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Calendar includes 16 home matches and 16 away matches

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (January 11, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence released today, in conjunction
with USL League One, the club’s complete and expanded 2023 Regular Season Schedule. The
calendar spans from March – October and features 16 home matches plus 16 away matches.
The Independence will be looking to make the playoffs for a fourth straight season, and the
club’s sixth postseason appearance.

The Jacks opponents include Central Valley Fuego FC, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, Forward
Madison FC, Greenville Triumph SC, North Carolina FC, Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC,
Richmond Kickers, South Georgia Tormenta FC, Union Omaha and two new expansion sides
One Knoxville SC and Lexington Sporting Club.

The Independence season begins on Saturday, March 18 when the club hosts defending USL
League One regular season champs Richmond Kickers in the 2023 Home Opener presented by
Chick-Fil-A.

A three game road trip follows with visits to South Georgia Tormenta FC, Richmond Kickers and
North Carolina FC.

On two separate occasions, the Jacks will have three consecutive home games at American
Legion Memorial Stadium. First, in May/June vs. North Carolina FC, Chattanooga Red Wolves
SC and Union Omaha. Then, in July the Jacks host Greenville Triumph SC, Central Valley
Fuego FC and Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC.

Charlotte’s longest road stretch will be from June 17 through July 4. Over the course of two and
a half weeks, the Jacks will travel to One Knoxville SC, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, North
Carolina FC and Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC.

The final month of the regular season play will feature three home games for the Jacks, the last
of which hosts the reigning USL League One Champions, South Georgia Tormenta FC.
2023 Season Tickets are on sale now. Packages include significant savings starting at $5 per
game. Visit charlotteindependence.com to view the seat options at American Legion Memorial
Stadium and learn more about 2023 Season Ticket Member benefits.

To view the full Charlotte Independence 2023 Regular Season Schedule, click here.

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.In the club’s eight year
history, the Independence have qualified for the postseason six times. As part of the Queen City
Soccer Club, our mission is to make Charlotte a better place to live through sports. For more
information on club news, season tickets and more, visit charlotteindependence.com.

Veteran midfielder enters his second season with the Jacks

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (January 10, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence announced today the re-signing of midfielder Miguel Ibarra for the 2023 season. Ibarra led the team in assists last year with seven and scored three goals to help the Jacks make the 2022 USL League One Playoffs. 

“It’s huge for us to bring Miguel back,” Head Coach, Mike Jeffries said. “He, not only, can do it all, but he’s a great guy, a team leader and a super positive influence in the locker room. Clearly, the real plus side is he not only can compete and impress in every game he plays, but he can play in a number of different spots and is very comfortable in a number of different roles on the field.” 

Before joining the Independence, Ibarra played with USL Championship side San Diego Loyal in 2021 and scored two goals in 28 appearances. He made 12 appearances with the Seattle Sounders in MLS during the 2020 season and played in the CONCACAF Champions League against Honduran side C.D. Olimpia. 

Ibarra began his experience in MLS with Minnesota United during the club’s inaugural season in 2017. He appeared in 84 games and scored 11 goals over three seasons. Ibarra began his time with Minnesota United in 2012 in the North American Soccer League (NASL). In four seasons, he was named to the NASL Best XI (2013, 2014), NASL Player of the Month (2014) and was awarded the Golden Ball (2014) as the league’s best player at the conclusion of the season.

He spent time in Mexico with Club Léon in Liga MX from 2015-2017 and scored one goal in eight appearances.

Ibarra began his soccer career at Taft College and was named Central Valley Conference MVP. He then transferred to UC Irvine before his junior year. In his senior season, Ibarra earned All Big West First Team honors and was awarded the Big West Offensive Player of the Year. 

“I’m excited to be back in Charlotte and be playing with the Independence and be playing with this great organization and coaching staff,” Ibarra said. “More importantly, I’m happy to be back with a great core of guys! I can’t wait to be back and get going again. I think we have a little sour taste in our mouth from losing in the playoffs so we are ready to comeback and work toward that goal of bringing Charlotte and the fans a trophy.” 

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.

Jacks to host defending regular season champs Richmond Kickers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (January 5, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence today announced the date of the club’s 2023 Home Opener presented by Chick-Fil-A. The Jacks will host the defending regular season champs Richmond Kickers on Saturday, March 18 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Official match time remains to be determined. The fixture marks the club’s first match of the 2023 USL League One season.

