EAGLES 20th SEASON CAMP SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED! 

The Charlotte Eagles are excited to announce the 2012 Charlotte Eagles Camp Season. Join the Eagles in celebrating their 20^th season in Charlotte. In these years Eagles players have coached over 20,000 campers in countless cities and states!

After 20 years the Eagles remain focused on offering campers high quality soccer instruction in a fun, positive, and Christian environment.  Our coaches take seriously their responsibility as role models.  The coaches will demonstrate a high level of understanding of the game and will model a Christian lifestyle.

The Eagles have two new exciting options for campers this year...

Calling all girls! You are invited to the first ever ALL GIRLS EAGLES SOCCER CAMP. This camp is for girls run by the Lady Eagles soccer team. The camp will consist of both recreation (ages: 7-14) and elite (ages: 12-18) at Warner Park on June 18-22.

The Eagles are stepping up Elite Camp with an All Boys Elite Camp for ages 8-16 at Calvary on June 18-22. This camp is structured for the serious soccer player, who is looking to take their skill to the next level. Several sessions throughout the week will be run by USL PRO, Hall of Fame Coach Mark Steffens.  Only with the Charlotte Eagles can you spend your day working closely with professional Eagles players to grow your skills.

CLICK HERE to learn more about all Charlotte region Eagles Camps. You will not want to miss out on an unforgettable week of Eagles Soccer Camp. The Charlotte Eagles Camp Program has something for soccer players of all ages and levels.

The Charlotte Eagles are proud to announce their 20th season as a professional franchise along with the Richmond Kickers and Charleston Battery.  The Eagles kick off their 20th season with a home opener on Saturday, April 7, 2012 against the reigning 2011 USL PRO Champions the Orlando City Lions.

All ticket packages are now available!

League alignment, playoff format also announced

TAMPA, Fla. – USL PRO announced its 2012 regular season alignment and schedule Wednesday, with the 132-game regular season slated to kick off on Friday, April 6. The Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Antigua Barracuda will officially get the season underway at Sticky Wicket Stadium on April 6, and also highlighting the kickoff weekend is the opener for 2011 USL PRO champion Orlando City, which visits the Charlotte Eagles on Saturday, April 7. 

Rounding out USL PRO’s opening-weekend action is a heavyweight matchup between the Richmond Kickers and Charleston Battery on Saturday at City Stadium in Richmond, followed by a second meeting between Pittsburgh and Antigua at Sticky Wicket on Sunday.

USL PRO, which enjoyed a tremendous amount of success both on and off the pitch in 2011, will feature 11 returning teams playing in a single-table format in 2012. F.C. New York is no longer a member of USL PRO.

2012 USL PRO Table

Antigua Barracuda FC

Charleston Battery

Charlotte Eagles

Dayton Dutch Lions

Harrisburg City Islanders

Los Angeles Blues

Orlando City Lions

Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Richmond Kickers

Rochester Rhinos

Wilmington Hammerheads

The strongest, best operated and most experienced North American men’s professional soccer league below MLS, both on and off the field, USL PRO will once again feature a national television broadcast package on FOX Soccer, as well as an extensive online broadcast package vis USL Live. USL PRO’s national broadcast schedule on FOX Soccer will be announced at a later date. Focused on franchise stability and longevity, USL PRO features six teams with more than a decade of operational experience, and more than 100 years of combined operational experience.

“Coming off a fantastic 2011 season that featured crowds of 10,000-plus and one of the most memorable championship games in history, we’re excited about the potential for league and team growth the 2012 season offers,” USL PRO Senior Director Chris Economides said. “USL PRO gives fans an exciting and entertaining product to enjoy, and they have responded by embracing their teams at levels that have exceeded our expectations.”   

Teams will once again play 24 games in the 2012 season with a maximum of four games played against any single opponent. The 2012 USL PRO Playoffs will include the top six finishers in the table, with the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds receiving a first-round bye the weekend of August 24-26. The semifinals featuring the four remaining teams will be played the following weekend, with the 2012 USL PRO Championship set for the weekend of September 7-9. All playoff rounds feature a single-game knockout format.

The final weekend of the regular season is set for Friday-Sunday August 17-19, with all 11 teams in action as the race for playoff spots winds down.

The Charlotte Lady Eagles, members of the USL W-League, will be hosting their open tryouts for the 2012 season on January 7^th, 2012. The tryouts are an opportunity for any player 18 and up to try and play in one of the longest running women’s soccer league in the US.  The players attending tryouts will be assessed by the Lady Eagles coaching staff led by Hall of Fame coach Lee Horton.

