Home

Charlotte Independence Teams Up with Uncle Maddios Pizza

Uncle Maddio’s Pizza named the Official Pizza Partner of the Charlotte Independence and the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (January 6, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence announced today a partnership with Uncle Maddio’s Pizza to deliver a next generation pizza experience for families and fans. Uncle Maddio’s Pizza will be recognized as the Official Pizza Partner of the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club.

The Charlotte Independence will support an on-going box topper promotion throughout the season that rewards families and fans with two free match tickets after purchasing a meal kit from Uncle Maddio’s Pizza. Details to follow.

“Uncle Maddio's Pizza is a lot like the Charlotte Independence,” explained Tim Schuldt, President and COO of the Charlotte Independence. “They’re growing, investing in the community, and delivering a quality experience at an affordable price. Their motto ‘Served With Love’ is also consistent with our values of serving the Charlotte community in the same way. We appreciate the folks at Uncle Maddio’s for investing to help us grow the game and serve our community.”

Uncle Maddio’s Pizza will be the title sponsor for one of the major Charlotte Independence Soccer Club youth tournaments hosted in January 2022. The Uncle Maddio’s Pizza logo will also be placed on the backs of 1,000 youth club training tops this year.

“We’re thankful to the Uncle Maddio's Pizza partners in Charlotte,” stated Thomas Finley, CEO of the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club. “Their quality products and alignment to serve our community make this a terrific fit. We look forward to helping them grow in Charlotte!”

“When we pick partners to work with, of course we look for opportunities to grow our brand and our sales, but we’re also very mindful of the types of folks we partner with,” stated Alex Cook, Owner/GM of Uncle Maddio’s Pizza. “The Independence's values of community, character and commitment align perfectly with Uncle Maddio's Pizza. We look forward to serving our products to their families, fans and teams with a lot of love!”

ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE:

The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team joined the United Soccer League (USL) Championship as an expansion team in September 2014. An ownership group led by Jim McPhilliamy, the President & Managing Partner of Major League Lacrosse’s Charlotte Hounds, acquired the USL franchise rights from the Charlotte Eagles. McPhilliamy and his investment group founded Queen City Sports Club with the goal of making Charlotte a better place to live through annual increases in both the quality and quantity of events that are provided for the community.

In the fall of 2018, Queen City Sports Club and the Charlotte Independence signed a 10-year lease to move to American Legion Memorial Stadium following a revitalization of the historic landmark set for the spring of 2021. The Independence is focused on building the profile of the club through culture, community and performance as the team moves to American Legion Memorial Stadium. For details on 2022 Season Memberships, visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or call 704-206-1515.

Social Media: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE SOCCER CLUB:

In April 2019, the Charlotte Independence announced a historic formation of the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (Independence SC). Independence Soccer Club is one of the top-10 largest, youth-to-professional clubs in the United States with a player network of close to 12,000 members, formed from existing youth soccer clubs of Carolina Rapids Soccer Club, Discoveries Soccer Club, and Lake Norman Soccer Club. Together, Independence Soccer Club is positioned to build a better club in serving the surrounding Charlotte-area soccer communities.

Independence Soccer Club is a comprehensive soccer club with playing levels for boys and girls ranging from recreation levels, ECNL, USL (United Soccer League) Academy, USL W League, USL League Two, and USL League One. The creation of Independence Soccer from Carolina Rapids Soccer Club, Discoveries Soccer Club, and Lake Norman Soccer Club allows for pooled resources from all clubs, which effectively elevates player experiences and club programming, increases in coaches development opportunities, and strengthens partnerships with local municipalities and sponsors. The affiliation with the Charlotte Independence professional soccer team provides players a clear pathway to the highest level of professional soccer. The Charlotte Independence currently plays in the United Soccer League Championship at the Sportsplex at Matthews and is focused on building the profile of the club through culture, community and performance as the team moves to a revitalized 10,000-seat American Legion Memorial Stadium in the spring of 2021.

The creation of Independence Soccer Club has allowed for pooled resources from all legacy clubs, which has effectively elevated player experiences, expanded club programming, increased coaching development opportunities, and strengthened partnerships with local municipalities and sponsors. It has also enhanced marketing efforts, increased sponsorship opportunities, and facilitated future infrastructure development in every single community associated with the club.

