Dustin Swinehart

SL Interview: Dustin Swinehart

Charlotte Eagles PSL Finalists

September 2, 2004

The Charlotte Eagles have advanced to the PSL Championship by no small part to Dustin Swinehart, a influencial team leader and goal scorer. I had the opportunity to interview Dustin before the Championship Match. Here's how it went:

SoccerLoop: Overall, how do you describe the 2004 Charlotte Eagle Season?

Dustin Swinehart: I would describe our season as being pretty consistent. We started out well, and have played well all year long. Of course we have lost games and had brief spots of not playing to our potential, but I think overall we have been able to maintain a consistent level on the field. I would also say that it has been a lot of fun like every year. It is a great group of guys to play with.

SL: This team always seems to have great chemistry. What do you think that is attributed to?

DS: I believe there are two things. First is that all the players buy into what we are doing as a team. Everyone really gets behind our coaching staff and works hard towards the goals we have set. The second reason I believe is what sets this team apart; all the guys on the team are Christians. And with that comes a unified spirit among the team. We talk lot about modeling Christ's life of servanthood on the field. When you have players that are looking to serve one another instead of trying to just look out for themselves, it breeds great chemistry. Our faith in Christ is really what makes this a "band of brothers" on and off the field.

SL: You and Jacob Coggins have been the most dominating striker duo in the PSL. What are your thoughts on the partnership?

DS: I think it has been a great partnership. We have played together for the past 4 or 5 years and with that comes familiarity with one another. I know what Jake is going to do with or without the ball. I know the kinds of runs he is going to make and the kind of passes he is going to make. I think we compliment each other pretty well in that he is great in the air, wins a lot of balls, and I love to run off of him and try to win the second one. I would say that there is a servant's attitude between the both of us like I mentioned before. We want to work hard for each other, we want to encourage each other and we want to make the other guys look good. All those things together make for a great partnership. Not to mention he has scored about every chance he has gotten this year, so that doesn't hurt the partnership either.

SL: The Charlotte Eagles have been a pretty successful club in regards to their won-loss record over the years. Is there any talk of the club making a jump back up to the A-League in the near future?

DS: Yes there is talk. I don't know when. The big thing that needed to happen was to make sure new sponsorships were in place to help us stay financially sound in the A-League. Everyone wants to do it. It is a matter of making sure it makes sense for the organization to do it.

SL: Do you miss playing in the A-League?

DS: Yes. I loved the competition level there alot. I guess that is part of the reason why I have spent some time with Richmond. But I definitely miss it game in and game out.

SL: What do you know about the Utah Blitzz and what kind of game will you expect from them in the PSL Final?

DS: I don't know alot. I know that they have been consistently in the playoffs, and that shows that they have had a standard of excellence over the past few years. I know Fadi is a great forward who was very successful in the A-League with Portland. I expect it to be a great game. Like most games, the team that set the tone will probably have the better run of play. We have certain things we want to do in the game, and if we can do them hopefully we will be successful. But I expect it to be an intense match from both sides.

SL: How much of an advantage do you think it will be to host the Championship at your home field?

DS: It's always a bit of an advantage. You don't have to travel, familiar with the field, it's your fans. But once you are on the field, the goals are the same size. The field is the same for both teams, so I personally don't think it gives an overwhelming edge to be at home.

SL: Any predictions for the PSL Championship match?

DS: Hmmm, no score predictions. I certainly think that we can win, and hope that to be true. I do think that the team that scores first will have a good edge as it tends to calm you down and its always tough playing from behind. It would be nice for a repeat score from our last final.

Interview by: Steven Patton