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Charlotte Independence Upgrade Fan Amenities for 2023 Season

As the 2023 season approaches, it’s time to give you a rundown of what’s new at Charlotte Independence home games, starting with our Home Opener presented by Chick-Fil-A on Saturday, March 18. We’re talking merch (yes, merch!), games, beer, food … and scroll to the end to meet the new members of our front office. Let’s get to it:

Merchandise

Merch is back and better than ever! The club is introducing a brand new line of hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, scarves, novelties, and more. Fans may notice a variety of different trademarks. These logos and treatments are alternative designs that date back to the club’s inception in 2014. The collection focuses on comfort and style with a modern twist on the club’s, and the city’s, historic legacy.

Our full merch site is live! While we’re getting ready, we welcome you to browse all the items via our online store. All merch will also be available for purchase in person at the merch trailer during our 2023 Home Opener.

START SHOPPING

Party On The Plaza Games

Come for the soccer. Come early for the Party on the Plaza! Fans of all ages can have some pregame fun this season as soon as the gates open. You’ll find yard games like Jenga, Connect 4, Corn Hole, and more! Games will be located in our VIP Overlook areas and are open to all fans. Beer will be on sale for fans ages 21+.

New Beer Partners

Speaking of cold beverages. We’re excited to introduce two local craft beer partners for the 2023 season. First is Eleven Lakes Brewing Co. The family owned and operated brewery in Cornelius, N.C. will be serving up their new Yellow Card hard seltzer at the stadium all season long. The Pineapple Mango fruited seltzer is light, crisp and refreshing. It’s perfect for hot summer days near the pitch. Additionally, they’ll have their Northern Aggression and River Otter Red on draft, with their Lazy River IPA, Northern Aggression and Orange Is the New Pale in cans.

We’ve also partnered with Resident Culture Brewing Company. Their flagship brewery and taproom is located just minutes away from the stadium in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood. They’ll be stocking the stadium with multiple brews for fans to enjoy. On draft, we’ll have Lightning Drops Hazy IPA, Riding for the Feeling Pilsner, and Island Time Mexican Lager. Available in cans will be Country Kind of Silence Helles Lager, Forever Alone Hazy IPA, and Tropical Tryst Tiki Sour.

Thirsty yet?

VIP On-Field Food

Our VIP On Field Seats are getting a major upgrade with catered food from Piada Italian Street Food. This package is a must for soccer aficionados or anyone who wants a unique game-day experience. Fans get to watch the match from the pitch and receive a curated menu of food and beverages available through halftime.

Halftime Games

A fan favorite in 2022, the Lil’ Jacks Horse Races returns! Fans can sign up in advance on our website for a chance to race 50 yards down the pitch on inflatable horses. Four riders will be chosen for each game. Contestants are selected on a first-come first served basis.

A new addition to the lineup is our Hobby Horse Spin + Shoot. Two participants will start at the goal posts. Both will run to the top of the 18-yard box and spin 10 times. The first to score the penalty kick takes the point in a best-of-three competition.

Post-Game Watch Parties

More soccer? That’s right. We’re giving all Charlotte soccer fans a reason to come together and support the city’s two professional clubs. Five times this season, fans will be able to watch the Jacks compete at American Legion Memorial Stadium, then head over to Elizabeth Parlour Room at Hooligans FC to catch a Charlotte FC road match playing on all TVs.

Charlotte Independence players will join the party giving fans a chance to mix and mingle with the pros. Mark these dates on your calendar:

Saturday, March 18
Saturday, April 22
Saturday, June 3
Saturday, September 23
Saturday, September 30

Meet The Team

Our front office staff are the ones making it all happen. This season you’ll see some familiar faces, but also some newcomers to the organization.

Ashley Osiecki: VP of Marketing + Communications

Alex Kantor: Executive Director of Corporate Partnerships

Edwin Valentin: General Manager – Ticket Sales + Operations

Ulises Vega: Graphic Designer

Drew Hubbard: Senior Manager of Marketing + Broadcasting

Corey McClain: Photography/Videography Intern

Matt Ward: Communications Intern

Home Opener tickets are on sale now for as low as $12 per game. Visit charlotteindependence.com to secure your seats or give us a call at 704.206.1515.

Former USL Championship MVP and Golden Boot Winner Dane Kelly Returns to Charlotte

Club veteran reigns as USL Championship All-Time Leading Goal Scorer

CHARLOTTE N.C. (March 2, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence announced today the return of club veteran Dane Kelly. Kelly made 41 appearances with the Jacks from 2020-2021. He scored a combined 22 goals with five assists. In 2022, Kelly played with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in USL Championship. He appeared in 23 matches and scored seven goals with two assists.

