Charlotte Lady Eagles News Release - www.charlotteeagles.com
Thursday, May 16, 2013
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Charlotte Lady Eagles are ready to begin their 2013 season on the road Saturday as they travel to face the Atlanta Silverbacks at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. The Lady Eagles are eager to start strong and clinch three points in the opener.
The Silverbacks are coming off of a 2-0 victory against the Carolina Elite Cobras, with both goals being scored by returnee Rachel Garcia.
Lady Eagles Head Coach Lee Horton is back on the sideline for his 14th season.
"We are a new group, a young team, and we expect to come out with lots of energy and begin our drive to the playoffs," Horton told the team after Monday's practice.
The Lady Eagles are building cohesion and learning to work hard and play together as new players are reporting to the team.
The Lady Eagles are led by returning players Amanda Naeher, Macky Wingo and Gloria Douglas in the attacking positions. Leah Fortune returns in midfield, and the defense is anchored by goalkeeper Robyn Jones, 2012 W-League Goalkeeper of the Year finalist. Other players to watch are forward Jamie Achten, outside player McCallie Jones, and defender Maddie Boone.
Newcomers Jamie Achten and Alison Braun have played alongside Fortune and claimed a national title at Lee University. McKenna Martin and Jordan Hatler join the squad from Baylor University and are expected to make a an impact this season. North Carolina natives Chloe McCleary-Small, Rachel Stelter and Kristin Horton will also represent the Lady Eagles this summer.
Charlotte was 9-1-2 last season, falling in the conference final against the D.C. United Women (now Washington Spirit Reserves). This season the Lady Eagles are hopeful of going even further in the playoffs.