“Playing at home is always a huge plus for us,” explained Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “Opening the season in front of our fans will add motivation and confidence to the group. Richmond was the top team in the league last season and one which matched up well against us. Playing them first provides an early measuring stick, but it is a great opportunity for a new group to come together.”

The Charlotte Independence have re-signed six players for the 2023 season including veteran, and Captain, Clay Dimick. The Jacks arsenal further includes defenders Shalom Dutey and Héctor Acosta, 2022 USL League One All League First Team member Omar Ciss and last year’s co-leading goal scorers Tresor Mbuyu and Khori Bennett.

“We have had a great start to the offseason,” stated Jeffries. “Being able to retain our strong core puts us in a great place heading into 2023, and having a consistent group at the start of preseason puts us well ahead of where we were last season. I look forward to being able to announce additional roster spots prior to the start of the season.”

The full 2023 Regular Season Schedule will be released soon.

2023 Season Tickets are on sale now. Packages include significant savings starting at $5 per game. Visit charlotteindependence.com to view the seat options at American Legion Memorial Stadium and learn more about 2023 Season Ticket Member benefits.

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 more information on club news, season tickets and more, visit charlotteindependence.com.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (December 7, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence today announced the club has re-signed six players for the 2023 USL League One Season. Those returning to the Queen City include: 

• Defenders – Clay Dimick, Shalom Dutey and Héctor Acosta
• Midfielder – Omar Ciss
• Forwards – Tresor Mbuyu and Khori Bennett

“We are delighted to maintain a core group of our players from our first USL League One Season and are looking forward to announcing additional player signings as we build the roster for 2023,” explained Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “This group of players came together well in 2022 and were consistent contributors to our successes last season. The current signed group of players all had breakout seasons in 2022, and I look forward to seeing them continue their developmental progress.”

2023 Season Tickets are on sale now with packages as low as $5 per game. For more information, please visit charlotteindependence.com.

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.

Club prepares for second season in USL League One

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (December 6, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence announced today open trial dates for the club’s USL League One men’s professional soccer team. The trial is a two-day event which runs from January 31, 2023 – February 1, 2023 at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex. The cost to register is $150.00. Interested players can register online at charlotteindependence.com.

“We are excited to continue the process of building the roster for 2023,” stated Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “The trial offers us the opportunity to view players in a competitive environment as we try to identify who can make an impact for our team while they continue to develop in their careers.”

Open Trial Schedule:

Tuesday, January 31

• 9:00 a.m. – Check In
• 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Session 1
• 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Session 2

Wednesday, February 1

• 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Session 3

In 2022, the Independence completed their first USL League One season with an overall record of 12-12-6. The club made the playoffs for the third year in a row, their first in USL League One. They held the second best home record across the league going 8-3-4 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The Jacks scored 49 goals in total, kept 6 clean sheets and placed two players on the USL All-League Honors list.

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.

Club committed to keeping the game affordable for all soccer fans

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (November 25, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence today announced fans will receive more soccer action and significant savings with all 2023 Season Ticket Packages. USL League One shared earlier this month a change to the 2023 competition schedule which now features 32 games, two additional regular season matches compared to the previous year. Details. Additional benefits for season ticket members include no PSL’s, no interest payment plans and exclusive access to member events and pre-game experiences. The reduced prices are consistent with the club’s commitment to keeping the game affordable for all soccer fans in the greater Charlotte region.

“We are very excited about the direction the club is heading in for 2023. In 2022, we made the playoffs for our third consecutive year, and our fans really brought the energy down the stretch to help put us over the top,” explained team President and COO, Tim Schuldt. “In 2023 we will continue our commitment to keep this beautiful game affordable and accessible to all. We will add one home game for a total of sixteen. There will be no PSL’s. We are rolling back our Supporters Group Season Ticket price to continue to deliver an exceptional value and an energy-filled experience. We recognize the economic situation is tough, therefore we will be holding our per-game season ticket pricing in all other sections of our grandstands. We are confident we’ll build on the momentum of 2022 and that next season will be our best yet with an exceptional product on the pitch and continued support from the city of Charlotte and our surrounding communities.”

2023 marks the Jacks third season at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The newly renovated venue offers fans seven seat options. Club seats for the fan who prioritizes comfort. Sideline Bench with Back seats are perfect for families or large groups. VIP On-Field seats are for the soccer aficionados. Choose VIP Overlook seats for the city skyline views, and for the most passionate fans, the club’s growing, high-energy Supporters Group section.

