(Charlotte, NC) - The Charlotte Eagles, Charlotte's professional soccer team kicks off their 15th Anniversary Season tomorrow night (Friday, April 20th) at Waddell Stadium, 7:00 pm.  The Eagles will play host to Crystal Palace Baltimore, a new franchise in the league.

Charlotte Goalkeeper Bruce Mottern from Queens University blocks a shot by Adam Ruud, graduate of UNCC.

Crystal Palace Baltimore may be a newcomer to the league, but is founded through long tradition of soccer with ties to the Football League Championship team Crystal Palace FC (founded 1905) in England.

"The mission of the Crystal Palace USA project was to create an atmosphere of player movement in both directions," said CP USA Sporting Director and Head Coach Jim Cherneski. "The ancillary benefits of bringing a team into United Soccer Leagues Second Division are that first team players from Europe, who otherwise might not get enough action, have a competitive place to gain some experience. Another advantage is that a player, who has preformed exceptionally well here, now has the opportunity to move up and prove themselves with the first team."

Eagles Head Coach interviewed at the Eagles Media Day

 

The Crystal Palace team may be a bit of a mystery on the field but the Eagles are confident in their side.  Charlotte has 17 returning players from the 2006 USL-2 National Finalist Team, and has three keys signings to add to their strength and depth:  Nelson Akwari, Steve Shak, and Jorge Herrera. 

Akwari is a strong, athletic center back who played the past five seasons in the MLS, most recently with Real Salt Lake.

Steve Shak was the first round draft pick in the 2000 MLS draft.  He played for the MetroStars, and Colorado Rapids in the MLS.  He played last season with the Virginia Beach Mariners of the USL-1. 

Jorge Herrera is a native of Colombia where he played most recently with Millionarios.  Herrera should be a strong spark to the Eagles offense as a tricky, creative player in the attack.

Click here for a look at the entire 2007 Charlotte Eagles Roster.

Tickets for Friday Night's game can be purchased at the stadium gate:  $10 Adults, $5 Youth (6-18), 5 and under FREE.  Fans can save $2.00 on each ticket by purchasing them online at www.CharlotteEagles.com when purchased by midnight in the day before the match.  Purchase your tickets online, print it off at home, and avoid the ticket lines.

Directions to Waddell Stadium:  Waddell Stadium is 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!