Swinehart Says Goodbye

August 11, 2009 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charlotte Eagles News Release


Charlotte, NC: 12 seasons, 134 goals, Two National Championships, 1st Team All-League, League Most Valuable Player, Teammate, Leader, Opponent, Father, Husband, Brother, Son.

These words and many more could describe Dustin (YT) Swinehart, who after 12 spectacular seasons with the Eagles, has announced his retirement from professional soccer along with long-time teammate Ben Johnson. Today, Swinehart released the following statement concerning his retirement:

"I could not have imagined a better place to play the past 12 years of my career in. First are the teammates I have had over the past 12 years. There has been and will always be a bond that goes far deeper than the game. I have counted it an honor to play with each and every guy throughout my career. They have become true brothers to me on and off the field."

"The Eagles as an organization has been such a blessing to me and my family. The community of people with the Eagles is what has kept me here as a player and as a member of the organization for so long. Along with the organization, this city and the families that support the team have made it such an incredible environment for me to play, and for Betty and I to raise our family in. Last, and surely not least, is Coach Steffens. I have been truly blessed to play for coach for such a long time. He has had an incredible impact on my life as a player, but even more so as man off the field. He has taught me so much about what it means to be a leader, a great teammate, friend, husband and father. So I thank him so much for all he has invested in my life."

"So thanks to everyone who I have had a chance to share this long journey with. I am looking forward to the next chapter. I know the Eagles will forever be a significant part of my life, even if I wont be wearing number 18 each game."

News of his retirement has already brought reaction from around the league including a statement from Tim Holt of the United Soccer Leagues:

"Dustin Swinehart has not only been one of the premier players in USL professional divisions over his decade-plus career, but more importantly is one of the truly great ambassadors for the Charlotte Eagles and USL. It is unlikely there is another USL player who better epitomizes what a professional athlete should be in terms of his contributions to the community, the league and the sport. We are grateful for all the memorable moments he has provided us on and off the field over the years and look forward to what the next chapter of his career will bring."

Not only the league has commented on his retirement, but also some long-time rivals. Wilmington Hammerheads Head Coach David Irving joked about finally not having to see #18 on the field anymore, but shared his sincere thanks for Swinehart's contributions to the game.

"I am glad he is retiring", joked Irving. "He has been a thorn in our side for a number of years. He has been a great professional player and been someone young inspiring players have been able to look up to. He is a great role model on and off the field and been a great ambassador for the Charlotte Eagles and soccer. I wish he and his family all the best in their future endeavors."

An emotional Coach Steffens remarked that this was a day he hoped he would not have to see. The USL Hall of Fame coach had the following to say about Swinehart and Johnson.

"I have mixed emotions when I think about the reality of Dustin and Ben retiring from our Eagles team. I was hoping this day would never come. They have been more than great soccer players to me. They have been strong leaders that set an amazing example of what it means to be Christlike both on and off the field - positive role models to the highest degree. It feels like my two sons are leaving home and creating a big hole in my heart. I will miss them dearly. On the other hand, I am excited to see them following God's call in their lives. I know they will be greatly effective wherever God leads them in the years to come."

During Swinehart's professional soccer career, the forward has scored 134 goals to date and lead the Eagles to two National Championships and six Championship game appearances. He has six USL-2 First Team Awards including last season when he claimed the Scoring Title and MVP Awards.

In 2004, Swinehart had the unique opportunity along with teammate Jacob Coggins to train with the U.S National Team. When a USSF labor dispute arose in the spring of 2005, he was one of the elite players called up to the U.S. National Team in preparation for World Cup qualifying.

In a 2006 interview with EagleNews, Swinehart recalls the experience. "It was the last phone call I was expecting to receive," Swinehart said. "It was an amazing experience and it really taught me to always take advantage of every opportunity you get, because you never know when your time is coming."

During that time, "YT" also spent time on loan with the Richmond Kickers when they were members of the USL First Division. The Kickers and Head Coach Leigh Cowlishaw, in an official statement released today, reminisced on the 2005 season that Swinehart spent partly with them en route to the 2005 USL-1 Final against Seattle.

"After the coaching staff had watched Dustin play we were determined to make him a Kicker. It did not happen quite as we anticipated but we are eternally grateful to Dustin and Charlotte for agreeing to the "creative" loan deal that allowed him to play for the Kickers in 2004 and 2005. Having Dustin on the team definitely made our final season in the USL First Division a memorable one."

One of Coach Cowlishaw's memories from 2005 came at a very important time for the Kickers and Swinehart. Dustin's wife Betty was pregnant with their third boy, Dylan. Unfortunately for the Kickers, Dylan decided to come right before the 2005 USL-1 Final forcing Dustin to miss the game against the Seattle Sounders. In fact, Dylan was literally born on Swinehart's bed in their home where Dustin was forced to perform the delivery himself; a memory Dustin still talks about to this day.

The Kickers lost the game to Seattle in penalty kicks, and Coach Cowlishaw jokingly still blames young Dylan Swinehart.

"We still wonder if his new-born had just been delivered a few days earlier how Dustin's presence in the final versus Seattle would have affected the outcome," joked Cowlishaw. "For sure he would have scored his penalty in the shootout!"

Finally, in agreement with Irving's comments, Cowlishaw was thankful the Kickers won't have to worry about "the fast blonde who was always getting behind our defense and scoring goals".

Whatever those memories may be as a teammate, coach, opponent or fan, one thing will remain the same. Dustin Swinehart was respected on and off the field as an athlete and a man. His contributions to the Eagles, league and the city of Charlotte will never be forgotten.

Saturday, as the Eagles prepare for yet another playoff run, Charlotte will also have its chance to say goodbye to 18. The only question that has yet to be answered is what will he be most remembered for. Some might say the 134 goals scored. Some the championships or awards.

Although those things were amazing accomplishments, the speedy blonde forward may have foreshadowed that very answer in his 2006 interview with EagleNews.

"Although I am so thankful to be able to play a sport everyday that I love, it has been the relationships with the players and others I meet that I cherish the most," said Swinehart. "Being around a group of guys whose goal is not just success on the field, but to also impact lives of others in the process has been an amazing experience."

On Saturday win or lose, the Eagles, the league and the fans will thank him for all those years he has impacted our lives. And we will choose to remember those relationships.

Please look us up on facebook... "Charlotte Eagles Soccer Club" and leave a testimonial or experience you had with one of these players.

This Saturday night, August 15, 2009, may be your last chance to see these guys in action. Be sure to buy your tickets today! The Charlotte Eagles vs Western Mass at 7 PM at Charlotte Christian Stadium.

Individual game tickets can be purchased online at www.charlotteeagles.com, at the gate, or by contacting the Eagles Ticket Department at ticketsales@CharlotteEagles.com or (704) 841-8644 (ext. 20).

Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for youth at the gate ($8 for adults and $5 for youth if purchased at www.charlotteeagles.com by midnight the day before the game).



United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 11, 2009


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.

OurSports Central