There will be a $25 non-refundable registration fee, which will cover the cost of the event, lunch as well as a tryout shirt. The fee will increase to $50 for any walkup players who do not register beforehand. If a player should make the team the registration fee will be reimbursed.

Formed in 2000, the Charlotte Lady Eagles are entering their 13^th season as a USL club.  The Charlotte Eagles have made it to the post season 11 out of 12 seasons, been in the USL final four 3 times, winning the Championship in 2001.  The Charlotte Lady Eagles are owned and operated by Missionary Athletes International, an evangelical Christian organization that has a mission to communicate the message of Jesus Christ through the environment of soccer.

Interested candidates should visit www.charlotteeagles.com to register. Please refer questions to Lady Eagles GM – Jeremy Auyer at jauyer@charlotteeagles.com.

MISL NEWS RELEASE: Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Syracuse’s Reed Named Player of the Week

Silver Knights goalkeeper put in two strong performances in pair of victories

TAMPA, Fla. – The Major Indoor Soccer League announced on Tuesday that Syracuse Silver Knights goalkeeper Eric Reed had been named the league’s Player of the Week for the second week of the 2011-12 season.

Reed recorded 32 saves, helping hold the Norfolk SharX and Baltimore Blast to seven points apiece in a pair of victories that saw the Silver Knights move to 3-0 this season.

Reed recorded 15 saves for the Silver Knights on Friday night against Norfolk as Syracuse pulled away for a 23-7 victory. Reed was then outstanding against the Baltimore Blast, holding them scoreless for the first three

quarters and finishing with 17 saves in an 18-7 victory on Saturday night.

Reed, who played this summer for the Charlotte Eagles in USL PRO, currently sits second in the MISL in both points-against average (9.72) and save percentage (.780), trailing only Missouri’s Danny Waltman, who was

also considered for the weekly award after recording 18 saves in the Comets’ 13-4 victory against Rochester.

Other players considered for the award included Missouri’s Ryan Junge, who had a second consecutive five-point game in the Comets’ win against the Lancers on Saturday afternoon and Syracuse’s Alex Megson, who

recorded a hat trick in the Silver Knights’ 18-7 win against Baltimore.

The second weekend of the MISL season continued the success the league saw on and off the field in its opening weekend, with more than 20,000 fans attending the four remaining home openers in Baltimore, Norfolk,

Rochester and Milwaukee. The Baltimore Blast saw a crowd of 8,078 attend their opening game of the season on Saturday night, while 6,528 fans welcomed the Rochester Lancers to the league in their first home game.

The MISL is now averaging 4,692 fans per game this season.

Four of this weekend’s games will be streamed live on MISL Live (MISLlivesoccer.com), with the highlight a rematch of last year’s playoff semifinal between the Milwaukee Wave and Missouri Comets on Sunday at

4:10 p.m. ET. The weekend opens with Baltimore Blast travelling to face the Comets on Friday night, with Norfolk travelling to face Milwaukee, Syracuse facing rival Rochester and Baltimore facing Wichita on Saturday night.

MISL
United Soccer League acquired the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) in May, 2011 and will operate North America’s most stories and tradition-rich professional indoor soccer league beginning with the 2011-12 season. The MISL represents the top level of

professional indoor soccer in North American and consists of seven franchises for2011-12. The league roster includes franchises in Baltimore, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Norfolk, Rochester, Syracuse and Wichita.

MISL Public Relations - Jay Preble / Nicholas Murray / David Wagner - Tampa, FL - 813.963.3909 - Twitter: @MISLSoccer

Nine Selected for USL Hall of Fame

Men’s, Women’s and MISL wings created

TAMPA, Fla. – Nine men and women who have proven to be highly influential in North American soccer have been chosen for induction into the United Soccer Leagues Hall of Fame in 2011. For the first time, the USL HOF has been divided into three distinct wings to increase the recognition for those who have helped make USL a success through the years because of their tremendous efforts and personal sacrifices made on behalf of the sport of soccer in

North America.

The USL Hall of Fame Class of 2011 will be inducted at the USL Hall of Fame Banquet Presented by Demosphere on Friday, December 16, 2011 at the Hilton Clearwater Beach. Honorees were chosen through a vote of current

Hall of Fame members and USL teams.

2011 USL Men’s Hall of Fame Inductees

Builder – Kyle Krause, Des Moines Menace

Krause acquired majority ownership of the Menace in 1998 and created a dynamic, growing club that is one of the most successful soccer franchises in the country. He has expanded the youth side, essentially developing an

entire program from beginner to professional. Average home game attendance hovers near 3,500 for the Menace, setting a PDL record in 2004. Krause’s dedication can be seen by the continued success of PDL team and its

players. The 2011 season marked the Menace’s sixth trip to the US Open Cup and 11th to the playoffs. More than 50 Menace alums have gone on to careers in the ranks of USL PRO, MLS and other professional leagues.

