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FREE TICKETS to watch the Jacks battle the Sasquatch

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 22, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that the club will host its 2nd Round US Open Cup match at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex at Matthews on Wednesday, April 5 at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free. Fans must complete this form to claim their ticket.

The event marks a special homecoming for several Charlotte Independence players and Head Coach, Mike Jeffries who called the Sportsplex home for 4 years before making the move to American Legion Memorial Stadium in 2021.

The Independence will host Appalachian FC following the Boone-based club’s first round victory over NC Fusion U-23 Wednesday night. The Sasquatch defeated NC Fusion 3-0 on penalties after the teams were tied 2-2 after extra time. 

Appalachian FC won their division in 2022 and made a run to the NPSL National Quarterfinals to secure their spot in this year’s US Open Cup.

Whether you’re traveling from near or far, the Charlotte Independence have organized a team of vendors to cater to fans making the trip to Matthews. Roman’s Café, Cuzzo’s Cuisine and Cream Ice Concepts food trucks, beer and merchandise.

The match will not be live streamed, but fans can claim their free ticket here.

Ngah made four caps for the Cameroonian National Team

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 22, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence announced today the signing of left back Fabrice Ngah ahead of the 2023 season. Ngah joins the Jacks after playing with Canon Yaoundé in the top flight of Cameroonian soccer. 

“Fabrice ticks all the boxes we wanted in a left back – athletic, strong, defensive qualities combined with quality play out of the back and the ability to make plays in the final third,” Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries said. “We barely missed out on bringing him to Charlotte several years ago. Since then we have seen him develop into an international with Cameroon.” 

Before Ngah’s time with Canon Yaoundé, he played with Egyptian side Cleopatra FC in the Egyptian Premier League. He made 12 appearances with Cleopatra from 2020-2021. 

Ngah spent the majority of his professional career with Raja Club Athletic in the Moroccan top flight, Botola. He made a combined 53 appearances across three seasons from 2018-2020. He scored two goals and earned two assists with Raja club Athletic. 

Ngah started his time in Morocco with Difaâ El Jadida in 2017 before he left in 2018. He made 30 appearances and earned one goal with four assists. 

Ngah received his first call up to the Cameroonian National Team in 2014 and has since appeared in four games. He last appeared for the national team in 2021 as a starter against Cape Verde in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. He started his professional career in Cameroon with Les Astres FC in 2013. 

“I am very happy to return to Charlotte because it is not the first time,” Ngah said. “I was already there, but it didn’t work out. This time it’s the right move, and I’m already excited to be with my new family.” 

The Charlotte Independence continue the 2023 USL League One season against South Georgia Tormenta FC on Saturday, March 25 at 7:30 P.M. Fans can watch for free at bahakelentertainment.com/sports.

Jacks post shutout in return to American Legion Memorial Stadium

The Charlotte Independence started the 2023 USL League One season with a 0-0 draw against defending regular season champions Richmond Kickers. The Jacks will return to action next week against defending league champions South Georgia Tormenta F.C. on Saturday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. 

“It was a good first game for us, the first half was a little bit of feeling out and they had a decent amount of possession,” Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries said. “We did a good job in general of limiting their chances throughout most of the game. We made a really good push in the second half and had enough good opportunities to get the goal and win the game but it didn’t happen. We have a lot to be positive about and build on in terms of our defending and shape.”

Both teams pressed early looking for the first goal of the game. The Independence’s first chance came in the 10th minute from #56 Gabriel Obertan, but his shot was blocked. The Jacks stayed on the attack with a corner kick, but were unable to score. 

Goalkeeper #1 Austin Pack was called into action early to make a save for the Independence in the 11th minute. He continued to be a steady force in goal just 10 minutes later when he made another save to keep it at 0-0. 

“It was good to get that first save out of the way, the first game of the season just trying to start strong,” Pack said. “To get a good save at the beginning of the game kind of gave us the momentum and gave me a little bit more confidence going into the start of the season. It was good to get that first save out of the way.”

The Jacks almost found the back of the net near the end of the first half, but #90 Khori Bennett’s shot was saved by the Richmond keeper. Obertan almost took advantage of a Richmond mistake in the back minutes later, but the Kickers’ defense kept the score 0-0. 

Neither team was able to find the back of the net in the first half, and went into the locker room tied 0-0. 

“First off we got a shutout so that’s huge for the first game of the year,” Captain Clay Dimick said. “You can see some of the stuff that we’ve been working on in training. We just weren’t sharp enough in the final third but we created a lot of chances to win the game. I feel like we could have won the game on a different day. Definitely a positive takeaway was the shutout.” 

The Jacks came out in the second half strong with a lot of chances created. Bennett had another look at goal, but the Kickers’ defense recovered to block his shot in the 57th minute. Charlotte stayed on the front foot, earning multiple corner kicks but the Jacks couldn’t convert. 

