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Club Veteran Hugh Roberts Signing with the Independence for 2024 Season

Defender previously played for the Independence from 2019-2021

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (January 16, 2024) – The Charlotte Independence announced today the signing of defender Hugh Roberts to the USL League One squad for the 2024 season. Roberts previously played with the Jacks from 2019 to 2021.

“I am excited to welcome Hugh Roberts back to Charlotte,” Head Coach Mike Jeffries expressed. “Hugh was a mainstay of our back line for some of our best seasons – he not only brings athleticism and strong defensive qualities to the group but his experience will bolster our defensive organization and his composure in possession will aid in our build up play.”

Roberts rejoins the team from USL Championship side Monterey Bay FC. He signed with the Crisp-and-Kelp prior to the club’s inaugural season in 2022 and served as team captain. Roberts started and played in 62 games across two seasons. He scored four goals for the club, including the game-winning goal in Monterey Bay’s first-ever win in the final minute of regulation. In 2023, Roberts ranked seventh in USL Championship in clearances with 144. He led his side in clearances, blocks, interceptions, and aerial duels won.

A team leader for the Independence for three seasons, Roberts made 82 appearances and scored six goals for Charlotte from 2019-2021. Roberts led the squad in minutes (2,990), passing accuracy (89.1%), clearances (129), and blocks (24) in 2021. During the shortened 2020 season, the defender played every single minute of all 17 matches, including extra time in the USL Championship playoffs. He ranked first on the team in clearances, blocks, and aerial duels won in 2020 and 2019.

“I’m very excited to be returning to the pitch where my heart belongs,” Roberts stated. “Coach Jeffries and the Independence have always made me feel at home which was important for my family. I want a championship more than ever, and I’m determined to bring one to the Queen City. This is going to be an exciting year. I can’t wait!”

Prior to joining the Independence, Roberts made 29 appearances and scored a goal in extra time of the USL playoffs in 2018 for Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. He played the 2017 season with Bethlehem Steel FC, appearing in 26 games, scoring 1 goal, and ranking second on the squad in minutes (2,091).

Roberts earned his first professional contract with Richmond Kickers in 2014. He made 84 appearances for the Kickers across three seasons from 2014-2016. Roberts’ final season with the club was a breakout year as he was named to the USL All-League First Team and was a Defender of the Year Finalist.

At the collegiate level, Roberts attended George Mason University from 2010-13 where he recorded 69 appearances, 48 starts, six goals and nine assists. During his senior campaign, he was selected to the All-Region second team. From 2012-13, Roberts played with USL League Two side Baltimore Bohemians logging 27 appearances and two assists.

Roberts is the fifth defender announced for the 2024 squad, joining Nick Spielman, Shalom Dutey, Clay Dimick, and Denzel Akyeampong.

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.

All-Time Independence Appearance Leader Joel Johnson Returning to Charlotte in 2024

Veteran midfielder enters eighth season with the club

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (January 12, 2024) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that Joel Johnson, the club’s all-time appearance leader, is returning to the squad in 2024. This will mark Johnson’s eighth year with the Jacks, across two stints with the club.

“Joel was a massive part of the group’s success last season,” Head Coach Mike Jeffries he embraced a more attacking role and was both dynamic and successful making plays in the final third early in the season. His versatility and soccer IQ are huge assets for us and I look forward to continuing to work with him in 2024.

A 2023 USL League One All-League Second Team honoree, Johnson ranked fifth in the league with 57 chances created. He scored seven goals, the third-most on the team, and added four assists. During the season, Johnson was named to the USL League One Team of the Week four times.

Johnson was one of six players to appear in all 35 matches for the Jacks in 2023. He started all but one game and played 3,013 minutes, including a full 120 minutes in both the league semifinal and final.

The Torrent, Spain, native originally signed with the Independence in 2016. He made 150 appearances from 2016 through 2021 before joining Hartford Athletic for the 2022 season. In 2021, Johnson scored the opening goal in the club’s first-ever playoff win against Memphis 901 in the USL Championship Round of 16.

“I’m happy to be back again,” Johnson said. “I hope we can bring great joy to the fans and this incredible city.”

Johnson adds to the solid list of returnees from the Independence squad who made the first league final appearance in club history. Johnson joins fellow midfielders Omar Ciss, Luis Alvarez, Rayan Djedje, and Bachir Ndiaye on the roster.

ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE:

Goalkeeper of the Year Austin Pack Returning to the Independence in 2024

USL League One record holder for saves stays in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (January 9, 2024) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that goalkeeper Austin Pack is returning to the squad in 2024. Pack had a season to remember in 2023 for the USL League One Finalists.

