Charlotte Eagles News Release -- www.charlotteeagles.com
Monday, May 13, 2013
CHARLOTTE, N.C. --The Charlotte Eagles (2-0-3, 9 points) return home to face their 21-year rival the Charleston Battery (5-1-0, 15 points), on Tuesday night at Queens Sports Complex. The Battery are the defending USL PRO Champions, and will challenge the Eagles undefeated start to the season as they enter on a five-game winning streak.
The Eagles took to the road for the first time this season on May 4th against the Richmond Kickers and came away with a 3-3 draw. The Eagles were down 2-0 at the break but scored two minutes into the second half when Christian Meza got on the end of a Shaun Francis cross. Charlotte would tie the game in the 79th minute as Stefan Smith headed home a corner kick to pull the Eagles level. Shaun Francis scored what looked to be the game-winner in the 89th minute with a wonderful strike from just outside the penalty area but Richmond struck just at the end of stoppage time to make it 3-3 and earn a share of the points.
Charlotte now sits in eighth place, with nine points from its first five games, in the USL PRO standings.
The Battery hosted a rematch of the 2012 USL PRO Championship game this past Saturday against the Wilmington Hammerheads. Charleston scored four goals in the first 30 minutes and then hung on to win 4-2 against the Hammerheads, with Nicki Paterson scoring his third goal in as many games while also adding an assist. The win gave the Battery 15 points this season and moved them into a tie for second place in the USL PRO standings with the Harrisburg City Islanders.
The Battery are led by head coach and general manager Mike Anhaeuser. The former Battery player joined Charleston in 1999 after playing at Indiana University and played five seasons for the club before moving into an assistant coaching role with the club. Anhaeuser became the head coach in 2005 and has led the Battery to two USL Championships in his career.
Scottish midfielder Paterson is back for his third season in Charleston. So far in 2013, Paterson is leading the team in scoring with three goals and two assists for eight points. Paterson was named the team MVP for the 2012 season after scoring 10 goals and adding two assists, while also earning USL PRO All-League First Team honors.
Ugandan midfielder Michael Azira is tied with Paterson with three goals this season, while former College of Charleston midfielder Zach Prince has two goals and two assists.
Last Season the Eagles were 2-1-0 against Charleston, splitting both games in Charlotte and coming away with a road victory against the Battery.
Tickets are still available! CLICK HERE to purchase tickets now.
Keep that Orange Flag Flying High and we'll see you on Tuesday at Queens Sports Complex!