Defender led the league in clearances in 2023
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (January 3, 2024) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that defender Nick Spielman signed a new contract with the club for the 2024 season. Spielman was a last-minute addition to the squad as the 2023 season began and proved to be a crucial asset across the backline.
“Welcoming Nick back to the team was a priority this offseason,” Head Coach Mike Jeffries states. “Coming in as a trial player, Nick was the one constant at the back for us throughout the season. His ability on the ball to make the right pass and maintain possession allowed us to play through lines and build from the back; defensively, he provided steadiness and consistency – cutting off plays and winning his individual duals.”
In his first season with the Independence, Spielman led USL League One with 176 clearances. Solid in the center of the defense, Spielman helped the Jacks earn 10 clean sheets.
Spielman was one of six players to play in every game of the 2023 season for the Jacks and led all field players in minutes played (3,155). Spielman also added two goals and four appearances on the USL League One Team of the Week in his first season in the league.
“I’m blessed and honored to be coming back to Charlotte,” Spielman said. “I look forward to another great year. We have some unfinished business.”
A native of Melbourne, Florida, Spielman played three seasons at East Tennessee State University before starting his professional career for NISA club Chattanooga FC. He appeared in a total of 52 matches accumulating 4,060 minutes played and scored one goal across three years with Chattanooga FC.
Spielman joins fellow defenders Clay Dimick, Shalom Dutey, and Denzel Akyeampong along the Charlotte backline this year.
The 2024 season begins on Saturday, March 16 as the Charlotte Independence face One Knoxville SC in the home opener. Season tickets for the Charlotte Independence 10th Anniversary season are on sale now with packages as low as $5 per game. To see all exclusive Season Ticket Member benefits and purchase your tickets today, visit charlotteindependence.com/seasontickets.
ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE:
The Charlotte Independence is a Division III professional men’s soccer team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The club, founded in 2014, currently competes in USL League One and plays all home games at the newly renovated American Legion Memorial Stadium. As part of the Queen City Soccer Club, our mission is to make Charlotte a better place to live through sports. For information on club news, season tickets and more, visit charlotteindependence.com.