Social Media: Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

“Uncle Maddio’s Pizza is a lot like the Charlotte Independence,” explained Tim Schuldt, President and COO of the Charlotte Independence. “They’re growing, investing in the community, and delivering a quality experience at an affordable price. Their motto ‘Served With Love’ is also consistent with our values of serving the Charlotte community in the same way. We appreciate the folks at Uncle Maddio’s for investing to help us grow the game and serve our community.”

“We’re thankful to the Uncle Maddio’s Pizza partners in Charlotte,” stated Thomas Finley, CEO of the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club. “Their quality products and alignment to serve our community make this a terrific fit. We look forward to helping them grow in Charlotte!”

“When we pick partners to work with, of course we look for opportunities to grow our brand and our sales, but we’re also very mindful of the types of folks we partner with,” stated Alex Cook, Owner/GM of Uncle Maddio’s Pizza. “The Independence’s values of community, character and commitment align perfectly with Uncle Maddio’s Pizza. We look forward to serving our products to their families, fans and teams with a lot of love!”

ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE:

Social Media: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE SOCCER CLUB:

Social Media: Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

2021 Community Commitment Report

The Charlotte Independence strives to make the Queen City a better place to live through sports! That’s our mission, and we count it a privilege to partner with our players, coaches, supporters, youth academy and our corporate partners to serve this community.

This holiday season, we thank you for being a part of our extended soccer family, and we wish you a happy, safe and prosperous New Year!

Independence W League Team Update

Independence Families,

I am writing everyone today to share some information about the recently announced Charlotte Independence W League team. Having just returned from the United Soccer League (USL) annual summit, I can’t tell you how excited I am about the development of the W League and the fact that Charlotte Independence is an inaugural member of this league as the sole representative from the Charlotte area. Having been involved in youth soccer in the Charlotte area for 20 years, I personally see this as a huge step forward for girls’ and women’s sports in the area and the nation.

The W League is a USL pre-professional league that will feature 35 (and counting) teams from around the country. Our team will be highly competitive from day one, featuring top level collegiate and post-collegiate players as well as some very special pre-collegiate athletes. The season will run from May 1 through July 24, 2022. The level of professionalism, competition and attention to detail will go far beyond previous summer collegiate leagues and create a true pathway for players that will ultimately connect our youth players will future professional play.

The W League team will provide former Independence players an opportunity to continue their soccer growth and development and potential soccer career arc. It will also provide a great way for Independence Youth to watch high level soccer live and see what can be achieved in their own futures if they so desire. This a major development for our community.

I am also pleased to announce that Greg Ashton will assume the role of Interim General Manager for the Charlotte Independence W League team, and we will be holding open player combines on January 5, 2022 and January 12, 2022 for any player who is interested in being considered to play on the team this coming summer. These sessions will be held at Richard Barry Park, from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM, and they are open to any current or former collegiate player as well as graduating seniors who are preparing to play collegiate soccer in the Fall of 2022 at no cost.

Athletes can CLICK HERE to register at no cost for these combines. Athletes in need of more information should reach out directly to Greg Ashton (email | bio)

Stay tuned for additional W League announcement from the club.

Chad Metzler
Charlotte Independence Chief Operating Officer

Independence Families,

Athletes can CLICK HERE to register at no cost for these combines. Athletes in need of more information should reach out directly to Greg Ashton (email | bio)

Stay tuned for additional W League announcement from the club.

Chad Metzler
Charlotte Independence Chief Operating Officer

Charlotte Independence to rekindle rivalries in USL League One starting in 2022

Team to focus on its youth-to-pro player pathway and better serve the Charlotte Soccer Community

Charlotte, N.C. (December 2, 2021) – “The Charlotte Independence are excited to announce a continuation of the partnership we have had with the USL since 2015, as our men’s professional team will prepare to compete in USL League One starting in 2022” said Jim McPhilliamy, CEO & Managing Partner of the Independence.

