Former Elon Men¹s Soccer Goalie Signs with Charlotte Eagles

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Former Elon men’s soccer standout Clint Irwin recently signed a professional contract with the Charlotte Eagles for the 2012 USL PRO season. A record-setting keeper for the Phoenix and native of Charlotte, Irwin spent the 2011 preseason with Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution before signing a professional contract to play for Capital City FC in Ottawa, Canada.

“I’m excited to be back in the United States and playing for my hometown team,” Irwin said. “It’s a privilege to play for such a well-respected organization. I’d like to thank Coach Powell and everyone at Elon for continuing to support me.”

Irwin starred at Elon where he earned All-Southern Conference honors for four consecutive years and finished his career as the school’s single-season shutout leader (10) and career shutout king (22). The goalie was also a finalist for the prestigious 2010 Lowe’s Senior Class Award, a national award which honors men’s soccer’s top senior with notable achievements in four areas of excellence: community, classroom, character and competition.

“We obviously are excited to add Clint Irwin to the Charlotte Eagles,” said Eagles General Manager Tom Engstrom. “Those familiar with Charlotte area soccer are aware of the success Clint has had in youth soccer with CUFC, in high school at Charlotte Christian and in college at Elon University. Goalkeeping is such an important part of the game. Clint is a great addition to an already strong group of goalkeepers.”

Irwin had a stellar youth career in Charlotte that saw him lead his Charlotte United Futbol Club team to back-to-back NCYSA State Championships. He was also a key member of the Charlotte Christian High School team that finished 2006 as the NCISSA State Runner-Up. Irwin was selected as the 2006 North Carolina High School Player of the Year by the NSCAA.

Irwin and the Eagles will open up the 2012 season against defending USL PRO champion Orlando City on Saturday, April 7 at 7 p.m. at Charlotte Christian High School.