“We are delighted to welcome Dane back to the Independence for a third time. Being able to add the USL’s leading scorer enhances our attack,” Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries said. “Dane provides mobility and pace up front, as well as a nose for goal and great box presence. Dane brings experience, savvy, and composure to the role and I look forward to seeing him continue putting balls in the back of the net for the Independence.”

Last year, Kelly became the first player in USL Championship history to score 100 league goals. He helped lead Pittsburgh to a playoff berth before the Riverhounds fell in the Conference Semifinals on penalties.

Kelly played for Ihud Bnei Sakhnin of the Israeli Premier League in 2021 where he recorded 17 appearances. He scored once in the Israeli domestic cup competition, Gavia haMedina.

The Jamaican forward’s first stint with Charlotte was in 2020. He played 16 games and scored 11 goals with two assists.

“I’m very excited to be back with the Independence and can’t wait for the season to start,” Kelly said. “Independence always feels like home to me and I’m definitely looking to help bring silverware to the Queen City this season.”

Before he came to Charlotte, Kelly played with Indy Eleven in USL Championship and scored 10 goals with five assists across 37 appearances in 2019. He joined MLS side D.C. United in 2018 and made two appearances.

In 2017, Kelly won both the league USL Championship MVP and the Golden Boot with 18 goals for Reno 1868 FC. He received his first call up to the Jamaican National team in 2017. Since then, Kelly has scored twice in four appearances for the Reggae Boyz.

Kelly made 24 appearances for Swope Park Rangers and scored eight goals with two assists in 2016. He played with the Charleston Battery from 2011-2015 and scored 48 goals with nine assists across 119 appearances.

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.

Charlotte Independence Sign Midfielder Brad Dunwell

Former Demon Deacon and 2x ACC Champion with USL Championship Experience Returns to the Carolinas

CHARLOTTE N.C. (February 21, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence announced today the signing of midfielder Brad Dunwell for the 2023 season. Dunwell was drafted by the Houston Dynamo in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft and later spent three seasons in USL Championship. He played DI college soccer in Winston-Salem, N.C. at Wake Forest University where he won two ACC titles.

“Brad is another quality signing – a two way midfielder with loads of USL Championship experience,” Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries said. “Brad not only has a high completion percentage in his passing, but has the ability to play forward and find the most dangerous option. Defensively, he brings relentless energy and tenacity as well as the ability to cut off passing lanes and intercept balls.”

Last season, Dunwell played with Detroit City FC in USL Championship where he appeared in 20 matches and earned one assist.

Prior to his time in Detroit, Dunwell spent two seasons in USL Championship with the Oklahoma City Energy FC. He made a combined 34 appearances with the Energy from 2020-2021.

Dunwell’s first USL Championship season was in 2019 with Rio Grande Valley FC. He made five appearances with the Toros while on loan from Houston Dynamo who drafted Dunwell in the third round of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft.

Before going pro, Dunwell spent four seasons at Wake Forest University. He started in 91 matches for the Demon Deacons, the third-highest in program history. Dunwell helped Wake Forest win two ACC Tournament Championships in 2016 and 2017, and two regular season titles in 2017 and 2018.

The Demon Deacons made the NCAA tournament all four years of Dunwell’s college career, including an appearance in the National Championship in 2016.

“I’m super excited to join Charlotte Independence and do everything I can to bring the club success,” Dunwell said. “Mike and his staff have put together a great squad and I’ve really enjoyed the environment so far. The guys have been really welcoming and helpful in getting me settled into this awesome city. I can’t wait to get out at Memorial Stadium and feel the supporters’ energy.”

Charlotte Independence USL W League Team Announces 2023 Schedule

The pre-professional women’s team enters its second season.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (February 21, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence women’s pre-professional soccer team today announced the 2023 schedule for their second USL W League season. The campaign includes six away games and six home games, two of which will be hosted in Uptown, Charlotte at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The remaining four matches will be played in Huntersville, N.C. at the Community School of Davidson’s Spartan Athletic Complex.

The team starts with three consecutive home matches in May vs. NC Courage, Greenville Liberty and FC Carolinas respectively. Duals between NC Courage and FC Carolinas will be played at American Legion Memorial Stadium as double headers with the club’s USL League One men’s professional team.

Charlotte has eight games during the month of June. It starts with two away games at Asheville City and Greenville Liberty. The women return home for one match vs. Wake FC before going back on the road for three straight road trips to NC Fusion, NC Courage and Wake FC. The month ends with two home matches vs. Asheville City and NC Fusion at the Community School of Davidson’s Spartan Athletic Complex.

The season finale is on Saturday, July 1 at FC Carolinas.

USL W League games played at American Legion Memorial Stadium are double header nights with the club’s USL League One men’s team. Any tickets purchased for the men’s matches on those dates will also be valid for the women’s games.

Details on access to games played at the Community School of Davidson’s Spartan Athletic Complex will be coming soon.