“Austin was a huge part of our success last year,” Head Coach Mike Jeffries said. “His play was not only deserving of the accolades he received but was vital in our earning points throughout the season. Being able to keep Austin in Charlotte is a huge coup for us, and I look forward to working with him this season and watching him push the goalkeeping envelope a little further.”

With 129 saves, Pack set a new USL League One record for saves in a single season, surpassing the previous record of 105. Pack also tied the record for most saves in a single playoff game with seven in the semifinal against Union Omaha.

Anchoring the defense, Pack earned 10 clean sheets in 2023. He logged a save percentage of 74% and was named USL League One Goalkeeper of the Year by the league’s coaches. Additionally, Pack was named to the 2023 USL League One All-League First Team.

2024 marks Pack’s fifth season with the Jacks after first joining the club in 2020. He was a key player during the 2021 season, helping the Independence earn the first playoff win in club history.

After a brief stint with Hartford Athletic in 2022, Pack returned home to Charlotte for the Jacks and stepped into the starting role in 2023. He played in every single match of the 2023 season for the Independence.

“I’m grateful to be returning to the Independence,” Pack shared. “We have a strong core of players returning, and I’m excited to get started.”

Pack joins fellow goalkeeper Matt Levy between the sticks as the top two goalkeepers for Charlotte in 2023 are both returning.

ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE:

Nick Spielman Returning in 2024 Following Breakout Campaign with the Independence

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.

ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE:

Two-Time Young Player of the Year Finalist Omar Ciss Returning to the Independence in 2024

USL League One All-League Second Team midfielder enters third season in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (December 28, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that midfielder Omar Ciss is returning to the squad for his third season in 2024. Ciss has earned multiple accolades since joining the Jacks in 2022.

“We are excited to have Omar back for his third season with us,” Head Coach Mike Jeffries expressed. “His presence and ability to cover ground in the center of the field has been huge for our success the last two years. As a young player, his ability is reflected in being one of only a handful of players to make All-League selection in the past two years. I am confident Omar will continue to be an even bigger part of our makeup and identity as we head into 2024.”

Ciss was one of six players to appear in all 35 matches for the Jacks in 2023. He totaled 3,061 minutes, starting all but one game. In the club’s best season yet, Ciss recorded two goals, four assists, 149 recoveries, 133 duels won, 82 completed long passes and 28 chances created.

His consistency in the midfield earned Ciss a spot on the USL League One All-League Second Team and the honor of being named a USL League One Young Player of the Year Finalist. Ciss was included in the USL League One Team of the Week three times during the 2023 season.

In his debut season with the Independence, Ciss was also selected as a USL League One Young Player of the Year Finalist. The Senegal native additionally won 2022 USL League One Goal of the Year for an impressive long-range strike.

“I’m so happy to be back home,” Ciss shared. “This is my third season here, and I’m so ready to be looking for the championship this year. I can’t wait to get started.”

Ciss joins an already solid midfield full of returnees with Luis Alvarez, Rayan Djedje, and Bachir Ndiaye.

ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE:

Local Charlotte Duo Shalom Dutey and Tresor Mbuyu Returning for 2024 with the Independence

Garinger High School Alumni Return for Fifth Season

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (December 21, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that defender Shalom Dutey and forward Tresor Mbuyu are returning for the 2024 season. Both players enter their fifth year with the Jacks.

Shalom Dutey (D)

After making his professional debut in Charlotte’s 2021 season opener, Dutey has played a crucial role along the backline for the Independence. He has appeared in 65 games all-time for the Jacks, including 51 starts.

“I am excited to continue working with Shalom in 2024,” Head Coach Mike Jeffries expressed. “Left footed centerbacks are valuable commodities and we have a strong one in Shalom – his athleticism, ability to defend 1v1, and to play calmly out of the back contribute greatly to our strength as a team. I expect that he will continue his trajectory of success over the past couple of seasons into 2024.”

Dutey ranked 10th in USL League One in clearances with 95 in 32 games last season. His presence on defense helped the Jacks earn 10 clean sheets in 2023. In 2022, Dutey opened the season with three goals in the first four games. He scored game winners against South Georgia Tormenta FC in 2022 and 2023 as well.

“The 2023 season didn’t end like how we were expecting it to, but we’ll use it as a lesson for this upcoming year,” Dutey explained. “This 2024 is our year to bring the championship to Charlotte, and I’m glad I get to be a part of that.”

Tresor Mbuyu (F)

The leading scorer for the Jacks the past two seasons, Mbuyu, is returning with unfinished business. Mbuyu recorded 11 goals and five assists in 2022 along with nine goals and four assists in 2023.

