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CHARLOTTE, NC (September 4,2021) – The Charlotte Independence ended tonight’s match against The Miami FC with a 2-2 draw at American Legion Memorial Stadium for Military Appreciation Night. The team plays next at Loudoun United FC on Wednesday, September 8. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM (ET). Watch on ESPN+.

The Jacks got off to a quick start in the first half, dominating the run of play, which led to ample opportunities on goal and strong defense pressure from the backline. In the 13th minute a cross from #7 Joel Johnson went to #19 Enzo Martinez whose strike gave the Independence their first shot on goal, but it was saved by Miami keeper #24 Connor Sparrow.

The momentum continued to build confidence, and in the 19th minute #56 Sylvain Marveaux sent a cross over to #9 Irvin Parra who headed it in for the first goal of the night giving the Jacks the lead 1-0. After lots of back-and-forth play, and 2 missed opportunities, Martinez was able to find the back of the net when he went 1v1 with the goalie and chipped it in. #1 Austin Pack saw his fair share of action in the first half coming up with a couple of major saves to keep the score 2-0 going into halftime. 

“We’re creating chances and converting those. The whole year, with exception to a few games, we create a lot of chances whether we actually score or not. It comes down to the games that we give up goals," stated Martinez. “We tend to give up more than one goal. It is either a clean sheet or we are giving up multiple goals. That is something that we have to figure out. It’s not an issue of the back line, we give up goals as a team. That is something we have to look at and fix."

Charlotte kept the momentum going into the second half, but struggled to capitalize. The Independence were able to get two balls into the box, but both were saved by the goalkeeper. In the 63rd minute, Miami FC notched their first goal of the night by #5 Paco Craig.

The Jacks, still looking for another goal, found Martinez who sent a ball into #29 Dane Kelly. His shot missed wide right. In the 80th minute, Martinez and #12 Adam Armour took promising shots on target, but both were deflected by the Miami keeper. In the 88th minute, Miami's #9 Christiano Francois scored the final goal of the match, pushing the final score of the game to 2-2. 

“I don’t know that we matched the intensity enough in the second half. I think we got out of our rhythm of playing and possessing the ball. These are the games we can't give up set piece goals, when we are in the lead,” stated Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “It’s frustrating, but the biggest message is that we have a quick turn around. We play Wednesday, so we need to make sure we do a good job and take care of ourselves. Then we move forward, you don’t get a chance to feel sorry for yourselves, just got to push forward."

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence play at Loudoun United FC On Wednesday, September 8. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 PM (ET). Watch on ESPN+. 

CHARLOTTE, NC (September 4,2021) – The Charlotte Independence ended tonight’s match against The Miami FC with a 2-2 draw at American Legion Memorial Stadium for Military Appreciation Night. The team plays next at Loudoun United FC on Wednesday, September 8. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM (ET). Watch on ESPN+.

The Jacks got off to a quick start in the first half, dominating the run of play, which led to ample opportunities on goal and strong defense pressure from the backline. In the 13th minute a cross from #7 Joel Johnson went to #19 Enzo Martinez whose strike gave the Independence their first shot on goal, but it was saved by Miami keeper #24 Connor Sparrow.

The momentum continued to build confidence, and in the 19th minute #56 Sylvain Marveaux sent a cross over to #9 Irvin Parra who headed it in for the first goal of the night giving the Jacks the lead 1-0. After lots of back-and-forth play, and 2 missed opportunities, Martinez was able to find the back of the net when he went 1v1 with the goalie and chipped it in. #1 Austin Pack saw his fair share of action in the first half coming up with a couple of major saves to keep the score 2-0 going into halftime. 

“We’re creating chances and converting those. The whole year, with exception to a few games, we create a lot of chances whether we actually score or not. It comes down to the games that we give up goals,” stated Martinez. “We tend to give up more than one goal. It is either a clean sheet or we are giving up multiple goals. That is something that we have to figure out. It’s not an issue of the back line, we give up goals as a team. That is something we have to look at and fix.”

Charlotte kept the momentum going into the second half, but struggled to capitalize. The Independence were able to get two balls into the box, but both were saved by the goalkeeper. In the 63rd minute, Miami FC notched their first goal of the night by #5 Paco Craig.

The Jacks, still looking for another goal, found Martinez who sent a ball into #29 Dane Kelly. His shot missed wide right. In the 80th minute, Martinez and #12 Adam Armour took promising shots on target, but both were deflected by the Miami keeper. In the 88th minute, Miami’s #9 Christiano Francois scored the final goal of the match, pushing the final score of the game to 2-2. 