Stay connected with the team throughout the 2023 season by following them on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

Club Veteran Joel Johnson Returns to Charlotte

Johnson recorded 150 appearances with the Independence across 6 seasons

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (February 14, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence announced today the signing of Joel Johnson for the 2023 season. Johnson played with the Independence from 2016-2021 and made 150 appearances. In 2022, Johnson played at Hartford Athletic in USL Championship. He appeared in 34 matches, scored four goals and earned an assist.

“The return of Joel marks a great day for us. From his start with the Independence seven years ago, Joel has proven to be one of the top outside backs in the USL,” Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries said. “He brings energy daily and has a tremendous engine and work rate. Equally as important, he adds quality to our possession with his ability to find passes, beat players, and make plays in the final third. Most importantly, Joel is a fantastic locker room presence – always positive, but also able to push players to be better.”

Johnson scored a combined three goals and earned 14 assists across six seasons with the Jacks. All three of his goals came during the 2021 season, including a goal in the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs against Memphis 901 FC in the club’s first ever playoff win.

Before Johnson joined the Independence, he played with Real Jaén of the Spanish Segunda Division B in 2015. He scored one goal in 16 appearances with Real Jaén. He played with Real Madrid C from 2012-14 and made a combined 50 appearances with one goal.

Johnson made his professional debut with Valencia B in Spain at 17 in 2007. He made his La Liga debut in 2010. Johnson played a combined 44 matches with Valencia B in the Spanish third division.

“I’m happy to return home and excited about the team that is being assembled,” Johnson said. “This year can be ours without a doubt.”

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

Charlotte Independence Announce 2023 Preseason Schedule

Jacks to face league rivals, MLS NEXT PRO sides, and local opposition during the campaign.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Wednesday, February 8) – The Charlotte Independence announced today a five-game preseason schedule in preparation for the 2023 USL League One campaign. The lineup features league one rivals, MLS NEXT PRO sides and local opposition.

The Jacks open preseason in the Queen City traveling up I-85 to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte on Saturday, February 11 at 2:00 p.m. This is the second straight preseason the Independence have started against the 49ers.

Next, the Jacks travel to Greenville, South Carolina to take on USL League One rivals Greenville Triumph SC at Bob Jones University in a friendly on Saturday, February 18.

The Independence return home to face Charlotte FC’s new MLS NEXT Pro side, Crown Legacy FC, at the Sportsplex at Matthews. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, February 25 at 10:00 a.m.

Another MLS NEXT Pro club, Columbus Crew 2, travels to Charlotte to take on the Jacks on Saturday, March 4 at 10:00 a.m. The location for the match remains to be determined.

The Independence finish the 2023 preseason against another USL League One rival, North Carolina FC, on Saturday, March 11 at 2:00 P.M at WakeMed Soccer Park.

Full Preseason Schedule:

Saturday, February 11 – 2:00 P.M.
Away at University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Open to the Public

Saturday, February 18 – 2:00 P.M.
Away at Greenville Triumph SC – Bob Jones University

Saturday, February 25 – 10:00 A.M.
Home vs. Crown Legacy FC at Sportsplex at Matthews
Closed

Saturday, March 4 – 10:00 A.M.
Home vs. Columbus Crew 2 – Location TBD
Open to the Public

Saturday, March 11 – 2:00 P.M.
Away at North Carolina FC – WakeMed Soccer Park

Charlotte Independence Re-Sign Homegrown Defender Carson Talboys

CISC Youth Academy Product Returns for Second Season

CHARLOTTE N.C. (February 6, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence announced today the re-signing of defender Carson Talboys for the 2023 season. Talboys first joined the Independence ahead of the 2022 USL League One season. He scored one goal from a set piece and appeared in 23 matches.

“We are delighted to have Carson back for his second pro season and look forward to seeing him continue his development,” Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries said. “Another local product, Carson brought a strong defensive presence to our group last year as well as the ability to play comfortably out of the back. I expect to see him continue the leadership qualities he displayed as a rookie.”

Talboys, a Huntersville, N.C. native, played at Wilmington University for his final college season in 2021. At Wilmington, he was named the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Defensive Player of the Year and was named First-Team All-CACC. He scored six goals and earned two assists with the Wildcats.

Before he transferred to Wilmington, Talboys spent four seasons at Catawba College. He was named team captain and played every minute as a center back in his final year with the Indians. At Catawba, he appeared in 50 games and made 41 starts.

Talboys played high school soccer at Lake Norman Charter High School and played for the Carolina Rapids USDDA team during his junior and senior seasons.

“I’m very excited to be returning to my hometown club for my second season! I can’t thank the coaching staff and owners enough for having that belief in me to come back and make a big impact in my second year,” Talboys said. “I learned a lot in my first professional season, and I have no doubt I’ll be able to capitalize on that and showcase my abilities on the pitch. We have a great group of returners and newcomers this season, and we are set to make a big run this year and lift the final trophy!”