Coach – David Irving, Wilmington Hammerheads

The face of the Wilmington franchise, Irving has led the Hammerheads to two championship games, winning the USL Second Division title in 2003, the same year that the Hammerheads reached the quarterfinals of the U.S.

Open Cup after defeating Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas 4-1 in the fourth round. The Englishman was also pivotal in securing the return of the Hammerheads to Wilmington after hiatus in 2010, upon which he then led the

side to second place in the USL PRO regular season standings.

2011 USL Women’s Hall of Fame Inductees

Builder – Tim Schweitzer, Northern Virginia Majestics

The longtime general manager of Northern Virginia FC has spearheaded the development of thousands of players during the past 13 years.  Not only is Northern Virginia one of the top youth clubs in the country with teams

competing for regional and national titles, but the club has operated the W-League’s Majestics since 1999.  Northern Virginia FC is a full-service club dedicated to the USL vision of North American soccer development. 

Coach – Lee Horton, Charlotte Lady Eagles

As the only head coach in the history of the Lady Eagles, Horton has been a model of consistency through the past 10 seasons. With an overall record of 107 wins, 31 losses and 9 ties, Horton has guided the team to eight

playoff appearances including a W-League championship (2001), two championship game defeats (2000 and 2002), as well as conference championships (2000, 2001, 2002, 2006). Horton is a member of the North Carolina

Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame and has been the head boys and girls soccer coach at Charlotte Latin School for more than 20 years, winning 11 NC State Championships during that time.

Player – Florence Omagbemi, Hampton Roads Piranhas

Omagbemi was a key figure for the Hampton Roads Piranhas for seven seasons, helping the club capture the 2003 W-League Championship. Omagbemi appeared 76 times for the Piranhas as they won a pair of division titles in

2003 and 2004. Internationally, Omagbemi joined the Nigerian national team at age 16 and became captain at 17, playing at the 1991, 1995, 1999 and 2003 World Cups. She is Nigeria’s most-capped player, and played in the

2000 Olympic Games in Australia.  Omagbemi finished fourth in the voting for the top African women’s player of the 20th Century by the Confederation of African Football.

Player – Christine Sinclair, Vancouver Breakers, Vancouver Whitecaps Women

The leading goal-scorer in the history of the Canadian Women’s National Team, Sinclair played four seasons in the W-League for the Vancouver Breakers and the Vancouver Whitecaps Women. The dominant forward scored

23 goals and added 10 assists for the Whitecaps during her three-year spell with the club, and has been named the Canadian Soccer Association Women’s Player of the Year each of the past six years (2005-2010), while

also being nominated by FIFA for the World Player of the Year award five times.

2011 MISL Hall of Fame Inductees

Builder – Edwin Hale Sr., Baltimore Blast

Edwin Hale Sr. has twice been the principal owner of the Baltimore Blast, first owning the club from 1989-92 before re-purchasing the club in 1998. During Hale’s second stint, the Blast have become a league power, winning

their first league championship in almost two decades in 2003. That victory triggered a remarkable run of success that saw the Blast win another five championships, the most recent coming in 2009. In addition to his work

with the Blast, Hale has also been a respected member of the Baltimore business community, and is currently the CEO of Visit Baltimore, formerly the Baltimore Area Visitors and Convention Association.

Coach – Keith Tozer, Milwaukee Wave

Keith Tozer has become an indoor soccer icon as the coach of the Milwaukee Wave, a position he has held since 1992. A former player, Tozer began his coaching career with the Louisville Thunder in 1984, winning a

championship in 1987. Since becoming the Wave’s coach, Tozer has won five championships while appearing in another four finals, claiming the club’s first title in six seasons with victory in the 2010-11 MISL Championship

in March.

Player – Tatu, Dallas Sidekicks, Wichita Wings

Tatu was one of the most accomplished players in the MISL’s history, scoring 857 goals during his 19-year career, the second most in indoor soccer history. A dominant force for the Dallas Sidekicks, with whom he won

four championships, Tatu won the league MVP award six times. Later in his career, he also acted as the player/coach for the Sidekicks, winning Coach of the Year honors in the 2003-04 season, one season after his retirement

from the field.

CHARLOTTE EAGLES AND ADMIRAL SPORTSWEAR ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP

Charlotte NC. (November 1st, 2011) —The Charlotte Eagles are pleased to announce that Admiral, the Original British Football brand to America and England’s top teams, will be official uniform and sportswear supplier of the Eagles from the start of the 2012 Season. The Eagles play in USL PRO. 