“I don’t know that we matched the intensity enough in the second half. I think we got out of our rhythm of playing and possessing the ball. These are the games we can’t give up set piece goals, when we are in the lead,” stated Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “It’s frustrating, but the biggest message is that we have a quick turn around. We play Wednesday, so we need to make sure we do a good job and take care of ourselves. Then we move forward, you don’t get a chance to feel sorry for yourselves, just got to push forward.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence play at Loudoun United FC On Wednesday, September 8. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 PM (ET). Watch on ESPN+. 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (September 1, 2021) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that midfielder Jordan Bender has been recalled by Major League Soccer’s Orlando City SC from his loan with the club.

A Florida native, Bender played in 15 games for the Jacks including a pair of starts and saw 345 minutes of action. He tallied two shots on target and had a passing accuracy rate of 74.8 percent while making two interceptions and four clearances defensively.

The Independence (8-8-3, 27pts) are currently in fifth place in the USL Championship’s Atlantic Division. Their next home game is on Saturday, September 4 for Military Appreciation Night. The team will face The Miami FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM (ET). Click here to purchase your tickets.

TRANSACTION: Jordan Bender recalled by Orlando City SC

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (September 1, 2021) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that midfielder Jordan Bender has been recalled by Major League Soccer’s Orlando City SC from his loan with the club.

A Florida native, Bender played in 15 games for the Jacks including a pair of starts and saw 345 minutes of action. He tallied two shots on target and had a passing accuracy rate of 74.8 percent while making two interceptions and four clearances defensively.

The Independence (8-8-3, 27pts) are currently in fifth place in the USL Championship’s Atlantic Division. Their next home game is on Saturday, September 4 for Military Appreciation Night. The team will face The Miami FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM (ET). Click here to purchase your tickets.

TRANSACTION: Jordan Bender recalled by Orlando City SC

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS

Soccer – Jaguar – Land Rover share a mutual heritage, a sporting legacy, and a winning combination … the beautiful game and beautiful vehicles. 

The tradition continues on September 18, 2021, with the “LUV THAT LAND ROVER” contest at the Charlotte Independence pro soccer match at American Legion Memorial Stadium, where the Carolinas Lightnin’ will be celebrating the 40th Anniversary of their ASL Championship. 

Click the links below for more information on contest rules and how to enter!

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS

Soccer – Jaguar – Land Rover share a mutual heritage, a sporting legacy, and a winning combination … the beautiful game and beautiful vehicles. 

The tradition continues on September 18, 2021, with the “LUV THAT LAND ROVER” contest at the Charlotte Independence pro soccer match at American Legion Memorial Stadium, where the Carolinas Lightnin’ will be celebrating the 40th Anniversary of their ASL Championship. 

Click the links below for more information on contest rules and how to enter!

The Carolina Lightnin' an American soccer club based in Charlotte, was a member of the American Soccer League (ASL) from 1979 to 1983. The Lightnin' played at Memorial Stadium and were the first pro soccer team in the Carolinas.

In 1981 they won the ASL Championship with 20,163 attending the Final. Combining entertainment and promotions with sports was nationally recognized and still is today for their innovated marketing efforts.

Founded by successful businessman Bob Benson, and along with famed soccer star – Rodney Marsh, as coach, the Lightnin’ received considerable public recognition and media publicity. Ed Young, Charlotte’s well-known soccer person, directed the club’s operations. Local star – Tony Suarez, internationally acclaimed – Sir Bobby Moore, Santiago Formoso -NY Cosmos and Pele’ roommate and many others are still remembered today. The team bonds with the fans and community continue.

Charlotte and Carolinas pro sports acknowledge and credited Mr. Benson and the Lightnin’ as paving the way for their efforts. The Lightnin’ continues to remain relevant, recognized and remembered today.

Connect with the Carolina Lightnin’ players and fans on the history and current/continuing activities at Facebook at Carolina Lightnin’ Alumni & Friends, and in Twitter @Lightnin_Soccer.

The Carolina Lightnin’ an American soccer club based in Charlotte, was a member of the American Soccer League (ASL) from 1979 to 1983. The Lightnin’ played at Memorial Stadium and were the first pro soccer team in the Carolinas.