Goalkeeper Austin Pack Re-Signs with Charlotte for 2023

CHARLOTTE N.C. (January 24, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that goalkeeper, and club veteran, Austin Pack will return to the Jacks for the 2023 season. He spent the latter half of the 2022 season with the Independence following a brief stint with USL Championship club Hartford Athletic. Pack was a key player for Charlotte in 2021 helping lead the team to a record-breaking season and the club’s first-ever playoff win.

“We are excited to have Austin return for the 2023 season. He was an integral part of the team’s success in 2021 – he brings composure, experience, and leadership to the position,” explained Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “In addition to being an excellent shot stopper, Austin’s ability to read the game and communicate with his teammates strengthens us defensively.”

Before returning to the Independence mid-season in 2022, Pack spent six months with Hartford Athletic where he made 11 saves and earned a 1.81 goals-against average in five appearances.

Pack first joined the Independence in 2020. In 2021, he played a major role in the club’s success recording 51 saves and six clean sheets on the season.

Prior to his time in Charlotte, Pack played in the USL Championship with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Portland Timbers 2. He made three saves across seven appearances with the Riverhounds in 2019. With the Timbers in 2018, he made two saves across two appearances.

Pack played college soccer with the Charlotte 49ers from 2012-15. He appeared in 45 matches and made 108 saves. He helped lead the 49ers to a Conference USA Regular Season Title, a Conference USA Championship and three NCAA tournament appearances.

“I feel grateful to have the opportunity to return to the Independence and to continue pushing forward in my career,” stated Pack. “Thank you to the owners, coaches and front office who have been nothing but supportive of me since day one.”

Charlotte Independence Re-Sign Premier League Midfielder Gabriel Obertan

Former Manchester United and Newcastle United midfielder returns for his third season with the Jacks

CHARLOTTE, N.C.(January 21, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence announced today the re-signing of midfielder Gabriel Obertan for his third season with the Jacks. Last year, Obertan scored four goals and provided three assists for the Independence, leading the team to their first USL League One playoff appearance.

“I am excited for Gabriel’s return to the Independence in 2023. Having a player of his caliber raises the bar for our group every day, from both his leadership and his quality,” stated Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “Importantly though, it’s his third year with us and it will be the first time he has been with us for the entire season. With the ability to pull off a game changing play at any moment, Gabriel adds a high level of quality and composure to our attack and brings added confidence to the team.”

In his first season with the Independence, Obertan scored five goals and earned two assists to help lead the Jacks to the 2021 USL Championship Conference semifinals.

Before he joined the Independence, Obertan played for Turkish side Ezurumpsor and scored a combined eight goals and earned five assists across 71 appearances from 2018-21. Prior to his time in Turkey, Obertan played with Levski Sofia in Bulgaria (2017-18), English side Wigan Athletic (2017), and Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala (2016).

Obertan played with Newcastle United in the English Premier League before making the move to Anzhi Makhachkala. With Newcastle, he scored three goals and earned 10 assists across 77 appearances from 2011-16 in the Premier League and UEFA Europa League.

He began his stay in the Premier League with Manchester United from 2009-11. He appeared in both league play as well as the UEFA Champions League with the Red Devils. Obertan scored one goal and provided four assists across 27 appearances, one goal and two assists came in Champions League play.

Obertan began his professional career with French club Bordeaux and appeared in 79 games, scored six goals and provided five assists between 2006-09. He left Bordeaux for a short stint with fellow French side, FC Lorient, where Obertan scored two goals in 17 appearances.

“I didn’t need much convincing to keep the adventure going,” Obertan said. “I can’t wait to be back in action and I am really looking forward to this new season.”

Charlotte Independence Sign 19-Year-Old Honduran Midfielder Luis Álvarez

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (January 13, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence announced today the signing of Honduran midfielder Luis Álvarez ahead of the 2023 season. Álvarez, just 19 years old, previously played with Lobos UPNFM in the Honduran Liga Nacional.

“Luis fits the profile that we’ve been pushing toward, being a young, technical, up and coming player,” Head Coach, Mike Jeffries said. “He’s got wonderful feet, good passing ability and is very creative in the final third. It will be exciting to see him and have him with our group for preseason and watch how he’s able to develop over the course of the season.”

He played college soccer at Instituto España Jesús Milla Selva in Honduras. In 2019, Álvarez won the U-16 and U-18 championship with Lobos UPNFM before he made his professional debut with the same club two years later.

Álvarez made 18 appearances in Liga Nacional, starting in 10 matches and coming on as a substitute in eight games.

“I’m ready to take this opportunity where I will be giving all my effort for the benefit of the club & myself, and to obtain better achievements in 2023,” Álvarez said.

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