Isaac Scheer and Jack Ammann return for second year; Luiz Zerbini and Iván Bonus join for first season
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 15, 2024) – The Charlotte Independence announced today the signing of four players to academy contracts for the 2024 season. Midfielder Isaac Scheer and goalkeeper Jack Ammann return for their second season with the Jacks while defender Luiz Zerbini and midfielder Iván Bonus begin their first season with the Independence.
“I am excited that we are able to continue pushing the development of our young academy players and look forward to them competing for minutes during our season,” Head Coach Mike Jeffries said. “All of them have shown a strong mentality and willingness to work and compete.”
ISAAC SCHEER, MIDFIELDER
Scheer enters his second season with the USL League One squad after a strong first year on an Academy contract.
“Isaac has been very sharp this preseason,” Jeffries expressed. “He has fit in and competed with the roster players from day one. He is a versatile midfielder. He has an excellent soccer brain and the ability to make creative plays in the final third.”
At age 14, Scheer began training with the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club. In 2021, he was chosen for the ECNL Boys National Selection Game. Recently, Scheer captained the Charlotte Independence team that won the 2023 USL Academy League.
“I’m thrilled to be back with the Independence for another year,” Scheer commented. “Now with a little experience, I hope I can help make an impact for the team this year.”
JACK AMMANN, GOALKEEPER
Ammann was a member of the Charlotte Independence squad which reached the first league final in club history in 2023.
“I am happy to welcome Jack back for another year as he continues to grow as a goalkeeper,” Jeffries added. “He competes well in training – showing good shot stopping ability and handling the speed of training.”
A senior at Indian Land High School in Indian Land, South Carolina, Ammann is a recent 2023 USL Academy League champion with the Charlotte Independence USL Academy squad. He also earned the Co-Golden Glove Award for the championship match.
“I am super excited to be back with the team this year,” Ammann expressed. “With it being the 10th Anniversary of the team’s existence it’s very special for me because I remember being a little kid and coming to the games in their first year, and now 10 years later being able to be the one on the pitch is very special for me and my family.”
LUIZ ZERBINI, DEFENDER
Originally born in Boston, Massachusetts, Zerbini moved to Cape Town, South Africa, to develop with professional clubs in the area. He played semi-professionally with Hout Bay United FC’s premier team in the SAFA Second Division after stellar performances for the club’s U18 squad.
“As a center back, Luiz provides composure on the ball and a good passing range in addition to some physicality defensively,” Jeffries explained.
In August 2022, Zerbini signed a USL Academy contract with the Richmond Kickers. He remained with the Kickers for the 2023 season as well.
“I’m really excited to sign here this season,” Zervini shared. “I look forward to developing under the great coaching staff and helping the team bring trophies to Charlotte this season and beyond.”
IVÁN BONUS, MIDFIELDER
Bonus, a Charlotte local, trained with the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club growing up before joining River Plate’s academy in Argentina. In 2021, he played with the U16 team and transitioned to the U18 and U21 squads in 2022 and 2023.
“Iván is super competitive, a hard tackler, good ball winner and mobile central midfielder,” Jeffries commented. “In addition to his work rate, Iván is very tuned into the game and anticipates plays well.
“I’m looking forward to building a relationship with the team,” Bonus explained. “I’m very excited to learn from the more experienced players and of course the coaching staff. I’m very proud to be part of the Jacks’ 10th Anniversary season. I’m sure we’ll make it one to remember.”
The Charlotte Independence begin the 2024 season with the Home Opener and 10th Anniversary Kickoff on Saturday, March 16. First kick against One Knoxville SC is at 7:00 p.m. at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Visit charlotteindependence.com/tickets for more information.
ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE:
The Charlotte Independence is a Division III professional men’s soccer team celebrating a decade of competitive soccer in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2024. The club, founded in 2014, currently competes in USL League One and reached its first league final in club history at the end of the 2023 season. The Independence plays all home games at the historic 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.