In 1981 they won the ASL Championship with 20,163 attending the Final. Combining entertainment and promotions with sports was nationally recognized and still is today for their innovated marketing efforts.

Founded by successful businessman Bob Benson, and along with famed soccer star – Rodney Marsh, as coach, the Lightnin’ received considerable public recognition and media publicity. Ed Young, Charlotte’s well-known soccer person, directed the club’s operations. Local star – Tony Suarez, internationally acclaimed – Sir Bobby Moore, Santiago Formoso -NY Cosmos and Pele’ roommate and many others are still remembered today. The team bonds with the fans and community continue.

Charlotte and Carolinas pro sports acknowledge and credited Mr. Benson and the Lightnin’ as paving the way for their efforts. The Lightnin’ continues to remain relevant, recognized and remembered today.

Connect with the Carolina Lightnin’ players and fans on the history and current/continuing activities at Facebook at Carolina Lightnin’ Alumni & Friends, and in Twitter @Lightnin_Soccer.

The Jacks took 15 shots on the night.

The Jacks took 15 shots on the night.

St. Petersburg, FL (August 28, 2021) – The Charlotte Independence conceded two goals in tonight’s loss to the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, FL. Your Charlotte Independence return home to American Legion Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 4 for Military Appreciation Night presented by Famous Toastery. The Jacks will face The Miami FC and kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM. Click here to purchase tickets.

The Independence offense put the pressure on early playing mostly in their attacking third for the first portion of the match. In the 6th minute, #9 Irvin Parra took a shot from the top of the box. His attempt was blocked and found the feet of #56 Sylvain Marveaux who drove a low shot on frame, but was denied by Rowdies Goalkeeper #1 Evan Louro.

More momentum developed out of the back when #22 Christian Fuchs played a long ball into the box in the 15th minute. He found the feet of #19 Enzo Martinez who got a touch, but it was ultimately collected by the Rowdies defense. 

Martinez’s best attempt of the half came in the 18th minute after winning a defensive tackle in the midfield. He dribbled down the pitch and took a strike from distance. The ball was deflected and went out of bounds for an Independence corner kick. Your Jacks took eight shots on goal and limited the Rowdies to just four. The score remained tied 0-0 at halftime.

“The first half we pressed and we had success. The second half they made some adjustments and it worked in their favor,” stated Martinez. “Hopefully we learn a lot from this game. To play to our strength. To adapt to games. But the mentality of this team is strong and we are already thinking about putting things right on Saturday.”

The Jacks came out strong again early in the second half, but then the momentum seemed to shift after a couple attacks from the Rowdies. #3 Hugh Roberts and #22 Christian Fuchs did well early on to make some big plays and keep the Jacks in the game.

In the 73rd minute, Tampa Bay passed the ball along the left-hand side of the pitch. Their cross found the head of #10  Steevan Dos Santos who pushed the ball past Pack and into the back of the net. Just three minutes later, the Rowdies gained possession again in the center of the park. It was #27 Laurence Wyke who played the ball into Dos Santos. He took the left-footed shot and left the Jacks trailing 0-2.

A number of substitutions came on in the latter part of the second half for the Jacks including the club’s newest signee #32 Gabriel Obertan. After a series of back to back corner kicks, the Independence were unable to answer. The final score, CLT 0 – TBR 2.

“Tonight is disappointing,” stated Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “I thought we were really sharp for the first 25 minutes and had several really good looks. The fact we didn’t score set a difficult tone for us. I do think we needed to be sharper through the 90 minutes. The second half they pushed the game pretty well, and we didn’t respond or create as much as we needed to create to get at them. They're a good team at home, so it was a tough game for us, and I think we just need to move on, move forward from here and focus on the rest of the groups that we play. We have a really strong home stretch that we need to take advantage of. The focus will just be on being a little sharper and being able to play a 90 minute game.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence return home to American Legion Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 4 for Military Appreciation Night presented by Famous Toastery. The Jacks will face The Miami FC and kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM. Click here to purchase tickets.

St. Petersburg, FL (August 28, 2021) – The Charlotte Independence conceded two goals in tonight’s loss to the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, FL. Your Charlotte Independence return home to American Legion Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 4 for Military Appreciation Night presented by Famous Toastery. The Jacks will face The Miami FC and kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM. Click here to purchase tickets.

The Independence offense put the pressure on early playing mostly in their attacking third for the first portion of the match. In the 6th minute, #9 Irvin Parra took a shot from the top of the box. His attempt was blocked and found the feet of #56 Sylvain Marveaux who drove a low shot on frame, but was denied by Rowdies Goalkeeper #1 Evan Louro.

