(Charlotte, NC) - The Charlotte Eagles opened their 15^th Anniversary Season tonight hosting Crystal Palace Baltimore.  Jacob Coggins scored two goals and Jorge Herrera set up three and earned two assists in the Eagles 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace.

 

Jacob Coggins of Charlotte fights off Robert Fucci

Charlotte took their first lead of the season 16 minutes into the first half.  After a nice build up down the right side by Jorge Herrera and Adam Ruud, the Eagles earned a corner kick.  Colombia native and first year Eagle Herrera took the corner kick.     Herrera's serve found veteran Jacob Coggins at the near post.  Coggins flicked the serve to the inside of the far post, outside the reach of Crystal Palace goalkeeper Michael Behonick.

The Eagles extended their lead to two goals in the 19^th minute, once again capitalizing on a corner kick by Jorge Herrera from the left side.  Dustin Swinehart got to the cross and volleyed a shot on goal.  Swinehart's shot was saved by Behonick, but Eagles defender Nelson Akwari came rushing in to finish the rebound for the 2-0 lead.  

Jacob Coggins scored his second goal of the match in the 28^th minute, and this time he did it on his own.  Coggins received the ball on the right side of the field and pushed down to the top right corner of the 18 yard box.  Coggins riffled a low, hard shot from there, and placed it perfectly inside the left post.  Head Coach, Mark Steffens, commented on the goal:

"An unbelieveable goal by Jacob Coggins.  One of the top goals I've seen a player create himself.  Flicked it over the defender and played an early ball into the corner.  A beautiful goal."

The first half ended with the Eagles maintaining their 3-0 lead.   Crystal Palace Baltimore out-shot Charlotte in the first half 11-9, but Baltimore's chances were off the mark, while Charlotte was dangerous on the attack.  Charlotte's Dan Benton was forced to make only two saves in the half.   Baltimore keeper Behonick had five saves.

Charlotte got back to their scoring ways 16 minutes into the second half.  Jorge Herrera got his second assist of the match off another corner kick.  This time he found first-year Eagle, Steve Shak, at the far post.   From six yards out, Shak headed the ball into the net past Behonick.

Crystal Palace had their best chance at a goal in the 72^nd minute.  Substitute Taj Alvaranga connected with a cross from about 10 yards out.   Alvaranga's shot hit the crossbar. He got to the rebound, but caught the post on his second attempt before goalkeeper Dan Benton smothered it.

Ibrahim Kante put an end to Charlotte's chances at a shutout in the 87 ^th minute.   Charlotte committed a handball just outside the middle of the Charlotte 18 yard box.  Kante blasted a hard, low shot through the Charlotte wall and beat Benton on the right side.