Supporters Group Season Tickets go on sale Friday, November 25. All other sections will be available for purchase on Monday, November 28.

To get started, visit the club’s updated website:

●  Seat Options
●  Seat Map
●  2023 Season Ticket Benefits
●  Group Outings

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 more information on club news, season tickets and more, visit charlotteindependence.com.

Goal scored by #56 Gabriel Obertan (8’).

STATESBORO, G.A. (October 22, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence’s first USL League One season came to an end following a dramatic 2-1 quarterfinal loss to South Georgia Tormenta FC tonight at Optim Sports Medicine Field. 

“The guys put a lot into the game,” Head Coach Mike Jeffries said. “I couldn’t be prouder in terms of the energy and effort that they poured into the night. They were fighting to the last minute of the game to get the equalizer.” 

With co-leading goal scorer #11 Tresor Mbuyu out with injury on the night, #56 Gabriel Obertan stepped up for the Jacks early in the first half. It was in the 8th minute that #2 Koa Santos defended well to win the ball off Tormenta and dish a short pass up to Obertan. He ran from box to box and put a rocket of a shot into the back of the net beating Tormenta goalkeeper #99 TJ Bush on the near post. The goal was Obertan’s fourth of the season giving Charlotte the early lead.

“I’m honestly very proud of this team,” Obertan said. “We didn’t start this season with much and we still managed to show good football and a lot of heart. I was looking forward to keeping it going but we got very unlucky tonight.”

South Georgia Tormenta FC earned the first corner kick of the match in the 11th minute. #10 Adrian Billhardt served the ball into the box and it was #5 Joshua Phelps who was first to it. He took the shot out of the air, but sent it high over the crossbar.

The Jacks earned back to back free kicks in the 24th and 26th minutes respectively. They were unable to capitalize, but defender #17 Clay Dimick made a huge tackle to prevent a counter attack on the other end by Tormenta and the speedy #7 Kingsford Adjei. 

“It’s been an honor to lead this group throughout the season,” Dimick said. “The fight we showed tonight, despite the obstacles thrown at us, shows who this team is. Thank you to the supporters who were here with us or back home, your support throughout the season means everything to us.”

Tormenta’s best look at goal in the first half came in the 36th minute after a through ball was played behind the Jacks defense and to the feet of Adjei. He passed the ball towards the back post. It rolled across frame and missed just wide.

Charlotte’s final opportunity of the half came in the 45th minute off another free kick. #13 Chris Hegardt put in the service which skipped by several Independence players with no one able to get a touch on it. 

The score at half: South Georgia Tormenta FC 0 – Charlotte Independence 1.

Tormenta came out pressing the Jacks back line in the second half. In the 48th minute, #9 Kazaiah Sterling turned in midfield with ample space in front of him. Charlotte was unable to close him down before a shot from outside the box bounced past Independence goalkeeper #30 Adrian Zendejas.

A minute later, a Tormenta through ball sent Sterling towards goal. Defender #3 Hector Acosta made contact from behind resulting in a red card. The Charlotte Independence dropped to 10 men for the remaining 40 minutes of the match.

The Jacks defense was under even more pressure now, but #5 Shalom Dutey came up with a big block in the 56th minute to intercept a dangerous cross.

Charlotte earned a free kick in the 62nd minute. Dimick ran up and touched the ball to the right to set up Obertan for the shot. It was another low attempt on frame, but he was unable to put it past the Tormenta goalkeeper.

A Tormenta corner kick in the 74th minute led to a called hand ball inside the box that gave the home team a look from the penalty spot. It was Sterling again for Tormenta who took the kick and passed it into the lower right corner of the net.

The Jacks did have several chances in the final minutes to equalize including a header from Dutey and a shot from #18 Illia Shevtsov, but were unable to find the back of the net.

“It’s too early to talk about the season,” Jeffries said. “I think in a couple of days we’ll go back and review it. I think right now, it’s time to feel for the guys and appreciate what they put into it.” 

Charlotte’s first USL League One season comes to an end in Statesboro. The final score: South Georgia Tormenta FC 2 – Charlotte Independence 1.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (October 19, 2022) – The #6 Charlotte Independence are set to take on #3 South Georgia Tormenta FC in the quarterfinal match of the 2022 USL League One Playoffs presented by Hisense. The team plays this Saturday, October 22 at Optim Sports Medicine Field at Tormenta Stadium in Statesboro, G.A. First kick is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. (ET). Fans can live stream the match on ESPN+.