Admiral is the same brand that provided team wear in the 1970s and 1980s for the England football teams, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham, Southampton and Leeds United. Admiral was also the market leader in the United States on the shirts of the Los Angeles Aztecs, Tampa Bay Rowdies and Vancouver Whitecaps.  Players who have worn Admiral include soccer legends Pele, Franz Beckenbauer and Johan Cruyff while they played in the United States.   

“It’s exciting to be launching Admiral in Charlotte, my own soccer career started in South Carolina at Sumter High School & Erskine College, so for me it’s like coming home," said Dale Self of Admiral Soccer. “We’re looking forward to working with the club, and making great sportswear for the players and fans." 

On the field, the Eagles have been in the playoffs an amazing 15 of their 19 seasons in USL. They have reached the championship game eight times, winning the USL Second Division Title in 2000 and 2005. The Eagles have also been awarded the USL’s Fair Play Award almost every season they have played in USL, and have been recognized by the league with multiple Organization of the Year awards.

“Admiral is the oldest soccer brand in the world, with nearly 100 years of heritage.  We are proud to be associated with the original British football brand. Especially one strongly associated with some of the best teams in the world,” Charlotte Eagles CEO Pat Stewart said. “We selected Admiral from a number of leading brands because their custom product is fantastic and their service so far has been excellent, but also because we feel that Admiral has a vision and values that fit well with our own organization.”

 “This season you’ll see Admiral returning to the field across USL and teams throughout America.” said Self. 

Charlotte will unveil the new home and away uniform to the public at the beginning of 2012. Admiral is available online at www.admiralsoccer.com

For more information on Admiral, visit www.admiralsoccer.com or www.admiralsportswear.com.  For more information on the Charlotte Eagles including sponsorships, internships, tickets or to volunteer, visit www.charlotteeagles.com or call  (704) 841-8644.

http://www.fctwente.nl/nieuws/aanwinsten-fc-twente-vrouwen/

After finishing her third season with the Charlotte Lady Eagles, Blakely Mattern finds herself in Holland playing for one of the top Women’s teams in Europe, FC Twente.  The town the team is located in is Enschede, which is the far eastern part of the country.

The league is the Eredivisie and it is the top league in the Netherlands.  Last season the team won the league championship for the first time. The women’s team under FC Twente has only been on official program in the Netherlands for 4 years (now in its 5 season of existence).  Due to the team’s success last season, FC Twente finds themselves competing in the women’s champions league for the first time, playing against the top clubs from last season all over Europe.  

The Eredivisie season started the first of September and goes until the middle of May.  FC Twente completed 3 league matches and won all three. The website for the team is http://www.fctwente.nl/ then you can find a link to the women’s page.  

GREG DALBY

Two-time All-American and former U-20 U.S. national team captain Greg Dalby returns for his second season as a Davidson men’s soccer assistant coach.

“Greg gained the players’ respect in his first season due to not just his playing abilities and insights, but also to his calm, nuanced determination," said Davidson head coach Matt Spear. "And he has the intentions and capacities to become a wonderful full-time coach once his pro playing career concludes.”

Dalby, a member of the Charlotte Eagles of the USL Pro and the team’s captain, starred for Notre Dame and led the U.S. effort at the 2005 FIFA Youth World Cup before being drafted by the Colorado Rapids with the 17th overall pick in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft.

Dalby brings five seasons of professional soccer experience. Prior to joining the Eagles in 2010, the Poway, Calif. native spent two seasons with the Colorado Rapids, where he also served as a coach with the team’s youth academy. He spent his first pro season in Belgium with Royal Club Sporting Charleroi.

"I am really excited to join an institution of Davidson’s caliber, with its pedigree in soccer and strong academics,” said Dalby. “I can’t wait to begin working with the players and to be a part of such an experienced coaching staff in Coach Spear and Coach O’Brien. This is a great opportunity for me and I am honored to join and a be a part of the school and the soccer program."

At Notre Dame, Dalby stood out both on the field and in the classroom. A member of the team from 2003-2006, the four-year letterwinner was a M.A.C. Herman Trophy semifinalist and named to the NSCAA All-America First Team while serving as team captain in 2005 and 2006. Dalby was recognized as the Big East Midfielder of the Year following his senior season. The Fighting Irish were ranked as high as No. 2 in the country during his tenure and were crowned the 2003 Big East tournament and 2004 Big East regular season champions.

