23 Uruguayan National Teams.
Also signing for another season with Charlotte is midfielder Alex Woods as the Houston, TX native enters his 3rd season with the Charlotte Eagles in 2009. A quick, technical player who reads the game very well, Woods brings with him MLS experience with the Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas. He is a versatile player who can play almost any position on the field, which became a major asset to the Eagles in 2008 in their regular season title run. Despite badly breaking his arm half way through the 2008 season, Woods still managed to play 14 games in 2008, recording one assist.
The Eagles continued training today at Elon Park after getting news that the scheduled pre-season game with Clemson University has been cancelled due to inclement weather. The team's final exhibition will take place this Friday as the Eagles travel to UNC Charlotte's TransAmerica Field to face the UNCC 49ers at 7pm. The game is Free Admission and open to the public.
The Charlotte Eagles will open their 2009 USL-2 Season on April 25th at 2pm at Charlotte Christian Stadium, as the Defending 2008 Regular Season Champions take on their in-state rival, Wilmington. Tickets are on sale now at www.CharlotteEagles.com.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 13, 2009
- Swinehart Returns for 12th Season - Charlotte Eagles
- Palace Win Final Pre-Season Match, Retain Maryland Cup - Crystal Palace Baltimore
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