More momentum developed out of the back when #22 Christian Fuchs played a long ball into the box in the 15th minute. He found the feet of #19 Enzo Martinez who got a touch, but it was ultimately collected by the Rowdies defense. 

Martinez’s best attempt of the half came in the 18th minute after winning a defensive tackle in the midfield. He dribbled down the pitch and took a strike from distance. The ball was deflected and went out of bounds for an Independence corner kick. Your Jacks took eight shots on goal and limited the Rowdies to just four. The score remained tied 0-0 at halftime.

“The first half we pressed and we had success. The second half they made some adjustments and it worked in their favor,” stated Martinez. “Hopefully we learn a lot from this game. To play to our strength. To adapt to games. But the mentality of this team is strong and we are already thinking about putting things right on Saturday.”

The Jacks came out strong again early in the second half, but then the momentum seemed to shift after a couple attacks from the Rowdies. #3 Hugh Roberts and #22 Christian Fuchs did well early on to make some big plays and keep the Jacks in the game.

In the 73rd minute, Tampa Bay passed the ball along the left-hand side of the pitch. Their cross found the head of #10  Steevan Dos Santos who pushed the ball past Pack and into the back of the net. Just three minutes later, the Rowdies gained possession again in the center of the park. It was #27 Laurence Wyke who played the ball into Dos Santos. He took the left-footed shot and left the Jacks trailing 0-2.

A number of substitutions came on in the latter part of the second half for the Jacks including the club’s newest signee #32 Gabriel Obertan. After a series of back to back corner kicks, the Independence were unable to answer. The final score, CLT 0 – TBR 2.

“Tonight is disappointing,” stated Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “I thought we were really sharp for the first 25 minutes and had several really good looks. The fact we didn’t score set a difficult tone for us. I do think we needed to be sharper through the 90 minutes. The second half they pushed the game pretty well, and we didn’t respond or create as much as we needed to create to get at them. They’re a good team at home, so it was a tough game for us, and I think we just need to move on, move forward from here and focus on the rest of the groups that we play. We have a really strong home stretch that we need to take advantage of. The focus will just be on being a little sharper and being able to play a 90 minute game.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence return home to American Legion Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 4 for Military Appreciation Night presented by Famous Toastery. The Jacks will face The Miami FC and kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM. Click here to purchase tickets.

Charlotte, NC (August 21, 2021)- The Charlotte Independence remain unbeaten after a 3-3 draw in tonight's match against the Colorado Springs Switchbacks at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The Charlotte Independence will play their next game at Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, August 28. Kick off is scheduled for 7:30 PM (ET). Watch on ESPN+. 

The Jacks came out strong in the first half with high pressure leading to the first goal of the game in the 12th minute by #56 Sylvian Marveaux who was assisted by #7 Joel Johnson. The Switchbacks came back quickly with a goal by #10 Hadji Barry who was assisted by #9 Thomas Amang. In the 22nd minute the Switchbacks struck again with another goal by #77 Andre Lewis who was assisted by #11 Michee Ngalina. The Jacks were able to keep the Switchbacks scoreless for the remainder of the half. 

The Jacks took the field hungry in the second half as they maintained possession capitalizing on a goal in the 55th minute by #8 Marcelo Palomino who was assisted by #29 Dane Kelly. Not long after the Jacks struck again with a goal by Irvin Parra who was assisted by #56 Sylvain Marveaux. In a chippy last 10 minutes of the game the Switchbacks #11 Michee Ngalina came up with a goal to tie it up 3-3 in the 84th minute. The game ended in a draw. 

“I think you get into these games and we know that we need to be better, when it’s 3-2 with less than 10 minutes left. We need to lock down and be a lot more compact," stated Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. "I thought against Pittsburgh we did a sensational job with that. And with this game its harder because Colorado plays different but we didn’t do enough, and obviously a lot of guys were tired late. We needed to clamp down and get behind the ball and get numbers in to don’t have spaces for them to play through, or in this case dribble through. I think we take that as an important lesson, it’s a hard time in the year to be having those lessons. You like to get those out early in the year. I think we know we are more than capable of dealing with it in that type of game. I think it is a good game for us to play with a different system and style than a lot of the teams that we face. It was interesting to play another team that played 3 in the back and that helps us going into Tampa.”

