CHARLOTTE, NC: 

5/11/2012

The Eagles Fell to the Rhino 1-0 Friday night at Charlotte Christian.  Conor Chin scored the only goal of the night pushing the Rhino's undefeated season to 5 games.

It was Charlotte's turn to host Rochester Friday night at Charlotte Christian Stadium.  

The Eagles came out strong able to pressure early, but theRhino's provided the first test of the night as Andrew Hoxie was able to beat the Eagles defense, but shot the ball just wide of the net.

It took the Rhino's just three minutes later to score the first goal. As Rochester pressured the box, Chinn was able to punch the ball past Eric Reed putting the Rhino's up 1-0.

The Rhino's continued to pressure with a near miss after a dangerous corner kick placed just inside the box in the 28th minute.

The Eagles finally were able to test Kristian Nicht in the 29th minute, as Jorge Herrera blast a ball right at him.

By the half hour mark the Eagles were able find a bit of composure and build a few promising offensive campaigns, but to no avail.

Darren Toby was able to blast a ball on goal off a Mauricio Salles free kick.  Nicht made a great diving save protecting the Rhino's lead.

The half ended with the Eagles taking turns shooting on the Rhino's net.  The keeper was off his line at it was left up to the Rhino's defense to keep the ball out of the net.

Halftime 1-0 Rhinos

The second have had a very intense start to it, though most of the action was in the midfield.

The Eagles had consecutive corner kick opportunities five minutes into the second half, but were not able to put a the ball on goal.

The Eagles were able to keep up the pressure, but the Rhino's defense continued to step up and shut th Eagles down.

The Rhinos, content with the lead, were happy to let the Eagles continue to build and wait for their own quick counter to strike if the chance presented itself.

The first yellow card of the match was given in the 58th minute to Thomas McManus, of the Rhinos.

In the 60th minute the Eagles had a open net for the secondtime in the match.  After consecutive shots, the Eagles could not put a ball in the net.

In the 69th minute Eric Reed came up huge for the Eagles, with consecutive diving saves, keeping the game within reach.

With 10 minutes left in the game Juan Guzman was awarded a caution  after an aggressive take-down at midfield.

The Eagles tried everything in their power to make something happen without success.

The Rhinos were able to hold on to their 1-0 lead for the victory.  

"The Charlotte Eagles are very excited to see how Fortune fits into the Lady Eagles squad," General Manager Jeremy Auyer said. "She is very quick and has exceptional technical skill. With her experience and ability we are eager to see where she will pose the biggest threat."

Fortune was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 1990, and her skill on the ball has led her to many high-level teams and competitions. At the age of 17 Fortune’s ability to play at a high level was quickly noticed by the Brazilian national coaches. As Fortune returned to Brazil for a tournament with the U.S Olympic Development Program (ODP) in March 2007, she was immediately invited to play for Brazil.

In 2008 Fortune was a member of the U-20 National Team in which she earned 13 Caps and helped the team win the U-20 CONMEBOL championship. She also participated in the 2008 U-20 World Cup. Fortune’s success with the national team would only get better. She was a member of the Brazilian 2010 U-20 FIFA World Cup squad where she scored in Brazil’s 4-1 win against New Zealand. Fortune’s hard work and dedication for the national team allowed her to participate in the Brazilian Women’s National Team training camp as part of its training for the 2011 World Cup qualifying tournament.

Fortune is a current student at Lee University where she is majoring in Communications. She recorded 18 goals and 24 assist for the Lady Flames as they ended the 2011 season with a record of 23-2-0 and captured an NAIA championship. She is a transfer student from the University of Texas, where she played three games her freshmen year due to an ankle injury. In her sophomore year (2010) she scored a game-winning goal at N.C State in her first match back.

Fortune is a perfect fit for the Lady Eagles on and off the field. As a first-year player she already has a good understanding of the mission of the Lady Eagles.

"Playing with the Eagles this summer allows me to not only play the game of soccer at a high level but also enter into a program surrounded by people with yet a greater goal and passion," Fortune said. "Soccer becomes a beautiful game worldwide because of passionate people who love the game.

"The same concept applies to people who have a heart for the gospel and are passionate about living it out. Before arriving I knew this environment was on fire and alive combining the two. I knew I would be entering a team with older girls and a coaching staff that would challenge me not only on the field, but also influence and empower my heart."

Fortune is very specific in her immediate goals for the 2012 season.

"My goal for this year is to learn as much as possible from the veterans and the rest of my teammates. Each player brings something new and valuable on the field. I don’t want to leave this season without having noticed, valued and learned from that. I am coming off of an ACL surgery and I want to visibly perform and compete in a way that influences and gives confidence to those who aren’t playing because of an injury or setback. Soccer specific, I want the Eagles to win the league. More importantly, I want to see the power of prayer and tangibly witness the work of the Lord through this team."