The team will play its first full season in the newly renovated American Legion Memorial Stadium next season after enjoying a partial season there in 2021. “We love our new home in American Legion Memorial Stadium” said principle team owner, Dan DiMicco. “Our team loved playing there this season, and we were able to build on winning our 2020 USL Championship Group last season by delivering our first-ever, home playoff match victory in 2021” DiMicco continued. “We couldn’t be prouder of this year’s team and it’s run at the Championship this season.”

The move to USL League One will allow the Independence to better serve the Charlotte soccer community. “We believe the Independence can better serve the Charlotte soccer community by increasing our focus on developing up-and-coming soccer players as they hone their talents,” said McPhilliamy. “Having our men’s professional team compete in USL League One provides an excellent opportunity to field even more players with Queen City roots. We love the Charlotte soccer community and want it to succeed at all levels.”

The Independence have worked diligently since their founding to build a strong model for player development for both men and women, as well as providing a highly entertaining, quality brand of soccer. “For our local soccer fans, the on-the-field product will remain a highly competitive professional level of men’s soccer – and at a very affordable price point. This move will allow us to work and collaborate more closely with our leading youth academy on the development of local and regional talent,” said team President & COO Tim Schuldt. “Coupled with the announcement of our USL W-League team starting next year, we will deliver the best youth-to-pro development platform for both boys and girls in our region.”

“Charlotte is a key market for the USL and American Legion Memorial Stadium is a great place to experience a game. We are excited to see the Independence join League One and the W League in 2022.” said USL President Jake Edwards. “The Independence and their academy deliver a robust and successful example of USL’s player pathways. We look forward to working with the Independence to continue to deliver exceptional player development and attractive soccer on the field.”

Founded in 2015, the Independence have always strived to put a competitive product on the pitch, going 85-65-59 all time. For local soccer fans, the Independence will continue to play at a highly competitive, fully professional level while focusing more on local talent. The move to League One will rekindle traditional rivalries with both the Richmond Kickers and North Carolina FC, which both preceded the Independence in their moves to League One. New rivalries will be formed with regional teams from South Georgia, Greenville and Chattanooga, providing fans easy access to many home and away matches throughout the season. New League One national opponents will include Omaha, Tucson, and Madison.

The team announced season tickets are now on sale for the Christmas gift-giving season with a Supporters Group season ticket starting at just $99 for 15 League One games and 6 W League games.

Charlotte Independence Postseason Journey Ends in Louisville

2021 season ranks as the best in club history.

LOUISVILLE, KY (Saturday, November 13) – The Charlotte Independence fell to the Central Division’s #1 ranked Louisville City FC by a score of 1-0 at Lynn Family Stadium tonight in the USL Championship Eastern Conference Semifinal match. The 2021 season ranks as the best in club history with your Jacks finishing 2nd in the Atlantic Division and posting an overall record of 18-9-6.

Simply stated by #19 Enzo Martinez, “It was an honor to play with this group.”

Both teams got after it from the very start of the match and it was Louisville who earned an early corner kick in the second minute. The service flew into the six-yard box and it was Goalkeeper #1 Austin Pack who came off his line to punch the ball up and out of play.

On the attacking end, your Jacks found space through the midfield. #32 Gabriel Obertan passed to #56 Sylvain Marveaux who laid it off to #7 Joel Johnson. Johnson put a dangerous, low ball through the box with nobody able to get on the end of it.

#4 Jake Areman struck Charlotte’s first shot on goal in the 12th minute of play after taking on a couple of Louisville defenders. Goalkeeper #1 Chris Hubbard made the save. The Jacks looked impressive again in the 37th minute after Johnson’s cross found #29 Dane Kelly who attempted the bicycle kick in and around the six-yard box. He got a piece of it, but the ball trickled just wide.

Later in the half, it was the Jacks defense who came up big to keep things all square. First, it was #22 Christian Fuchs who made a sliding tackle after a long ball over the top found Louisville’s #10 Brian Ownby in behind. Then, it was #2 Kevin Riascos with another big block to close the half. The score remained tied, LOU 0 – CLT 0.

