PREVIEW: CHARLOTTE EAGLES, MCLEAN SOCCER

Written By:  Tyler Trent

CHARLOTTE EAGLES HOSTS MCLEAN SOCCER IN ATLANTIC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP WITH PLAYOFF BERTH ON THE LINE

After a strong season from multiple teams in the Atlantic Conference, the Carolinas Division winners, and 2023 WPSL Champions, Charlotte Eagles will host league newcomer McLean Soccer, who will represent the District Division. Kickoff is set for 7 PM EST on Saturday, July 6 at Charlotte Christian School’s Guy Field 

The Eagles were pushed in the Carolinas Division by newcomer Port City FC – the only team to defeat Charlotte this season. McLean Soccer and Arlington Soccer fought back and forth throughout the season for the chance to represent the District Division.
 

The Quest for a Repeat
 

Charlotte Eagles continued its great form from 2023 and won seven of its eight matches with the only loss coming in an upset to Port City FC, 2-1. The Eagles scored 23 goals while only allowing four – three of those coming in the two matches against a strong Port City FC.

The Eagles boasted a well-rounded attack from Faith Adams (Lipscomb University), Ava Myers (St. Bonaventure University), and Meredith King (Ole Miss University) leading the team with three goals a piece and six other players scoring two each. 

At least one star player for the Eagles won’t be available this weekend as Taylor Suarez (Florida State University) joins the United States Youth National Team for camp. Suarez was named Co-Outstanding Player in the WPSL Championship last season.

Making a Statement

In its first season, McLean Soccer burst onto the WPSL stage with a 7-2 victory over fellow newcomer UK F.C. led by a Nucci hat-trick. The performance earned Nucci the South Region Player of the Week honors. 

McLean tallied a total of 30 goals throughout the season and finished the season with a 6-1-1 record – the loss and draw against Arlington Soccer.

Nucci continued to score in numbers and the season with nine goals. Evelyn Javers (Columbia University commit), Gabriella Terrell (Howard University commit), and Kira Waller (University of Virginia commit) all added four goals each. 

What's on the Line?

Not only will these two strong teams play for the conference title they will also play for a chance to play in the South Region Playoffs – hosted in Austin, Texas, by Austin Rise FC.