NEXT ON SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence play at Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, August 28. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM (ET). Watch on ESPN+.

Charlotte, NC (August 21, 2021)- The Charlotte Independence remain unbeaten after a 3-3 draw in tonight’s match against the Colorado Springs Switchbacks at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The Charlotte Independence will play their next game at Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, August 28. Kick off is scheduled for 7:30 PM (ET). Watch on ESPN+. 

The Jacks came out strong in the first half with high pressure leading to the first goal of the game in the 12th minute by #56 Sylvian Marveaux who was assisted by #7 Joel Johnson. The Switchbacks came back quickly with a goal by #10 Hadji Barry who was assisted by #9 Thomas Amang. In the 22nd minute the Switchbacks struck again with another goal by #77 Andre Lewis who was assisted by #11 Michee Ngalina. The Jacks were able to keep the Switchbacks scoreless for the remainder of the half. 

The Jacks took the field hungry in the second half as they maintained possession capitalizing on a goal in the 55th minute by #8 Marcelo Palomino who was assisted by #29 Dane Kelly. Not long after the Jacks struck again with a goal by Irvin Parra who was assisted by #56 Sylvain Marveaux. In a chippy last 10 minutes of the game the Switchbacks #11 Michee Ngalina came up with a goal to tie it up 3-3 in the 84th minute. The game ended in a draw. 

“I think you get into these games and we know that we need to be better, when it’s 3-2 with less than 10 minutes left. We need to lock down and be a lot more compact,” stated Charlotte Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “I thought against Pittsburgh we did a sensational job with that. And with this game its harder because Colorado plays different but we didn’t do enough, and obviously a lot of guys were tired late. We needed to clamp down and get behind the ball and get numbers in to don’t have spaces for them to play through, or in this case dribble through. I think we take that as an important lesson, it’s a hard time in the year to be having those lessons. You like to get those out early in the year. I think we know we are more than capable of dealing with it in that type of game. I think it is a good game for us to play with a different system and style than a lot of the teams that we face. It was interesting to play another team that played 3 in the back and that helps us going into Tampa.”

NEXT ON SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence play at Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, August 28. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM (ET). Watch on ESPN+.

WEEKEND WATCH PARTY!

FIRST BEER IS ON US!

WEEKEND WATCH PARTY!

FIRST BEER IS ON US!

Fans! Join us at Devil’s Logic Brewing on Saturday, August 28 for a Weekend Watch Party. Enjoy Devil’s Logic clean, crushable, well-balanced brews and cheer your Charlotte Independence on to victory as they continue their playoff push against top-ranked Tampa Bay Rowdies. 

You will likely see some Charlotte Independence pro players, front office staff, Jack’s Brigade Community Commanders and the Mecklenburg Reserves supporters group in attendance. The party starts at 7:00 PM and kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM. RSVP recommended – and required for the FREE beer!

REMINDER: All fans are required to wear a mask indoors.

Saturday, August 28 | 7:30 PM
Charlotte Independence at Tampa Bay Rowdies
Devil’s Logic Brewing
1426 E 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28204

Fans! Join us at Devil’s Logic Brewing on Saturday, August 28 for a Weekend Watch Party. Enjoy Devil’s Logic clean, crushable, well-balanced brews and cheer your Charlotte Independence on to victory as they continue their playoff push against top-ranked Tampa Bay Rowdies. 

You will likely see some Charlotte Independence pro players, front office staff, Jack’s Brigade Community Commanders and the Mecklenburg Reserves supporters group in attendance. The party starts at 7:00 PM and kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM. RSVP recommended – and required for the FREE beer!

REMINDER: All fans are required to wear a mask indoors.

Saturday, August 28 | 7:30 PM
Charlotte Independence at Tampa Bay Rowdies
Devil’s Logic Brewing
1426 E 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28204

Obertan previously competed in the English Premier League with Manchester United and Newcastle United.

Obertan previously competed in the English Premier League with Manchester United and Newcastle United.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (August 19, 2021) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that their midfield roster will continue to grow with the signing of Gabriel Obertan. The Frenchman represented his country at the under-16, under-17, under-18, under-19 and under-21 levels before going on to compete in the English Premier League for Manchester United and Newcastle United.

“Gabriel is another huge signing for our club,” stated Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “Not only does he bring a wealth of experience from top clubs throughout the world, he is a proven difference maker in the game at high levels. He raises the bar for our group each day with his ability to see and make plays as well as his competitiveness. I am excited to integrate him with the team and get him on the field; our fans will appreciate the addition of another top, dynamic attacking player.”