Jeffries went to his bench for the first time in the 60th minute, bringing on forwards #9 Dane Kelly and #14 Luis Alvarez to replace Bennett and midfielder #10 Miguel Ibarra. Both Kelly and Alvarez provided a spark on the attack with multiple chances created in the final 30 minutes of the match. 

“It was good to have Luis and Dane for a burst of energy in the second half and set a good tempo when they came on which was a plus and it helped us create some great chances,” Jeffries said. “[#27 Bachir Ndiaye] came in and did a very solid job in terms of winning balls in the middle of the field and making plays out of them. I’m very pleased with them.”

The Jacks continued creating attacking chances on the front foot, but Richmond’s defense kept the score 0-0 until full time. The Independence’s next match is on the road against defending USL League One Champions, South Georgia Tormenta FC, on Saturday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. Fans can watch for free on bahakelentertainment.com. 

The Independence’s next home game is against Union Omaha on Wednesday, April 19 at 7:00 p.m. Fans can buy their tickets at charlotteindependence.com.

Charlotte Independence Path to Pro Legacy Continues

CHARLOTTE N.C. (March 17, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence announced today the signing of two Charlotte Independence Soccer Club youth members to their first USL Academy contracts ahead of the 2023 season. Marco Wright and Aidan Morrison join the Jacks first team, continuing the Independence’s pathway to professional soccer for young players in Charlotte. 

“We are happy to add a solid group of Academy players to our roster this year,” Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries said. “These players have all developed well with the youth club and compete well with our group every day. This year, with a smaller roster, I am expecting and looking forward to contributions from them.” 

Wright is committed to play college soccer at Campbell University starting this fall after he graduates from Gaston Day School. He has won three state championships for the Spartans where he scored a goal and earned an assist in the 2022 NCISAA 2A state championship. 

“I’m most looking forward to playing and learning from the great players around me,” Wright said. 

With the Independence’s ECNL U17 team, Morrison made First Team All-Conference. He was selected for the ECNL National Selection Game in South Carolina and Virginia. Morrison is committed to play Division I soccer at The College of William & Mary after he graduates from East Lincoln High School where he was named to the 2022 All-State team. 

“I’m very excited to sign my first academy contract with Charlotte Independence,” Morrison said. “I’m looking forward to taking my game to the next level and the opportunity to work with such a great group of players and staff. I can’t wait to play in front of all the fans at Memorial Stadium.” 

The Charlotte Independence kick off the 2023 USL League One season against the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, March 18 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Home opener tickets are on sale now at charlotteindependence.com.

NISA Product Makes the Jump to USL League One

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 16, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence announced today the signing of defender Nick Spielman for the 2023 season. A three-year defender for NISA club Chattanooga FC, Spielman appeared in a total of 52 matches accumulating 4,060 minutes played and scored one goal. 

“Nick has impressed us as a solid, steady defensive presence during his time with us,” explained Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “He handles his defensive duties with a physical presence. He is composed playing out of the back and starting the attack. He has integrated quickly with the group and adds to a young, solid defensive corps.”

Spielman played three seasons of Division I college soccer at East Tennessee State University. He appeared in 26 matches and started in all 17 games during his final year with the Buccaneers.

Before transferring to East Tennessee State, Spielman played DII soccer for the Lincoln Memorial University Railsplitters. He was there for two seasons, making appearances in 32 games. 

“I’m really excited to be joining the Independence,” stated Spielman. “I hope to help the team go even further in the playoffs and bring a trophy to the great city of Charlotte! I’ve heard the fan base for the club is tremendous and am looking forward to playing in front of them as they are really what makes a club special.”

The Charlotte Independence kick off the 2023 USL League One season against the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, March 18 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Home opener tickets are on sale now at charlotteindependence.com.

2021 MLS SuperDraft pick last played with Charleston Battery in USL Championship

CHARLOTTE N.C. (March 15, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence announced today the signing of midfielder Avionne Flanagan for the 2023 season. Flanagan comes to Charlotte after several months with USL Championship club Charleston Battery where he made 10 appearances.

“Avionne is a player we have tracked for several years and are excited to finally add him to our roster. He is a naturally left sided player with the ability to play at the back and in midfield,” explained Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “His ability to run at players and create in the final third should add to our attack this season.”

In January 2021, Flanagan was selected 29th overall in the MLS SuperDraft by FC Cincinnati. He officially signed with the MLS club three months later in April. The following month, Flanagan was loaned out to USL Championship side Orange County SC. He made his first professional appearance on May 22 entering the match as a 82nd-minute substitute.

Flanagan was loaned again in September, this time to FC Tulsa where he remained for the rest of the 2021 USL Championship season.

At the end of 2021, FC Cincinnati declined their contract option on Flanagan. He then signed with FC Cincinnati 2, the club’s MLS Next Pro side ahead of their inaugural season in 2022.

The Baltimore native played college soccer at the University of South Florida. He made 48 appearances for the Bulls, scoring 4 goals and tallying 7 assists over three seasons. Throughout his college career, Flanagan earned First Team All-Conference honors and was named to the American Athletic Conference All-Academic Team.