Dalby was a three-time Big East Academic All-Star and graduated from Notre Dame a semester early in December 2006 after double majoring in theology and film production. Notre Dame coaches and administrators honored him with the Byron V. Kanaley Award, an elite honor awarded to three student-athletes per year, which recognizes senior monogram winners who have excelled as both students and leaders.

Dalby displayed his soccer abilities early on, earning the 2002 Gatorade and Parade magazine High School National Player of the Year award.

“I am certain that Greg will add an immediate spark by demonstrating to our aspiring players what it takes to elevate their level of play,” said Spear. “Equally important is that he was a tremendous student too, and he embraces the premier academics of Davidson.” 

Ryan Souders

Charlotte Eagles goalkeeping coach Ryan Souders continues as an assistant coach for the Davidson men’s soccer program for a second season.

“Ryan grabbed the attention and belief from the goalkeepers in his first season," said Davidson head coach Matt Spear. "He’s honest and direct – what players need to identify their abilities, and make a path for progress. I also look forward to his continued development to impact the full team’s mindset in his second season.”

Souders helped lead Wheaton College (Ill.) to the 2006 Final Four with stellar goalkeeping, and has gained coaching experience at both the collegiate and professional levels. 

A native of Wheaton, Ill., Souders joined the Eagles in 2010 after competing for Bridges F.C. in Chicago in 2009. Prior to returning to the pitch, he served as the goalkeeping coach for the Cleveland City Stars Reserve Team and as an assistant at his alma mater, Wheaton College, in 2008. He served as an assistant at Gordon College in 2007.

“I am really excited about the opportunity to work with the Davidson soccer program,” said Souders. “I am immensely impressed by Coach Spear and Coach O’Brien in their character, work ethic, and knowledge of the game. Working with this staff will be an incredible experience and I am excited to learn and help out wherever I possibly can.”

At Wheaton, Souders ranks third in all-time single season shutouts with 11 and boasted a career .700 goals against average. His efforts in 2006, which drew sectional Most Valuable Player honors, helped Wheaton finish as national finalists. In addition to his four seasons on the soccer team, Souders also played on the baseball team for one season. He graduated in 2007 with a degree in kinesiology and business/economics.

Assistant Coach
  Alma Mater:

UNC Charlotte, 2011

E-mail: samantha.huecker@my.lr.edu

Office Phone:

(828) 328-7137

Sam Huecker is beginning her first season as an Assistant Coach for the Lernoir-Rhyne Women’s Soccer Team.

Huecker lettered and started four years at UNC Charlotte (2007-10) where she earned Atlantic-10 All-Conference honors in 2008 and 2010.

Huecker was also a NSCAA Scholar All-American and All-South Region First-Team honoree in 2010 and a 2007 fourth-team Soccer Buzz Freshman All-American.

For her collegiate career, Huecker finished sixth on the school’s all-time list with 27 assists, fifth in games started (80) and third in shots on goal (56).

Huecker also played for the Charlotte Lady Eagles in past two summers and earned all-conference honors in 2011.

Huecker was a member of the United States National Pool, a three-time member of the ODP Regional Team and a five-year player for the Kentucky ODP State squad. 

As a prep player at Oldham County (Ky.) High School, Huecker earned all-state honors four times and was twice named the Eurosport Kentucky Player Of The Year. 

A high school All-American (NCSAA) as well, Huecker led her club team (Javanon) to five straight state championships.

August 18, 2011

Tigerville, SC- North Greenville University is proud to announce the arrival of a new soccer coach into the Crusader family. Over the course of the summer the women’s soccer Head Coach,Jesse McCormick, had the opportunity to seek out more help for the women’s soccer team. Rachel Baer is the new women’s soccer Assistant Coach.

Baer arrived on the NGU campus last week to finalize her position within the soccer coaching staff by meeting with President Epting. The women’s soccer team had the first practice of the season on Friday and had the opportunity to meet Baer for the first time. Baer’s official first day was Monday, August 15th, in which she assisted with practice and team meetings.

Baer is expected to bring new perspectives to the offensive end of the field. About what she could bring to the team, Baer said, “Being an offensive player myself, and having the privilege of playing at high levels of competition, I hope to be able to bring an offensive dynamic to the team that will help us be more dangerous in the attacking third.” McCormick had nothing but praise for Baer, “Rachel will bring energy, knowledge, and experience both in playing and coaching that has already been a tremendous help to our team. Her experience as a forward playing both division I and just finishing her first professional season with the Charlotte Eagles will be a great help as she works with our offense as well as developing players technical ability.”

The Crusader women’s soccer team opens the season at home against Southern Wesleyan University. Kickoff will be at 7 P.M at Pepsi Soccer Stadium. Come out to support the Crusaders and the new Assistant Coach, Rachel Baer!