The Charlotte Eagles announced today the re-signings of the 2005 Goalkeeper of the Year, Chris McClellan and 2005 Defender of the Year, Josh Rife. Both McClellan and Rife played major roles in the Eagles’ 2005 USL-2 National Championship, and served as perfect compliments to the scoring duo of reigning MVP Jacob Coggins and veteran Dustin Swinehart.
Rife, a graduate of Indiana University was part of the great tradition of Hoosier Soccer under famed coach Jerry Yeagley. He has now been able to bring that experience and leadership to continue another tradition of success with the Eagles, where he was the team’s 2005 co-captain. In his 4th year with Charlotte , Rife will be returning to the Eagles in 2006 after spending the winter months playing for the Major Indoor Soccer League’s Philadelphia Kixx.
In the rare occasion that the opposition’s attackers got past Rife and the Eagles’ back line, Chris McClellan stood strong in goal to deny any shots that came his way. His commanding presence in goal and amazing athletic ability led McClellan to a 0.85 Goals Against Average including the most shutouts in the league with 7. Although the graduate of Colorado Christian University put on great performances throughout the season, his most memorable performance could very well be the Eagles double overtime loss to Chivas of the MLS in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. In what the Chivas USA coach called a ‘magical performance’, McClellan recorded 17 saves while facing a battery of shots from the Chivas USA attackers.
With McClellan commanding the goal again, and Rife anchoring a defense that returns its entire starting back line in 2006, the Eagles look poised to begin their quest to defend the title when they open the season on April 21st against Cincinnati at Waddell Stadium.
The Eagles Home Opener on April 21st will begin at 7pm with a Championship Celebration and Ring Ceremony. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30pm with special guest, Pro Bowler and 2003 NFC Champion Mike Rucker of the Carolina Panthers kicking out the ceremonial first ball. Tickets can be purchased at www.CharlotteEagles.com or by calling the Ticket Line at 704-841-8644 ext. 32
