Charlotte Eagles Professional Soccer announced today the re-signing of star forward and 2004 / 2005 USL-2 MVP, Jacob Coggins. The 6’4 195 lb. local product of Independence High School will be playing his 7th year with the Defending National Champions, and has been one of the primary reasons for the Eagles’ continued dominance of the USL 2nd Division. In the past 2 seasons, Coggins lit up the goal net with 34 goals in 40 games and recorded a total of 82 points in those 2 years.
As in any professional sport, consistency is a vital part of an athlete’s success. It is what separates the good players from the great ones. Winning back to back MVP honors and scoring titles, Coggins’ consistency on the field is what has separated him from the rest of the league. He credits that level of performance to his fitness, and anticipation of the play. One experience that Coggins still points back to as a big step to improving his game, was the spring of 2005. When a labor dispute between the U.S. Soccer Federation and the Players Association arose, the USSF called up an elite group of USL players to train under Coach Bruce Arena in preparation for the World Cup Qualifying Rounds. That elite group included Coggins, who was the reigning 2004 MVP at the time. “It was a great honor for me to be chosen by Coach Arena to train with the team, and it really increased my confidence as a player,” Coggins states. “I was able to learn a lot more about my strengths and weaknesses, and how necessary it is to finish every chance you’re given.” Jacob also remembers the emphasis on fitness that Arena placed in all his training sessions, and guarantees the National Team will be well prepared for the 2006 World Cup in this summer.
Although Coggins will not be making the trip to , he will be going after a piece of history as the Eagles quest to defend the title begins on April 21st at Waddell Stadium. As only the second player in USL-2 history to repeat as MVP and third player to win the honor twice, Coggins will try to become the first player to win the honor 3 straight years. In a division that could be the most competitive ever, a three-peat will be difficult, but rest assured the ‘Son of Charlotte’ will be up to the challenge.
The Charlotte Eagles will begin defending the title on April 21st as they open up the season against the Cincinnati Kings at 7:30. Opening Night will include a Championship Celebration and Ring Ceremony starting at 7pm where the first 500 fans will receive a schedule magnet and limited edition Winger Event Calendar. National Championship t-shirts will also be thrown out to fans prior to kickoff courtesy of Vision Group Realty’s President and Carolina Panther, Mike Rucker. The NFC Champion and 2003 Pro Bowler will also be signing autographs from 6:30 until 7:30. Tickets are on sale at www.CharlotteEagles.com or by calling the Ticket Line at 704-841-8644 ext.32.
