PLAYOFFS: CHARLOTTE EAGLES, FUTBOLERA SELECT RECAP

Written by:  Tyler Trent
Photography:  Lynelle Leinbach

CHARLOTTE EAGLES SOAR TO SOUTH REGION FINAL WITH COMMANDING PERFORMANCE

The defending WPSL Champions, Charlotte Eagles wasted no time returning to its playoff form from last season in a 5-0 victory over league newcomer Futbolera Select. Lauren Walter (John Brown University) opened the scoring in the 2’ minute off an assist from Jordan Blair (Lee University).

Futbolera defended well for the next thirty minutes of play while trying to break through the Eagles' tight defense. However, a long ball from Faith Adams (Lipscomb University) to Alondra Nieves (Georgia State University) put the Eagles into a decent attacking position on the left flank. Nieves played the ball to Briana Myers (Liberty University), who scored in the 34’ minute to put the Eagles up 2-0 with a spectacular goal from outside the box.

Charlotte Eagles face Futbolera Select in Regional Semifinal, 2024 Photo by Lynelle Leinbach

The second half began with the teams trading small blows. 

In the 68’ minute, Marilia Nieves (University of Kentucky) played a quick ball out to Walter, who dribbled forward into the box before returning the ball to M. Nieves to extend the Eagles’ lead.

The Eagles netted a fourth goal after Kate Colvin (Texas A&M University) added her name to the scoresheet only a minute later from an assist by Walter.

Skyler Shults (High Point University) capped the win with a nicely worked tap-in goal orchestrated by a ball from Adams out wide to A. Nieves, who played a perfect ball across the face of the goal for Shults to finish.

The win puts the Eagles a game away from returning to Stillwater, Okla. to defend its national title when it faces Austin Rise FC in the South Region Finals on Sunday at 7 PM CT in Round Rock, TX at Round Rock Multipurpose Complex.

“We are just so proud of ALL of the girls and how hard they work and have worked this summer to put themselves in this position,” Tiffany Rice, Charlotte Eagles head coach, said. “They’ve stayed focused and committed to our plan, but more importantly to one another.  The strength of our team is the bond and cohesion our girls play with and how they support one another each step of the way.  It’s an incredible group of young ladies, and I can’t believe I’m so privileged to be a part of their journey this season.”

Charlotte Eagles face Futbolera Select in Regional Semifinal, 2024 Photo by Lynelle Leinbach

While Rice wasn’t with the team last season when the Eagles were crowned WPSL Champions, she says it doesn’t affect the day-to-day within the team. 

“Honestly, it’s not something we talk much about”, Rice said. “We have seasoned leaders and women that understand how to win big games, but we really just focus on one game at a time and fight to be together for another day. It’s what drives us most.”

The winner of the match will not only be crowned South Region Champions but will also earn a trip to the WPSL Championship in Stillwater, Oklahoma, to compete against the other three Regional Champions.