While in school, Flanagan also played with NPSL side FC Baltimore Christos in 2018 and USL League Two club Treasure Coast Tritons in 2019.

Flanagan grew up playing with D.C. United’s Academy until 2016 when he spent a year with local club side Baltimore Armour.  

“First I would like to thank Coach Mike and the front office staff at the Independence for bringing me on board and allowing me to contribute to what I hope to be a historical season,” stated Flanagan. “I’m ecstatic to be a part of the club and can’t wait to take the pitch with the guys, in front of our fans. I’m looking forward to working hard for each individual in the building and am ready for March 18th as we embark on the new season.”

The Charlotte Independence kick off the 2023 USL League One season against the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, March 18 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Home opener tickets are on sale now at charlotteindependence.com.

Abrams appeared in one match for the Jacks in 2022

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 15, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that the club has acquired goalkeeper Noah Abrams on a full season loan from USL Championship club The Miami FC. Abrams, who spent a weekend with the Jacks in 2022, brings two years of USL Championship experience to the squad.

“In his short spell with us last year, Noah made a great impression as both a teammate and a goalkeeper,” explained Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “We are delighted to have him back with us in 2023 – in addition to being a good shot stopper, he brings confidence and presence to the position. I want to thank the management with Miami FC for working with us on Noah’s loan.”

Abrams appeared in one match for the Independence last June earning Save of the Week honors in his USL League One debut. Before joining Miami, Abrams’ USL Championship career began on September 8th, 2021 with Loudoun United.

Abrams played college soccer at Northeastern University. After three seasons from 2017-2019 (the 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic), he made 20 appearances for the Huskies, recording 59 saves and one clean sheet.

In college, Abrams also appeared in USL League Two for FA Euro New York in 2017, making two appearances. In 2018, he played with Brazos Valley Cavalry FC, making two additional League Two appearances.

Abrams moved from London, England to the United States when he was 10 years old attending Berkshire School in Sheffield, Massachusetts where he was Captain for three years. Abrams was also awarded the Captains arm band for his club team Black Rock FC for two seasons. 

“First and foremost, I want to thank the coaching staff for this opportunity. Coming on loan to Charlotte is a great step in my career to compete for minutes, but most importantly I’m here to help the team win as many matches as possible. Hopefully that results in a championship at the end of the season,” stated Abrams. “I am excited to meet all the fans and engage with the community as I have heard nothing but great things about the city.”

The Charlotte Independence kick off the 2023 USL League One season against the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, March 18 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Home opener tickets are on sale now at charlotteindependence.com.

18-year-old returns for his second season with the Jacks

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 14, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence announced today the return of Amin Ibrahim who joins under his second USL Academy contract with the Jacks. Ibrahim was first rostered with the Jacks in September 2022. He was called up after a positive summer season with the club’s USL League Two team.

Ibrahim appeared in three games for the club’s USL League Two team last summer and still looks for his first professional minutes. Native to Eritrea, Ibrahim is a Charlotte homegrown talent who spent the last couple years with the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club’s U18/U19 Academy.

Ibrahim will graduate from East Mecklenburg High School in June 2023. He continues to weigh options for collegiate soccer.

“I am really excited to sign with Independence again!” Ibrahim said. “This season I’m hoping to make an impact within the squad and do my best for the club. I also want to be an example for kids in the academy to show them with hard work and belief you can achieve whatever goals you have set for yourself.”

The Charlotte Independence kick off the 2023 USL League One season against the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, March 18 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Home opener tickets are on sale now at charlotteindependence.com.

Rookie midfielder from Senegal played college soccer at UNC Wilmington

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 10, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence announced today the signing of midfielder Bachir Ndiaye for the 2023 season. Ndiaye was drafted by Inter Miami CF in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft and played DI college soccer at UNC Wilmington (UNCW) where he earned a United Soccer Coaches All-Atlantic First Team Notice. 

“We are delighted to be the first stop on Bachir’s professional career,” Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries said. “Bachir is a physical central midfielder – a very capable ball winner with clever passing ideas and the ability to break down defenses on the dribble. He impressed us during his trial and continues to show why we believe he has a ceiling every day at training.”

Ndiaye joined the Seahawks as a sophomore in 2020. In three seasons he accumulated 2,434 minutes across 36 games played. In 2022, his senior season, Ndiaye was named to the CAA Championship All-Tournament team.  

Prior to transferring to UNCW, Ndiaye played one season at Louisburg College in Louisburg, NC where he scored 6 goals and had 3 assists with the Hurricanes. 

Ndiaye played high school soccer at Northside High School in Roanoke County, Virginia and earned a 3A All-State distinction. He was born in Dakar, Senegal and moved with his family to Jacksonville, N.C. in 2016. 

“I am very excited to start my professional career with Charlotte Independence,” Ndiaye said. “It’s such a great club with an amazing background. I can’t wait to get started in blue.”

The Charlotte Independence kick off the 2023 USL League One season against the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, March 18 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Home opener tickets are on sale now at charlotteindependence.com.