Charlotte seemed to find more opportunities early in the second half pressing the Louisville back line. In the 59th minute, #13 Brandt Bronico flicked a heel pass back to #9 Irvin Parra who dished it off to Areman. The shot soared high and over the crossbar.

Defensively, Pack made another big save in the 65th minute shielding the ball off the goal line to keep the Jacks in the game. With momentum building, Parra took a confident strike from distance in the 74th minute forcing Hubbard to lay out and make a save.

Charlotte was unfortunate in the 88th minute of play to concede a hand ball inside the box which resulted in a penalty kick for Louisville. #17 Cameron Lancaster took the kick and scored.

The Jacks pushed everyone forward for the final five minutes of stoppage time, but were simply unable to find the back of the net. The final score: LOU 1 – CLT 0.

“I’m gutted for the players and for the organization. I thought the guys put everything into the game and it was a fantastic, hard fought playoff game … I think this is a special group which is why we’re so disappointed that it ended as it did. It’s for them, you know they put so much into it. The group came together fantastically, and it’s a really strong locker room. There are guys that have been here for a long time and they deserve better.”

Simply stated by #19 Enzo Martinez, “It was an honor to play with this group.”

Charlotte was unfortunate in the 88th minute of play to concede a hand ball inside the box which resulted in a penalty kick for Louisville. #17 Cameron Lancaster took the kick and scored.

The Jacks pushed everyone forward for the final five minutes of stoppage time, but were simply unable to find the back of the net. The final score: LOU 1 – CLT 0.

Semifinal Screenings at Devils Logic Brewing and Hooligans on Elizabeth

Saturday, November 13 | 7:30 PM | Louisville City FC vs. Charlotte Independence

The Charlotte Independence secured the club’s first playoff win in franchise history on Saturday, November 6 after a 3-1 win over Memphis 901 FC in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. Louisville City FC will host the Jacks at Lynn Family Stadium on Saturday, November 13 for the semifinal match. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM, and we’re throwing a playoff watch party weekend so fans of all ages can come out and BACK THE JACKS!

You know the drill. Join Charlotte Independence players, front office staff, Mecklenburg Reserves and other fútbol fans at Devil’s Logic Brewing this Saturday, November 13. Clean, crushable, well-balanced brews will be on tap and your Jacks will be LIVE on the big screen. RSVP is encouraged and the first 20 fans receive a free beer! The party starts at 7:00 PM.

P.S. The semifinal match will also be on the TV’s at Hooligans on Elizabeth (Independence HQ) for any fans who want to check out their new location.

Charlottes Mike Jeffries Voted Championships Coach of the Month

Independence won six out of seven games in going undefeated over final month of regular season

TAMPA, Fla. – The Charlotte Independence’s Mike Jeffries has been voted the USL Championship’s Coach of the Month for October presented by Cleer Audio. Jeffries earned the honor after guiding his side to an undefeated final month of the regular season with six wins out of seven games that saw the Independence claim second place in the Championship’s Atlantic Division.

In his second stint as the Independence’s Head Coach, Jeffries this year led the side to a second consecutive postseason appearance with the strong returning core led by forward Dane Kelly, midfielder Enzo Martinez, defender Hugh Roberts and goalkeeper Brandon Miller was supplemented by some notable names that joined the club prior to and during the current campaign. At the forefront is defender and former Premier League title-winner Christian Fuchs, who has stepped into the club’s back three impressively, and he has been joined by attacking midfielders Sylvain Marveaux and Gabriel Obertan, both of whom brought extensive top-flight experience to the side from England and France.

“Adding Christian, Sylvain, and Gabriel has not only added to the quality of the group, but they provide excellent experience and mentorship for the group,” said Jeffries. “With them, the day-to-day expectation bar is higher for everyone, which has improved us as group. Training is more competitive, in terms of both quality, mentality, and habits, which translates into our stronger game performances."

“Their leadership also shows in our on-field organization in training and games; in addition, their ability to put an arm around or speak with younger players from the perspective of a player who has played at high levels is invaluable.”

The Independence claimed their first postseason victory in club history last weekend, defeating Memphis 901 FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium, and this Saturday the side will face Louisville City FC in the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs, presented by TwinSpires. Jeffries has been delighted with the manner in which the team has gone about managing its run into the postseason, and what that offers in terms of claiming the Independence’s first silverware.

