July 16, 2012

Charlotte, NC- Former Charlotte 49ers men's soccer standout defender Charles Rodriguez recently signed a pro contract with the USL Pro's Wilmington Hammerheads. Rodriguez joins fellow former 49ers standouts Evan James, who plays for Major League Soccer's Montreal Impact, and Isaac Cowles, who plays for the USL Pro's Charlotte Eagles, as members of Charlotte's 2011 College Cup Finalist team who signed pro soccer contracts.

Former 49ers standout forward Andres Cuero (2007-10) also plays for the Hammerheads.

"The environment in which I was surrounded by at Charlotte was basically a professionally ran club," Rodriguez said. "The coaching and the organization was second to none. I'm so thankful for my time at Charlotte and having the chance to work with Coach Langan who was also a professional defender playing for over ten years in England.  Learning from a coach who not only knows the game but has been there and done it, was invaluable. The road to being a professional from college was longer than I expected however with support from my coaches and teammates at Charlotte l was able to stay focused. As Coach Langan reminded me as a college player nothing worth having comes easy. Im looking forward to playing for the Hammerheads and continue to develop as a pro." This past January, he was drafted in the third round of Major League Soccer's Supplemental Draft by the DC United. He participated in DC United's preseason training camp.

Last season, Rodriguez played a major role in helping the 49ers reach the College Cup Championship game for the first time in school history.

Last season, Rodriguez was named first-team Soccer America and NSCAA All-American. Rodriguez, who also earned first-team All-Atlantic 10 honors, anchored a 49ers defense that had nine shutouts and limited 21 foes to a goal or less. Charlotte's defense only allowed four goals in 580 minutes of NCAA Tournament action. Rodriguez also scored a goal and recorded an assist last season.

Rodriguez was also named NSCAA first-team All-Mid-Atlantic region as well.

In 2010, Rodriguez was named Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year. He also earned first-team NSCAA All-Mid-Atlantic Region and first-team All-Atlantic 10 honors.