Catch Fortune and the rest of the Lady Eagles in their first match of the W-League season Friday night at Charlotte Christian Stadium at 5:30. The Lady Eagles will host the newly formed VSI Tampa Flames. This game is part of the first doubleheader of the year. Purchase tickets today at www.charlotteeagles.com.

The Eagles 2-0 victory over Antigua last week brought the Eagles their first USL PRO win of the season. After having a rough start, the Eagles found their way to victory.  Eagle veterans Luke Williams and Jorge Herrera helped were key to the Eagles win against Antigua.

Harrisburg City Islanders kicked off their 2012 USL PRO season home opener against the Wilmington Hammerheads which resulted in 0-0 draw after the game was delayed half-an-hour due to lighting. The City Islanders hold an overall record of 1-1-0.  Charlotte’s first meeting resulted in a 2-1 loss.

The Rochester Rhino’s continue their perfect season with an overall record of 3-0-0 after their third consecutive victory over the Dayton Dutch Lions. The undefeated Rhino’s will host the Eagles as it’s their home opener of the 2012 USL Pro season.

Following these two next games the Eagles will head home where they will host a double header. The Lady Eagles open their 2012 W-League season and home opener on May 11, at 5:30 pm followed by the men’s team at 8 pm who will host the Rochester Rhino’s. The double header will take place at the Charlotte Christian Stadium.     

Tickets can be purchased at www.charlotteeagles.com, for groups of 15 or more contact the ticket office at 704-841-8644.

The Lady Eagles have officially kicked off their 2012 USL W-League season Tuesday morning.  The 23 woman roster represents the 13th season for the Lady Eagles.  

Head Coach Lee Horton is back for his 13th season.  The USL honored Horton at the 2011 AGM’s by inducting him into the USL Hall of Fame.  He has led the Lady Eagles to the playoffs 11 out of 12 seasons.

Graham West a former Charlotte Eagle player and long time staff member will assist Horton on the coaching staff along with Mitch Sanford and Katie Guelzow, former Lady Eagle’s player.  Former Lady Eagle, Hannah Turner joins staff this year as Assistant GM and Jeremy Auyer leads the way returning for his third season as the Lady Eagles GM.

"We are really excited about this summer’s season and the group that is coming in", states Auyer.  "We have a lot of new faces and some great leadership returning. With the increased level of play this season across the league, we will be anxious  to see how we match up against everyone. We are also excited about the additions to our division with Columbia, SC, Tampa, FL,  and  Jacksonville, FL, fielding teams this season for the first time. With those teams as well as the return of the 2011 W-League Champions the Atlanta Silverbacks, the SouthEast division should prove to hold some great competition." 

Horton will look to players such as Shelley Lyle, Kelsey Fenix, Sam Huecker and Hannah Gmerek to lead the way on and off the field.

Exciting acquisitions for the 2012 season some of whom are Leah Fortune, who played with the U-18 and U-20 Brazil National team (2006-current), Gloria Douglas, grew up in Fayetteville, NC and plays for UVA and Robin Jones, who played last season for the WPS Philadelphia Independence.

The Lady Eagles organization is looking forward to another great year on and off the field.

The Charlotte Eagles next home game is scheduled for May 11, 2012.  It is the first DOUBLEHEADER of the season and the home opener for the Lady Eagles.  The Lady Eagles start at 5:30 PM and the Men play at 8:00 PM at Charlotte Christian Stadium.

Tickets can be purchased at www.charlotteeagles.com, for groups of 15 or more contact the ticket office at 704-841-8644.

After opening the 2012 USL season with four home games the Eagles take to the road for a two game stint against the Antigua Barracudas FC.  The games will be played Thursday and Saturday night at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Needless to say the Eagles are off to a rocky start with only one goal in the first four games.  The Eagles aim to change their trajectory Thursday night as they seek their first win of the season.

Eagles forward,Mauricio Salles netted the first goal of the season last Friday night against the Harrisburg City Islanders.  Unfortunately, after a successful penalty kick from Harrisburg, the Eagles were not able to overcome.

Charlotte is looking forward to adding, newly acquired, DarrylRoberts.  Roberts, spent the last three years playing for Denizlisporto in Turkey and a year with Sparta Rotterdam in Holland.  Charlotte's coaching staff is excited to add Roberts to the line up and has high expectations for his finishing abilities.

The Barracuda's host Charlotte as part of a four game home stretch that began their USL PRO season against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.  Losing their home opener 0-1 they bounced back with a 3-1 win splitting their run with Pittsburgh.

As Antigua enters their second year in the USL PRO they have high expectations of what their club can produce.  The Eagles continue to believe that this team has potential to be a winning team and just need to get on the right track.

This is a highly anticipated first road trip for Charlotte, though it is early in the season they will need to find a way to bring home points in order to stay in the hunt.

