Charlotte (NC) — On Friday, the Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced Goalkeeper Coach and Team Operations Director Joel Tyson will join New Mexico United Head Coach Troy Lesesne’s technical staff in the same role. Coach Tyson joined the Independence ahead of the 2017 season, and since contributed a playoff appearance and the franchise’s best season.
"This club and this city have been incredible to me and our time here has been filled with great people and positive experiences,” said Tyson. “I am thankful for the supporters, especially Jack's Militia, that have given and continue to give their time to this club and these players. Moreover, I can't thank the players enough that I've been lucky to work with here. Their commitment, passion, and dedication to this club make this a special place.”
The Charlotte Independence thanks Joel for his steadfast integrity, adamant leadership, and relentless drive for the success of the club. It was a pleasure to have Coach Tyson on the Independence staff and the organization is proud of his achievements. As the Independence has a lasting goal to build the careers of its coaches, players and employees, we wish Coach Tyson the best of luck in his next endeavors.
“Joel has been fantastic here,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “He's done a tremendous job with the goalkeepers and I think they've all walked off feeling like they've improved and enjoyed the day-to-day, which Joel is very passionate about. Within the group, he was a fantastic assistant in terms of his ability to relate to the players. Joel is extraordinarily organized and was a big help in a lot of the administrative and organizational type aspects. All those are characteristics that we'll definitely miss.”
Under the leadership of Coach Tyson in his first season with the club, the Independence goalkeepers recorded six clean sheets, 90 saves, and the Eastern Conference’s fourth-best goal differential. During his breakout 2017 season, goalkeeper Cody Mizell played in 32 games on his way to earning USL Save of the Month for May, USL Save of the Year Runner-Up, and being one of five USL Goalkeeper of the Year nominations. Mizell earned a short-term contract with the Colorado Rapids where he trained alongside US Men's National Team goalkeeper Tim Howard.
“I am extremely appreciative of the opportunity given to me by Mike Jeffries, Tom Engstrom, Rich Posipanko, and the rest of the Independence organization,” said Tyson. “Mike has been a great mentor and friend in my time here and I look forward to seeing the continued success of this club in years to come."
In August, former Independence Assistant Coach Troy Lesesne was named the first head coach for United Soccer League (USL) expansion team New Mexico United. Having previously worked together, the addition of Coach Tyson is a natural fit for the first-time head coach.
“In my conversations with Troy as he was looking at the [New Mexico United] job, Joel moving on with him was a possibility, so I think it's a good situation for Joel,” said Jeffries. “I think he's pretty excited to move up the ladder in terms of responsibility and staffing, as well as reuniting with Troy.”
The Independence will return to USL action next spring at the Sportsplex at Matthews. For more information on 2019 Season Memberships, please visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.
Charlotte (NC) — On Friday, the Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced Goalkeeper Coach and Team Operations Director Joel Tyson will join New Mexico United Head Coach Troy Lesesne’s technical staff in the same role. Coach Tyson joined the Independence ahead of the 2017 season, and since contributed a playoff appearance and the franchise’s best season.
“This club and this city have been incredible to me and our time here has been filled with great people and positive experiences,” said Tyson. “I am thankful for the supporters, especially Jack’s Militia, that have given and continue to give their time to this club and these players. Moreover, I can’t thank the players enough that I’ve been lucky to work with here. Their commitment, passion, and dedication to this club make this a special place.”
The Charlotte Independence thanks Joel for his steadfast integrity, adamant leadership, and relentless drive for the success of the club. It was a pleasure to have Coach Tyson on the Independence staff and the organization is proud of his achievements. As the Independence has a lasting goal to build the careers of its coaches, players and employees, we wish Coach Tyson the best of luck in his next endeavors.
“Joel has been fantastic here,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “He’s done a tremendous job with the goalkeepers and I think they’ve all walked off feeling like they’ve improved and enjoyed the day-to-day, which Joel is very passionate about. Within the group, he was a fantastic assistant in terms of his ability to relate to the players. Joel is extraordinarily organized and was a big help in a lot of the administrative and organizational type aspects. All those are characteristics that we’ll definitely miss.”
Under the leadership of Coach Tyson in his first season with the club, the Independence goalkeepers recorded six clean sheets, 90 saves, and the Eastern Conference’s fourth-best goal differential. During his breakout 2017 season, goalkeeper Cody Mizell played in 32 games on his way to earning USL Save of the Month for May, USL Save of the Year Runner-Up, and being one of five USL Goalkeeper of the Year nominations. Mizell earned a short-term contract with the Colorado Rapids where he trained alongside US Men’s National Team goalkeeper Tim Howard.
“I am extremely appreciative of the opportunity given to me by Mike Jeffries, Tom Engstrom, Rich Posipanko, and the rest of the Independence organization,” said Tyson. “Mike has been a great mentor and friend in my time here and I look forward to seeing the continued success of this club in years to come.”
In August, former Independence Assistant Coach Troy Lesesne was named the first head coach for United Soccer League (USL) expansion team New Mexico United. Having previously worked together, the addition of Coach Tyson is a natural fit for the first-time head coach.
“In my conversations with Troy as he was looking at the [New Mexico United] job, Joel moving on with him was a possibility, so I think it’s a good situation for Joel,” said Jeffries. “I think he’s pretty excited to move up the ladder in terms of responsibility and staffing, as well as reuniting with Troy.”
The Independence will return to USL action next spring at the Sportsplex at Matthews. For more information on 2019 Season Memberships, please visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.
