Bilyk Signing

March 24, 2008 - IN THIS ISSUE Bilyk Signs with Eagles Season Opener QUICK LINKS www.CharlotteEagles.com 2008 TICKETS 2008 SOCCER CAMPS INTERNATIONAL TOURS     Today's Signings Jeff Bilyk     Robert Ssejjemba Bilyk Signs with Eagles Brings More MLS talent to the 2008 Roster   The Charlotte Eagles confirmed earlier today the signing of Jeff Bilyk at Eagles Headquarters in Matthews, North Carolina. The former Clemson Tiger standout brings MLS experience and strength to the Eagles midfield as the team prepares for their 16th season in the USL-2. The announcement is the second of the day as the Eagles already announced the addition of USL-2 2006 MVP Robert Ssejjemba.   While at Clemson, Bilyk received All-South and All-ACC Second Team honors while helping guide the Tigers to the ACC Championship in 1998. He then went on to play for the Miami Fusion of Major League Soccer from 1999-2001 before moving to the Milwaukee Rampage of the USL 1st Division where he helped the Rampage to the 2001 USL 1st Division Championship.   The Bayport, NY native spent the remainder of his career with the USL-1 Virginia Beach Mariners from 2002-2006 before moving to Charlotte where he reunites with former Mariner teammate and Eagles defender, Steve Shak. That time also included a brief stint with English side Norwich City.   In addition to anchoring Charlotte's midfield, Bilyk will continue to be involved in the community as he was recently hired to be an assistant coach for Davidson College's men's soccer program.   Charlotte Eagles GM Tom Engstrom agreed today in a statement that the signing of a player with the kind of resume and passion for the game like Bilyk's is one that the team has been looking forward to. "We feel fortunate to sign a player with Jeff's ability and experience. We also like the intensity and competitiveness that he will bring to the team."   In addition to Ssejjemba, the public could see that experience and skill as soon as this Saturday as the Eagles begin their pre-season play at Winthrop University in the Manchester Cup. The team will play two matches that day with the first against UNC Wilmington at 10:45am, followed by a late game against Furman University at 8:45pm.   The Eagles open up their 2008 USL-2 season on April 19th against Bermuda at UNC Charlotte's TransAmerica Field, before playing the remainder of their season at Charlotte Christian in South Charlotte. Season Tickets are on sale now at www.CharlotteEagles.com.   EAGLES SEASON OPENER - Sat. April 19th @ UNC Charlotte, 7:00pm   The Charlotte Eagles will kick off their 2008 season with a special visit to UNC Charlotte, as the Eagles pro team hosts the Bermuda Hogges.  Kick off is slated for 7:00 pm at UNC Charlotte's TransAmerica Field on April 19th.  Tickets for the match can be purchased online at www.CharlotteEagles.com.  Fans save $2.00/ticket when purchasing in advance.  Season tickets are also available online and are the best way to save money and get the best of Charlotte Eagles pro soccer action.  UNC Charlotte is located off of University City Blvd. in east Charlotte.  All remaining regular season home games for the Eagles and Lady Eagles will be played at Charlotte Christian School Stadium in southeast Charlotte.