“Tresor has been a big part of our success the last two years,” Jeffries shared. “He has quietly evolved into one of the more dangerous and consistent strikers in USL League One during that period. His ability to take on defenders and get behind defenses are huge, which when combined with his work rate, make him an extremely effective attacking player. I look forward to working with him again and seeing him continue to progress.”

2022 was a breakout year for Mbuyu in which he started 27 of 28 games for the Independence. He scored his first goal for the club as part of a brace in Charlotte’s league opener against Central Valley Fuego FC. He added a game winner in the next game against Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC. There were more heroics for Mbuyu in 2022 as he scored a game-tying goal in the final minute against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC.

Early in 2023, Mbuyu scored in three consecutive games, guiding the team to victory in three-straight at home. He logged the best shots on target percentage of the team’s trio of strikers with 52% of shots going on target. Mbuyu earned five appearances on the USL League One Team of the Week in 2023.

“I am excited to be back with the team, and l hope to continue to contribute to the project and vision the team has for the season,” Mbuyu commented. “I am also looking forward to the start of the season. We have built a community and culture here. This is our opportunity to show love to the city and our community.”

Dutey and Mbuyu join Charlotte’s 2024 roster which already has a solid foundation of returners. The duo will take the field with fellow returnees: Clay Dimick, Denzel Akyeampong, Luis Alvarez, Rayan Djedje, Bachir Ndiaye, and Matt Levy.

ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE:

Charlotte Independence Announce 2024 Regular Season Schedule

Teams will play a balanced 30 game schedule and compete for new, in-season cup

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (December 14, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence and USL League One announced today the 2024 USL League One regular season schedule. It includes 15 home matches and 15 away matches across traditional league play. Eight of the 30 matches will count towards the newly announced in-season cup. 2024 marks the first year the teams will play a balanced schedule, facing each opponent once at home and once away in regular season matches.

“As always, I am looking forward to our opener and starting a new season,” Head Coach Mike Jeffries commented. “This year’s format of only home and away with each team makes every regular season game more meaningful. The offseason is flying by once again, and I am excited about the starting point for our group this year.”

USL League One will have 12 teams in 2024, including the newest addition, Spokane Velocity, to maintain the same number of teams in the league following the departure of North Carolina FC to USL Championship.

Charlotte will kick off their 10 Year Anniversary campaign at home against One Knoxville SC on Saturday, March 16 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The Jacks are undefeated in the previous four home openers in league play.

The Jacks will then play four more regular season games before beginning the cup competition. Spokane Velocity will venture to the Queen City for the first-ever meeting between the two clubs on Saturday, March 30. The Jacks will make the trek to Spokane once this season on Saturday, July 27.

After visiting Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on Saturday, April 6, Charlotte will host local foe Greenville Triumph SC on Saturday, April 13. The Jacks will be on the road for almost a month after this match until returning home on Saturday, May 11 to face Forward Madison FC in the cup competition. This is the longest road stretch of the season.

June and August each feature three home games, providing a great opportunity for summer family fun at American Legion Memorial Stadium. After the in-season cup concludes in September, the Jacks will host back-to-back home games at the beginning of October before ending the regular season with two away matches.

The Charlotte Independence made their sixth playoff appearance in club history, reaching the 2023 USL League One Final before falling to North Carolina FC in penalty kicks. 2023 marked the best regular season finish in club history and the club’s first league final appearance.

A 10th Anniversary Jersey and Commemorative Scarf are included for Premium Season Ticket Members. 2024 Season Tickets are on sale now and start at $5 per game. Visit charlotteindependence.com/seasontickets/ to view all Season Ticket Member packages, pricing and benefits.

ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE:

The Charlotte Independence is a professional men’s soccer team committed to making Charlotte a better place to live through sports. The team is based in Charlotte, N.C. and competes in USL League One. All home games are played at American Legion Memorial Stadium. An ownership group led by Jim McPhilliamy founded the club in September 2014 after acquiring the USL franchise rights from the Charlotte Eagles. For more information, visit charlotteindependence.com or follow the club on social media via Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

USL League One and Charlotte Independence Announce First-Ever In-Season Cup Competition

More drama, more rivalries, more prizes coming to USL League One in 2024

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (December 12, 2023) – USL League One and the Charlotte Independence announced today the introduction of a new in-season cup competition for the 2024 season. This cup will provide a platform for fun new fan experiences and lay the foundation for potential future competition innovations. The cup is strategically aligned with a new, balanced schedule for the regular season.

“The League Cup will add an exciting additional competition to our season,” Head Coach Mike Jeffries shared. “The additional plus is the extra games against our local rivals to advance, which should foster great fan rivalries.”

