Charlotte Eagles News Release -- www.charlotteeagles.com
Thursday, April 12, 2012
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Charlotte Eagles continue their home USL PRO campaign this Friday night against the Dayton Dutch Lions. The game will be played at Charlotte Latin Stadium, at 7 p.m. Friday night's game is part one of an Eagles home stretch that will not be played at Charlotte Christian Stadium. The Eagles will host the Dutch Lions on a grass field at Charlotte Latin School. Though the location is different it is situated just a few miles from Charlotte Christian and real grass will be an added amenity.
After a disappointing 2-0 loss against Orlando in their season opener, the Eagles look to rebound this weekend. Though Charlotte had a relatively good showing against Orlando, it was evident that the players were still working on finding a level of comfort as a squad.
"We are hoping to rebound from a tough loss to Orlando last Saturday night," Eagles coach Mark Steffens said. "If we can play 90 minutes this Friday like we played the last 45 against Orlando, we will put together a strong game. We are hungry to get our first win of 2012."
Dayton begins its 2012 season on Friday night and has high expectations for the year. With Joel DeLass one of the returning players, who played with the Eagles in 2011, leading the team, the Dutch Lions feel they have learned a lot making the transition from PDL to USL PRO.
"I think all the players who are returning are important for me, because they know how I work, they know how I want to play with my team, so I don't have to tell the new players myself what they have to do," Dayton coach Ivar van Dinteren said. "They can help me out now, so all the players, Joel [DeLass], Shane [Smith], Bret [Jones], Mettin [Coppier], all the guys are very important for me as they come back."
The Eagles found success in their two meetings against Dayton in 2011, taking a 1-1 draw and a 2-0 victory, but 2012 is a new season. The Eagles will have to be in top form Friday night in order to satisfy their appetite for success.
Eagles season tickets and game tickets can be purchased online at www.CharlotteEagles.com. For group rates contact the Eagles office at 704-841-8644 ext. 27.