Obertan was active with France at the youth level. He attended the famous Clairefontaine Academy, the national fútbol centre that specializes in training French players, before making his international debut. 

With the under-16s, Obertan made 10 appearances and scored one goal. The following season, he played with the under-17s making 12 appearances and scoring three goals. With the under-18s, Obertan made nine total appearances, and with the under-19 team he made two appearances and scored one goal. He earned his first cap with the under-21 team on February 11, 2009. One month later, he scored his first under-21 goal against England in a friendly at the City Ground in Nottingham.

He began his professional career during the 2006-07 season after signing a three-year contract with French club, Bordeaux, where he made his first professional start at the age of 17. In 2008, Bordeaux loaned Obertan to fellow Ligue 1 side, FC Lorient, where he made 17 appearances and scored two goals. 

On July 6, 2009, Bordeaux reached an agreement with English club, Manchester United, for the transfer of Obertan. On July 8th, he signed his contract and officially became an English Premier League (EPL) player. Ahead of the 2011-12 season, the club based in Old Trafford had made plans to rebuild their squad which piqued the interest of fellow EPL sqaud, Newcastle United.

Obertan signed a five year contract with Newcastle United on August 9, 2011 where he competed with one of the Jacks most recent signees, Sylvain Marveaux.

Following his release from Newcastle United, Obertan signed with four different clubs including: Anzhi Makhachkala (2016), Wigan Athletic (2017), Levski Sofia (2017-18) and Erzurumspor (2019). Over the course of his professional career the French midfielder has made 303 appearances and scored 21 goals.

TRANSACTION: Charlotte Independence Sign Midfielder Gabriel Obertan.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (August 19, 2021) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that their midfield roster will continue to grow with the signing of Gabriel Obertan. The Frenchman represented his country at the under-16, under-17, under-18, under-19 and under-21 levels before going on to compete in the English Premier League for Manchester United and Newcastle United.

“Gabriel is another huge signing for our club,” stated Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “Not only does he bring a wealth of experience from top clubs throughout the world, he is a proven difference maker in the game at high levels. He raises the bar for our group each day with his ability to see and make plays as well as his competitiveness. I am excited to integrate him with the team and get him on the field; our fans will appreciate the addition of another top, dynamic attacking player.”

Obertan was active with France at the youth level. He attended the famous Clairefontaine Academy, the national fútbol centre that specializes in training French players, before making his international debut. 

With the under-16s, Obertan made 10 appearances and scored one goal. The following season, he played with the under-17s making 12 appearances and scoring three goals. With the under-18s, Obertan made nine total appearances, and with the under-19 team he made two appearances and scored one goal. He earned his first cap with the under-21 team on February 11, 2009. One month later, he scored his first under-21 goal against England in a friendly at the City Ground in Nottingham.

He began his professional career during the 2006-07 season after signing a three-year contract with French club, Bordeaux, where he made his first professional start at the age of 17. In 2008, Bordeaux loaned Obertan to fellow Ligue 1 side, FC Lorient, where he made 17 appearances and scored two goals. 

On July 6, 2009, Bordeaux reached an agreement with English club, Manchester United, for the transfer of Obertan. On July 8th, he signed his contract and officially became an English Premier League (EPL) player. Ahead of the 2011-12 season, the club based in Old Trafford had made plans to rebuild their squad which piqued the interest of fellow EPL sqaud, Newcastle United.

Obertan signed a five year contract with Newcastle United on August 9, 2011 where he competed with one of the Jacks most recent signees, Sylvain Marveaux.

Following his release from Newcastle United, Obertan signed with four different clubs including: Anzhi Makhachkala (2016), Wigan Athletic (2017), Levski Sofia (2017-18) and Erzurumspor (2019). Over the course of his professional career the French midfielder has made 303 appearances and scored 21 goals.

TRANSACTION: Charlotte Independence Sign Midfielder Gabriel Obertan.

Goal was scored by #19 Enzo Martinez.  

CHARLOTTE, NC (August 14, 2021) – The Charlotte Independence add to a four game unbeaten streak with a 1-0 win over Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC tonight at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The Charlotte Independence are back home on Saturday, August 21 to face Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM. 

With a short weather delay the Jacks kicked off at 7:30 PM and put the pressure on early with a number of good looks in front of goal. The defense held off a handful of Pittsburgh attacks and the score remained tied at halftime 0-0.

