Charlotte Eagles News Release - www.charlotteagles.com

Saturday, April 19, 2008

CHARLOTTE, NC -- The Charlotte Eagles opened their 2008 season tonight hosting the Bermuda Hogges at UNC Charlotte's Trans-America field. Veteran forward Dustin Swinehart tallied an impressive four goals tonight in the Eagles 6-0 dominance over the Bermuda Hogges.

Veteran forward and Eagles all-time leading scorer, Dustin Swinehart, put the first point on the scoreboard in the 20th minute of play. Midfielder Alex Woods set up the scoring chance, with a low shot from the left side, just inside the 18 yard box. Bermuda goalkeeper Timmy Figuereido made the save on Woods' shot, but the rebound came right out to the feet of Swinehart, just 8 yards out. Swinehart fired off a quick shot, but Figureido was there once again. Figureido, couldn't hold onto the wet ball, and the rebound came out to Swinehart a second time. This time Swinehart picked the bottom right corner, and scored to put the Eagles up 1-0.

Midfeilder Jonah Long came close to adding another in the 28th minute. Long blasted a shot from 30 yards out, but just caught the crossbar, denying the goal.

Charlotte extended the lead to two goals in the 39th minute, with another goal from Swinehart. Alex Woods played the ball forward though the midfield, onto the run of Taurai Daka. Daka slotted a pass to the left for Swinehart, who beat Figureido with a low shot inside the left post.

The first half ended with Charlotte up 2-0. Bermuda was out-shot by the Eagles 9-3 in the half.

Dustin Swnehart earned his hat trick in the 49th minute. Joseph Kabwe served the ball into the middle from deep down the left side. Colombian midfielder Jorge Herrera connected with the cross, and volleyed a shot on goal. Timmy Figureido made the the save on Herrera's shot, but once again Swinehart was there to collect the rebound and score with a low shot inside the right post.

Taurai Daka joined in on the scoring for Charlotte in the 59th minute. Alex Woods earned an assist on the goal, making the pass forward to connect with the run of Daka. Daka scored with a nice chip shot over the advance of Figureido. The shot lofted to the left side and bounced in off the inside of the post.

Just when we thought Swinehart was done for the night he scored his fourth goal of the match in the 63rd minute. Joseph Kabwe on the fast break knocked the ball to Swinehart, sprinting up the middle. Swinehart finished it off with a well placed shot in the bottom right corner, putting the Eagles up 5-0.

Jorge Herrera scored the sixth goal of the match for Charlotte in the 66th minute. Joseph Kabwe earned his second assist of the night, driving to the endline and rounding the corner toward goal. Kabwe made a strong cross through the middle to the right side for Jorge Herrera. Herrera ran onto the cross and scored with a driven shot into the right side of the goal.

Heavy fog rolled into the stadium and the threat of lightening forced a brief break in the action, but play resumed shortly thereafter. Then in the 82nd minute the match was called final when the north side stadium lights were knocked out.

Eagles coach Mark Steffens had this to say about Swinehart. "Dustin has always been a guy that's relentless, and he creates chances with his hard work."

The Eagles play game two of the 2008 season this Friday, April 25th, hosting the Richmond Kickers at the Eagles home for the remainder of the season, Charlotte Christian School. Charlotte Christian School is located in south Charlotte on Sardis Road. Kickoff for Friday night's game is scheduled for 7:00 pm. Fans can save $2.00 per ticket by purchasing in advance at www.CharlotteEagles.com, or save even more by choosing one of the 2008 Eagles ticket packages.