The Charlotte Eagles next home game is scheduled for May 11, 2012.  It is the first DOUBLEHEADER of the season and the home opener for the Lady Eagles.  The Lady Eagles start at 5:30 PM and the Men play at 8:00 PM at Charlotte Christian Stadium.

Tickets can be purchased at www.charlotteeagles.com, for groups of 15 or more contact the ticket office at 704-841-8644.

Charlotte, NC:  4/17/2012

The Charlotte Eagles still winless, were not able to overcome the Charleston Battery losing 3-0, Tuesday night at Winthrop University.  Tony Donatelli found the net first in the 23^rd minute after a perfect cross from Jose Cuevas.  Ryan Richter did it all himself in the 44^th minute beating the Eagles’ defense and blasting a ball past Eric Reed giving Charleston a 2-0 lead.  Charleston’s sub J.C. Mack sealed the deal finding the back of the net in the 87^th giving Charleston a 3-0 win. 

The match began with a quick offensive free kick for Charleston just outside Charlotte’s box.   After a great ball into the box, Charleston could not get the ball on target. 

Charlotte countered immediately ending in consecutive corner kicks that failed to produce any results. 

Nerves definitely played a part in the first 15 minutes as momentum swung from side to side at a very fast pace. 

In the 17^th minute, Kabwe was the first to test a keeper.  Dykstra was able to make a nice diving save to keep the game at 0-0. 

Charleston answered with a great build into the Eagles’ box.  Paterson took the shot and Reed was able to make the save. 

In the 23^rd minute Cuevas made a beautiful cross into the box to Donatelli who drilled the ball past Reed, giving Charleston the lead. 

The Eagles able to show some life in the 29^th minute with a free kick followed by a corner.  Charleston able to make light work of the situation, clearing the ball. 

The Eagles showed tenacity as they continued to pressure with a few great consecutive crosses but not able to finish. 

The game continued a very fast pace deep into the first half. 

In the 44^th minute Richter, in the counter-attack, took on the Eagles defense by himself.  Beating the last man he turned and drilled the ball past Reed putting Charleston up 2-0. 

Halftime 2-0 Charleston 

The Eagles came out strong in the second half with Mauricio Salles put his mark on the game with his first shot of the night.  He ripped a volley just over the crossbar providing a scare to Charleston’s keeper. 

With an hour gone, Charleston felt comfortable sitting back a bit allowing Charlotte to possess the ball.  Continuing to press, in the 64^th minute, Salles found himself through the Charleston defense able to make a blistering cross just pass the foot of Chris Salvaggione. 

With 70 minutes gone, Charleston continued to struggle keeping possession in the second half.  

Charleston had their best opportunity of the second half in the 74^th minute as Nicki Patterson blasted a shot at Reed.  Bobbling it, he was able to keep it out of the net with the help of the Eagles’ defense.

The Eagles continued to pressure controlling the final minutes of the game but not able to find the net. 

In the 87^th minute the Battery turned on a quick counter attack and caught the Eagles’ defense flat.  Charleston’s sub, Mack successfully placed the ball past Reed from 6 yards out. 

Final 3-0 Charleston Battery.

Charlotte, NC:  4/13/2012

The Eagles took to the field on a beautiful night in Charlotte against the Dayton Dutch Lions first match of the 2012 USL PRO season.  The hard fought battle ended in a 0-0 Draw.

Dayton tested the Eagles defense early, winning the firstcorner kick of the night.  the Eagles back line quickly adjusted and had no trouble cleaning up the play.

Dayton tasted a bit of luck 9 minutes in after Jorge Herrera served up a free kick 30 yards out the ball deflected and bounced off the far post just missing the net.

The game found its rhythm, 20 minutes in.  Each team getting glimpses of their opponent’s net but nothing serious.

 A first half draw, both teams struggled a bit with first touches and accurate passing.

In the 53rd minute, Dayton had their best chance of the night with a clear shot on goal.  Luckily for the Eagles the ball was launched over the net.

Juan Guzman received the first yellow card of the match in the 56th minute.  Dayton’s free kick provided a great opportunity but Eric Reed made a good save.

Dayton went to the bench with the first substitute of the night, Brett Jones relieving Mikael McNamara.

Gibson Bardsley received Dayton’s first yellow card of the night in the 62nd minute.

Both teams began using their substitutes early looking for someone to step up and make a play.

Akeem Priestly tested Reed in the 68th minute with a rocketshot 20 yards out.  Reed made a nice block but needed some assistance with the clear.

With just 6 minutes left in the game the pressure began to mount.  Mettin Coppier pulled down Mauricio Salles just outside the box drawing Dayton’s second yellow card of the night.  Unfortunately the free kick by the Eagles was wasted, as it was blasted into the wall and cleared.

After a fairly fought battle neither side was able to produce, with an outcome of a 0-0 Draw.

Catch Eagles action Tuesday Night at Winthrop University against long time rival the Charleston Battery at 7:00 PM.  Tickets can be purchased at www.charlotteeagles.com.