CHARLOTTE EAGLES SET TO DEFEND ITS CONFERENCE TITLES

Written By:  Conor Forrest
             South Region Contributor

The Charlotte Eagles came into this season as the reigning Carolinas Conference champions for the last two seasons and, with a match already under its belt, are looking to make it three-for-three. Bosting a record of 9-1-0 last season, the Eagles set out to defend its conference dominance.

Led by Carolinas Conference Coach of the Year and former Eagles player Sam Hope, the Eagles started its season in similar fashion after kicking off 2022 with a convincing road win over league newcomers, Soda City FC.

A considerable key to the Eagles’ success over the 2019 and 2021 seasons has been its phenomenal recruitment. While players have come and gone, Hope explained that their excellent recruitment had been down to the players themselves who have allowed the Eagles to remain a force to be reckoned with.

“What we try to convey is that our players are our best recruiters… it’s not just winning conference championships, but developing as players and growing as people,” Hope said. “When they go back into their locker rooms at school, they have a story to tell, and that it's compelling and will draw their teammates in.”

While its first year in the WPSL was somewhat difficult to recruit because of the lack of foundation it had within the league, it's gotten easier and easier because players now have embraced the mission to bring in future Eagles.

With many new and returning players to watch out for, Hope highlighted forward Kailyn Pavatt and midfielder Crystal Thomas.

“KK, [Pavatt] from Mississippi State got three goals and, and an assist or two [and] I think she'll perform very well up top for us this season,” Hope said. “I'm excited to see more of Crystal Thomas, she plays in the midfield for us [and is] an outstanding and smart player at the 10.”

Hope also highlighted Amanda Naeher who played in the league many years ago and has come back as a player-coach, slotting straight into a backline that only conceded four goals in the regular season last year.

Maddy Rhodes is another crucial player for the Eagles this season because of her dominant performance last summer the team’s leading scorer and assister. The 2021 Carolinas Conference Offensive Player of the Year contributed to nearly half of the Eagles’ thirty goals scored last season with five goals and nine assists.

While Rhodes missed the first match versus Soda City, she is expected to be available for the rest of the season.

“I'm so excited to see how she'll do,” Hope said. “Maddy just has a nose for goal. She is tenacious and competitive and will do anything in her power to just get the ball to put it past the keeper.”

The Charlotte Eagles return to action Friday, June 3rd as it hosts Soda City FC in its home opener and looks to continue its perfect start to defend its conference title.