This is the club’s third consecutive playoff appearance, their first in USL League One. Charlotte concluded their first USL League One regular season on Saturday, October 15 with a 5-1 victory over North Carolina FC, clinching the #6 seed on the night. 

The Charlotte Independence are 1-1-1 on the season vs. South Georgia Tormenta FC. The teams tied during their first meeting in May. Charlotte took game two on the road in Statesboro, and Tormenta took game three in the Queen City.

By The Numbers:

Goals scored by #13 Chris Hegardt (35’), #56 Gabriel Obertan (40’, 54’), #11 Tresor Mbuyu (59’), #18 Illia Shevtsov (84’).

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (October 15, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence punched their ticket to a third consecutive postseason appearance, their first in USL League One, Saturday night at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The Jacks defeated in-state rival, North Carolina FC, scoring five goals on the night and securing the #6 seed. Charlotte will face South Georgia Tormenta FC in the quarterfinal match on Saturday, October 22 at 7:00 p.m. (ET).

“We showed up and played well,” Head Coach Mike Jeffries said. “I’m proud of the guys for coming out with good intensity and good concentration. The guys stepped up their game for sure. It’s nice to get a win, get in the playoffs and give ourselves a chance.” 

Charlotte wasted no time creating chances in the final third. In the 3rd minute, #56 Gabriel Obertan played a one-two combination with #2 Koa Santos. Santos played the cross in towards the back post. #90 Khori Bennett got on the end of it with a header, but missed just wide.

The Jacks earned their first corner kick of the match in the 7th minute. They opted to play it short. A couple passes around the outside of the box led to a shot by #3 Hector Acosta who missed just wide.

#11 Tresor Mbuyu found himself on the counter attack in the 13th minute after a North Carolina corner kick was cleared out by #19 Quinn McNeill. In stride, he raced down the pitch. Around the 18 yard box, he took a touch to the right and hit the shot but missed wide hitting the side netting.

It was Obertan again with combination play to set up Hegardt for Charlotte’s first goal of the match in the 35th minute. Obertan himself took goal number two on the night after Mbuyu cut a pass back towards the top of the box. Obertan hit the strike through the legs of the NCFC defender and into the bottom left corner.

“We’re just so excited,” Hegardt said. “After last week we were very disappointed that we went to Greenville and lost. We have so much talent and so many good players in this locker room. We know that we’ve achieved our first goal of making the playoffs. We know we can go far, and this is just the first step.” 

The Independence led at halftime by two goals.

Early in the second half, Charlotte goalkeeper #30 Adrian Zendejas came up with a huge save off the strike from North Carolina’s #10 Jaden Servania. However, in the 54th minute he let one get through. This time it was #9 Oalex Anderson whose shot skipped off the turf and under Zendejas for NCFC’s only goal of the night.

Obertan answered with his second goal of the night just seconds later. It started with a perfectly placed long ball from defender #5 Shalom Dutey. Obertan managed to stay onside, and one on one with the goalkeeper, put away the clinical finish.

“I think it was all about the spirit, the mindset today because we knew it was a win or go home situation,” Obertan said. “It was a team effort, it could’ve been 1-0, but it was 5-1, it didn’t matter. We just wanted to go through.” 

Mbuyu got his name on the score sheet in the 59th minute from a corner kick taken by Hegardt. Bennett contested for the first 50/50 ball at the back post which fell straight to the feet of Mbuyu. He struck the half volley first-time and beat the NCFC goalkeeper near post.

A substitution calling in #18 Illia Shevtsov in the 83rd minute led the Jacks to their fifth and final goal of the night. Midfielder #6 Omar Ciss slotted a pass to Shevtsov inside the box. He made a couple moves to beat his defender with just enough space to rocket a shot into the upper right corner of the net.

With the three points, the Charlotte Independence secured the #6 seed and are heading on to the 2022 USL League One Playoffs presented by Hisense.

“The nice part about tonight is we’ve set a good standard,” Jeffries said. “We come in with confidence, we know what we’re capable of, and we know we can raise the level a little bit.” 

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence will face South Georgia Tormenta FC in the quarterfinal match on Saturday, October 22 at 7:00 p.m. (ET). The match will be streamed live on ESPN+.