“The players have done a fantastic job of maintaining the focus on just the next game and not worrying about where we were in the standings on a given day,” said Jeffries. “The staff has done outstanding work keeping the group healthy, motivated, and prepared through the stretch run of the season. As some of the midseason player additions have worked their way into match fitness, we have been able to establish our way of playing and build the confidence and chemistry which comes with playing together. Most importantly, we have benefited from every player in the group pushing day-in and day-out to play and contribute in any way they can.”

Jeffries received 74 percent of the ballot to claim October’s award. Memphis 901 FC’s Ben Pirmann – who led his side to six wins in its final eight games to finish in third place in the Central Division and earn a first postseason berth – finished second on 17 percent.

The USL Championship’s Coach of the Month award is voted upon by the USL Championship National Media Panel and the USL Championship Technical Committee, with each group responsible for 50 percent of the overall vote.

Charlotte Independence Make Charitable Donation to the Novant Health Cancer Institute Buddy Kemp Support Center

Proceeds were collected from the club’s Breast Cancer Awareness Jersey Auction during the month of October.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (November 8, 2021) – The Charlotte Independence today donated the proceeds from their Breast Cancer Awareness Jersey Auction to the Novant Health Cancer Institute Buddy Kemp Support Center. The pink, black and grey kits were worn by the Jacks on Saturday, October 16 during Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Novant Health.

“It’s an important part of our values, doing good works in our community and a commitment that goes beyond playing great soccer,” stated Tim Schuldt, President and COO of the Charlotte Independence. “We’re honored to partner with Novant Health, our players and our supporters to raise and donate these funds to a cause that has impacted so many of us.”

The October campaign was focused on increasing awareness and encouraging early detection mammograms in the Charlotte community. Breast cancer patients and survivors from the Buddy Kemp Support Center, and beyond, were invited to attend the match.

The Novant Health Cancer Institute Buddy Kemp Support Center is designed to help patients and their families cope with cancer. From a comfortable, home-like setting to a variety of counseling services and even a boutique with beautiful wigs for patients who have lost their hair from chemo treatments, they help patients feel empowered to manage the changes that come after a cancer diagnosis. You can read the 2020 Buddy Kemp Impact Report here.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the Charlotte Independence and their commitment to giving back to the community. The funds raised from the jersey auction will help support our patients at the Buddy Kemp Cancer Support Center with transportation resources and other pressing needs as they navigate through their care,” said Barbara LiPira, Senior Director, Novant Health Cancer Institute.

To learn more about other ways you can donate to the Novant Health Cancer Institute Buddy Kemp Support Center throughout the year, visit their website.

ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE:

In the fall of 2018, Queen City Sports Club and the Charlotte Independence signed a 10-year lease to move to American Legion Memorial Stadium following a revitalization of the historic landmark set for the spring of 2021. The Independence is focused on building the profile of the club through culture, community and performance as the team moves to American Legion Memorial Stadium. For details on 2021 Season Memberships, visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or call 704-206-1515.

Social: Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

ABOUT NOVANT HEALTH:

Novant Health is an integrated network of physician clinics, outpatient facilities and hospitals that delivers a seamless and convenient healthcare experience to communities in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The Novant Health network consists of more than 2,300 physicians and over 35,000 employees who provide care at nearly 800 locations, including 15 hospitals and hundreds of outpatient facilities and physician clinics. In 2021, Novant Health was the highest-ranking healthcare system in North Carolina to be included on Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity list. Diversity MBA Magazine has also included Novant Health on its 2020 list of “Best Places for Women & Diverse Managers to Work.” In 2020, Novant Health provided more than $1.02 billion in community benefits, including financial assistance and services.

For more information, please visit our website at NovantHealth.org. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

To learn more about other ways you can donate to the Novant Health Cancer Institute Buddy Kemp Support Center throughout the year, visit their website.

ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE:

In the fall of 2018, Queen City Sports Club and the Charlotte Independence signed a 10-year lease to move to American Legion Memorial Stadium following a revitalization of the historic landmark set for the spring of 2021. The Independence is focused on building the profile of the club through culture, community and performance as the team moves to American Legion Memorial Stadium. For details on 2021 Season Memberships, visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or call 704-206-1515.

Social: Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

ABOUT NOVANT HEALTH:

For more information, please visit our website at NovantHealth.org. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Charlotte Independence Claim First Playoff Win in Franchise History

Goals scored by #7 Joel Johnson (10'), #22 Christian Fuchs (32'), and #56 Sylvain Marveaux (71').

Goals scored by #7 Joel Johnson (10′), #22 Christian Fuchs (32′), and #56 Sylvain Marveaux (71′).

CHARLOTTE, NC (November 6, 2021) – The Charlotte Independence claimed their first ever playoff win by a score of 3-1 tonight over Memphis 901 FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The Independence will play next on Saturday November 13 against Louisville City FC at Lynn Family Stadium. Watch on ESPN+.

"An early goal is always a plus for confidence and being able to build. I think more importantly, after we scored, we continued to push the game and do what we have been doing,” stated Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “I thought we created a number of other good chances in the first half. We got the goal off the corner, but there were probably other chances that we could've taken. I thought we just managed the game well, in the first half especially."

On a chilly November evening, the Jacks set the pace early with high pressure and creativity in the attack. Already taking opportunities in the 8th minute was #4 Jake Areman who saved the ball from going over the goal line with #32 Gabriel Obertan ultimately gaining possession. He took the shot, but it was deflected by the defense and out of bounds for a Charlotte corner kick.

Two minutes later #19 Enzo Martinez sent a long ball over to #7 Joel Johnson. His first attempt was deflected by the keeper. He regained possession and took the right footed shot for an easy pass into the center of the net. Your Jacks took the early lead 1-0.

"It was good to start the playoffs with a home game in front of a great crowd. I always love seeing the people come down and supporting us and having our backs,” stated #22 Christian Fuchs. “The atmosphere was amazing. We were off to a good start. You always wish for an early goal, and it was good the keeper made a mistake and served the ball on a silver platter to Joel. Overall, it was great being out there after the game. I have never taken so many selfies before. I am really happy with the support that we had today."

The opportunities continued in the 32nd minute when the Jacks earned another dangerous corner kick. Fuchs found the ball at his feet and took the strike. The Memphis defender made an attempt to block the shot, but the ball had already crossed the goal line and the Independence advanced the lead to two going into halftime.

The second half came with a little more back and forth and possession with both teams seeing success in the attack. Charlotte hit the ground running in the 64th minute. It was Martinez again who sent a long ball down the left side of the pitch for Obertan who crossed the ball in to #29 Dane Kelly, but the defense intercepted the ball and made the clearance.

Shortly after, in the 69th minute the Memphis keeper came out to break up a play from Obertan but missed and Johnson found the rebound. He sent the ball into a nearly empty box for Kelly who took for the left footed shot, but it just scraped the outside netting.

In the 71st minute, #56 Sylvain Marveaux secured the third, and final, goal of the night for the Independence after Martinez received the ball at the top of the 18-yard box. Marveaux pulled a few moves to get around his defender, took the left footed shot and slotted it into the lower left corner for the goal.

Memphis' one goal of the night came in the 83rd minute from #9 Kyle Murphy who was assisted by #2 Mark Segbers.

When asked about the team's keys to continued success during their playoff run, Jeffries explained: "I think about maintaining a really strong mentality day in and day out. Coming to the games, good concentration and discipline, which the guys have shown. We definitely believe in the quality of what we have been doing. The guys have shown confidence in that. I think we just go one game at a time."

NEXT ON SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence will be on the road next weekend to face Louisville City FC at Lynn Family Stadium on Saturday, November 13. Watch on ESPN+.

“An early goal is always a plus for confidence and being able to build. I think more importantly, after we scored, we continued to push the game and do what we have been doing,” stated Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “I thought we created a number of other good chances in the first half. We got the goal off the corner, but there were probably other chances that we could’ve taken. I thought we just managed the game well, in the first half especially.”