The 12 USL League One teams have been divided into three groups. Each group consists of four teams structured to emphasize regional rivalries during the group stage. Charlotte Independence is in the East Group with Greenville Triumph SC, Richmond Kickers, and South Georgia Tormenta FC.

The Jacks will face these three opponents once at home and once on the road during the in-season cup. Charlotte will also face Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC away and Forward Madison FC at home for a total of eight games in the group stage.

At the conclusion of the group stage, the winners of each group will advance to the four-team knockout round. The group winners will be joined by the non-group winning team that scores the most goals, encouraging attacking play.

All matches that finish tied at the end of regulation will feature a penalty shootout. The shootout winners will earn an extra point, with the point system as follows: 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw in regulation time, and 1 extra point for winning a penalty shootout.

All cup matches will take place during dedicated match weeks throughout the season, starting in April. League play will not take place during these match windows. The cup final will take place on the weekend of September 28-29, and no other League One matches will take place that weekend.

2024 CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE CUP SCHEDULE:

Saturday, April 27 at South Georgia Tormenta FC
Saturday, May 11 vs. Forward Madison FC
Saturday, May 25 at Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC
Saturday, June 8 at Richmond Kickers
Saturday, June 29 vs. Richmond Kickers
Saturday, July 20 vs. South Georgia Tormenta FC
Saturday, August 10 vs. Greenville Triumph SC
Friday, August 30 at Greenville Triumph SC

The winner of the in-season cup competition will take home prize money in addition to a cup trophy. The official name of the cup along with the trophy and additional fan-centric cup-related initiatives will be announced soon.

The Charlotte Independence kick off its 10th Anniversary campaign at home against One Knoxville SC on Saturday, March 16 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. A 10th Anniversary Jersey and Commemorative Scarf are included for Premium Season Ticket Members. 2024 Season Tickets are on sale now and start at $5 per game.

Visit charlotteindependence.com/seasontickets/ to view all Season Ticket Member packages, pricing and benefits.

Veteran Defender Clay Dimick Returning to the Independence in 2024

2022 and 2023 Captain returns for his sixth season

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (December 11, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that veteran defender Clay Dimick is returning for his sixth season in 2024. Dimick was named the team captain for the Jacks the previous two seasons.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be back for 2024,” Dimick expressed. “The goal has always been to bring a trophy to Charlotte, and I know as a club we are motivated more than ever to make 2024 the year that happens. I look forward to seeing our amazing fans back in Memorial Stadium soon!”

Dimick started and played a full 90 minutes in all 21 games he appeared in last season. The veteran missed the second half of the 2023 season due to injury, but his positive impact on the team was still undeniable.

“Though injury kept him from the last part of our season in 2023, Clay continued to be a great leader and motivator within our group and displayed the character for which he is respected,” Head Coach Mike Jeffries said. “I look forward to seeing him rejoin the group on the field in 2024 and play with the heart, intensity, and ability he always displays.”

The defender scored his first professional goal in the US Open Cup against Appalachian FC. He then added two more in league play. His stoppage time heroics against Greenville Triumph SC on July 19 secured a crucial three points for Charlotte en route to the championship run.

In 2022, Dimick started every match for the Jacks and co-led the team in interceptions with 37. He played in 20 matches in 2021 while logging 25 clearances, five blocks and 17 interceptions plus two assists on offense. Dimick originally joined the Independence in 2019.

Dimick is the sixth Independence player to be announced for the 2024 roster. He joins fellow defender Denzel Akyeampong; midfielders Luis Alvarez, Rayan Djedje, and Bachir Ndiaye; and goalkeeper Matt Levy.

ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE:

Defender Denzel Akyeampong Returning to Charlotte in 2024

Fox Soccer Academy product is the fifth player to return for the Jacks

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (December 8, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that defender Denzel Akyeampong will return for the 2024 season. Akyeampong first joined the squad in the middle of the 2023 season.

“I am very grateful to be back at the Independence for the 2024 season and hopefully win some silverware with the team,” Akyeampong commented. “Up the Jacks!”

During his first stint in the United States, Akyeampong continued to develop as a young player on the rise under Head Coach Mike Jeffries last season. Akyeampong joined the Jacks from the Fox Soccer Academy PRO scholarship program which competes in the top U16-U19 youth competitions in the United Kingdom.

“Denzel is another young, talented player we are excited to return to the squad for 2024,” Jeffries shared. “Though he signed his first professional contract in the middle of last season, his athletic and technical profile fit our prototype right back. In 2023 he was able to develop to the point of building high expectations for the coming season.”

Akyeampong joins Luis Alvarez, Rayan Djedje, Bachir Ndiaye, and Matt Levy who were all announced as returners for the Independence earlier this week.

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