(Charlotte, NC) - The Charlotte Eagles play game two of their 15th Anniversary Season on Friday night playing host to the Western Mass Pioneers. The Eagles look to keep their winning ways going after their 4-1 home opener win against Crystal Palace Baltimore last week. Friday night will be the Pioneers' first match of the 2007 season. Kickoff for the Charlotte - Western Mass match-up is slated for 7:00 pm at Waddell Stadium.
Defener Ryan Dinunzio looks on as UNCC grad Adam Ruud pushes the ball up field for the Eagles
The Eagles looked strong and cohesive in their season opener last week, and new comers played a strong role in that, including Columbian International Jorge Herrera who had three assists and Steve Shak who netted one of the four goals for Charlotte. The Eagles will have two additional forces on the roster Friday night, including five year veteran Josh Rife and the Eagles' latest signing Alex Woods.
Josh Rife missed out on Charlotte's opener because he was playing in the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) Championship Match for the Detroit Ignition. That match featured two other former Eagles, Andy Guastaferro and Casey Barton, playing for the victorious Philadelphia Kixx. Although Rife missed the Eagles' preseason and home opener, he is sure to be in top form following a full season of indoor competition with Detroit.
Alex Wood has been training with the Eagles over the past few weeks and was officially signed this week. The Houston, TX native was with FC Dallas of the MLS previously where he played with the reserves squad. Alex is a midfielder who will be a nice addition to an already strong midfield line up.
The Western Mass Pioneers have always been a tough opponent for the Eagles. Charlotte and Western Mass went head to head in the 2005 USL-2 National Championship match. The Pioneers looked to be taking the trophy until Charlotte's Ben Meek scored in the final seconds to tie it up. The match was decided on penalty kicks in which Charlotte came away with the victory. In 2006 Charlotte faced Western Mass twice. In the first match the Eagles and Pioneers played to a 0-0 draw in Charlotte. The Eagles earned the victory on the road later in the season with a 2-1 win.
Last Time Out: Charlotte opened its 2007 season last Friday night, April 20th at Waddell Stadium, hosting 1st year franchise Crystal Palace Baltimore. Eight year Eagles veteran and Charlotte native Jacob Coggins scored two goals for the Eagles. The first came off the corner kick from Herrera, and the second, was a phenomenal individual goal, in which Coggins beat his defender and fired a hard low shot to the far post. Herrera earned two other assists on goals off the corner kick including one to Dustin Swinehart in his tenth season with the Eagles, and one to newcomer Steve Shak.
Ticket Information: Tickets for Friday night's match can be purchased at the gate; $10 for Adults and $7 for youth (6-18). Children 5 and under get in free. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.charlotteeagles.com. Fans buying tickets online prior to game day receive a $2 advance purchase discount for each ticket. Season Tickets are the best way to save with four packages available: Family Season Ticket Package, Individual Season Ticket package, Student Season Ticket Package and the Flex Pack (8 tickets).
Waddell Stadium: Waddell Stadium is the home stadium for all 2007 Eagles and Lady Eagles home games. It's located on the campus of E.E. Waddell High School, 1/2 mile West of I-77 on Nations Ford Rd. (Exit 4)
Charlotte Eagles Soccer, it's much more than a game! 