“It was good to start the playoffs with a home game in front of a great crowd. I always love seeing the people come down and supporting us and having our backs,” stated #22 Christian Fuchs. “The atmosphere was amazing. We were off to a good start. You always wish for an early goal, and it was good the keeper made a mistake and served the ball on a silver platter to Joel. Overall, it was great being out there after the game. I have never taken so many selfies before. I am really happy with the support that we had today.”

Memphis’ one goal of the night came in the 83rd minute from #9 Kyle Murphy who was assisted by #2 Mark Segbers.

When asked about the team’s keys to continued success during their playoff run, Jeffries explained: “I think about maintaining a really strong mentality day in and day out. Coming to the games, good concentration and discipline, which the guys have shown. We definitely believe in the quality of what we have been doing. The guys have shown confidence in that. I think we just go one game at a time.”

NEXT ON SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence will be on the road next weekend to face Louisville City FC at Lynn Family Stadium on Saturday, November 13. Watch on ESPN+.

Charlotte Independence Announced as Newest Member of USL W League

Interested players may complete a prospective player questionnaire linked here. For any additional information about the team, please reach out to Thomas Finlay.

Charlotte Independence Announced as Newest Member of USL W League

North Carolina-based club set to begin play in women’s pre-professional league in 2022.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The United Soccer League (USL) today announced Charlotte Independence as the latest club to join the USL W League. Charlotte Independence, a member of the USL Championship men’s professional league and USL League Two men’s pre-professional league, will introduce its women’s senior team in the USL W League in 2022.

“We're excited to be a part of this endeavor to bring more opportunities for women to compete at a very high level, to coach and to be a part of the front office and business," said Tim Schuldt, President & COO of the Charlotte Independence W League Team. "We're thrilled the USL is launching the W League. It is a natural extension of building out our pathway to the pros for the young women competing, coaching and managing in our Academy. It's a meaningful next step in helping them realize their dreams."

Charlotte Independence was founded in 2014, with its men’s professional team joining the USL Championship that same year. The Independence’s robust organizational structure is a staple of the club’s development model as it offers its players direct pathways from recreational play to professional play. In joining the W League, the North Carolina-based club will continue to offer both college-aged players and its academy-aged players the opportunity to compete at the next level, reinforcing its commitment to providing both competitive and career opportunities for women through the beautiful game of soccer.

Charlotte Independence’s unwavering dedication to its club and community is driven by its core values of competition, communication, community, character and commitment. The club strives to be best in class both on and off the pitch and uses these values as a basis for creating a united front within the community around the game of soccer.

“We’re excited to have the Charlotte Independence join the USL W League for our inaugural season,” said Betsy Haugh, USL W League Director of Operations. “This is another great step in the club’s investment in women’s soccer, and we look forward to seeing their W League team in action in the Charlotte community.”

Through membership in the W League, Charlotte Independence will further its commitment to growing the women’s game. This year the club unveiled a newly renovated $40 million soccer-specific venue, American Legion Memorial Stadium, equipped with a 10,500 seating capacity, skyline views to the pitch and is centrally-located in the city of Charlotte for fan convenience.

“We’re excited to partner with the first team to bring this terrific opportunity to the greater Charlotte area for our members and the soccer community,” said Thomas Finlay, CEO of the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club. “As we work to build out the pathway to the pros, the W League is a terrific addition for the development of women players and coaches. We look forward to bringing this to our community and fielding a terrific team in 2022!"

To learn more about Charlotte Independence, visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or follow the club on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Charlotte Independence Announced as Newest Member of USL W League

North Carolina-based club set to begin play in women’s pre-professional league in 2022.

“We’re excited to be a part of this endeavor to bring more opportunities for women to compete at a very high level, to coach and to be a part of the front office and business,” said Tim Schuldt, President & COO of the Charlotte Independence W League Team. “We’re thrilled the USL is launching the W League. It is a natural extension of building out our pathway to the pros for the young women competing, coaching and managing in our Academy. It’s a meaningful next step in helping them realize their dreams.”

To learn more about Charlotte Independence, visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or follow the club on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Novant Health

Home

Sponsored by