Wilmington Hammerheads News Release -- www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

WILMINGTON, N.C. – University of North Carolina-Charlotte captain Charles Rodriguez has signed with the Wilmington Hammerheads as the club aims to bolster its defense. Selected by D.C. United in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft, Rodriguez will join the Hammerheads for the remainder of the season.

As the star of Charlotte’s defense, Rodriguez led the 49ers to the school’s first National Championship game last fall in his senior season. Also named a First Team All-American, Rodriguez started in all but one of UNC-Charlotte’s games over his entire collegiate career. His stellar play allowed the team to record nine shutouts in 2011, which led many to consider UNC-Charlotte one of the best defensive units in college soccer.

Growing up in Franklin, Tenn., Rodriguez has always been the captain of the backfield he plays on. He has received many honors at all levels, but his most notable performance and favorite memory was anchoring the defense during UNC-Charlotte’s unexpected run to the 2011 NCAA Championship game. Rodriguez aspires to have the same impact on another North Carolina team, the Wilmington Hammerheads, about 206 miles east from his collegiate program.

For more information about the Wilmington Hammerheads 2012 season and to purchase tickets, please visit our website at www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com or call our offices at (910) 777-2111.