The Jacks efforts and persistent pressure paid off in the second half. In the 47th minute, #9 Irvin Parra ran on to a long ball in the attacking third. He found #19 Enzo Martinez behind several Riverhounds defenders. Martinez, with the sliding attempt, struck the ball in the back of the net. 

“The team played well, and we did what we had to do," stated Martinez. "Obviously we are looking to be able to put together a full 90 minute game. The first half felt really good on the ball and off the ball. We created a lot of chances and that has been a theme for our team every game and if we can get one of those goals early then games will be different for us. For the goal, it was all Irvin. Joel placed a great ball and Irvin somehow got to it. When I asked for the ball, I didn’t think I would get it because from his angle, his back was turned to me. Then he played me the ball and I went one on one with the keeper.“

The Independence back line continued to minimize the opportunities for the Riverhounds in the second half and your Jacks finished the night with another three points. Final score: CLT 1 – PIT 0.

“I thought the execution was excellent, probably better than the game plan," stated Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. "We went in and wanted to be really compressed defensively. The times we’ve had trouble, we become stretched out and vulnerable to pressure. Tonight I thought we did a good job of keeping on our blocks. We did a really good job of not allowing them to play through the middle of the field. Last time we played them in Pittsburgh, they were able to play through the midfield too easily. I thought we did a really good job of shutting them down and forcing play to be more direct or play wide where we could handle it. We did a really good job of moving the ball and getting from side to side quickly and then being able to create from there.” 

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: Charlotte Independence are back home on Saturday, August 21 and play host Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7: 00 PM. 

 

Goal was scored by #19 Enzo Martinez.  

CHARLOTTE, NC (August 14, 2021) – The Charlotte Independence add to a four game unbeaten streak with a 1-0 win over Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC tonight at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The Charlotte Independence are back home on Saturday, August 21 to face Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM. 

With a short weather delay the Jacks kicked off at 7:30 PM and put the pressure on early with a number of good looks in front of goal. The defense held off a handful of Pittsburgh attacks and the score remained tied at halftime 0-0.

The Jacks efforts and persistent pressure paid off in the second half. In the 47th minute, #9 Irvin Parra ran on to a long ball in the attacking third. He found #19 Enzo Martinez behind several Riverhounds defenders. Martinez, with the sliding attempt, struck the ball in the back of the net. 

“The team played well, and we did what we had to do,” stated Martinez. “Obviously we are looking to be able to put together a full 90 minute game. The first half felt really good on the ball and off the ball. We created a lot of chances and that has been a theme for our team every game and if we can get one of those goals early then games will be different for us. For the goal, it was all Irvin. Joel placed a great ball and Irvin somehow got to it. When I asked for the ball, I didn’t think I would get it because from his angle, his back was turned to me. Then he played me the ball and I went one on one with the keeper.“

The Independence back line continued to minimize the opportunities for the Riverhounds in the second half and your Jacks finished the night with another three points. Final score: CLT 1 – PIT 0.

“I thought the execution was excellent, probably better than the game plan,” stated Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “We went in and wanted to be really compressed defensively. The times we’ve had trouble, we become stretched out and vulnerable to pressure. Tonight I thought we did a good job of keeping on our blocks. We did a really good job of not allowing them to play through the middle of the field. Last time we played them in Pittsburgh, they were able to play through the midfield too easily. I thought we did a really good job of shutting them down and forcing play to be more direct or play wide where we could handle it. We did a really good job of moving the ball and getting from side to side quickly and then being able to create from there.” 

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: Charlotte Independence are back home on Saturday, August 21 and play host Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7: 00 PM. 

 

Meet the Team at Birdsong Brewing!

FIRST 50 GUESTS RECEIVE A FREE BEER ON US.

Meet the Team at Birdsong Brewing!

FIRST 50 GUESTS RECEIVE A FREE BEER ON US.

We’re giving fans, and the greater Charlotte community, an opportunity to meet our players and enjoy conversation over a pint (or two) of beer at our first Meet the Team event presented by Novant Health. 

Join us in the event space at Birdsong Brewing on Monday, August 16. We’ll have several Charlotte Independence players, along with some of our newest signees, in attendance from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm. All fans, supporters groups and Jack’s Brigade season ticket holder rewards members are welcome! 

RSVP recommended.
ALL fans are encouraged to wear a mask.

Meet the Team presented by Novant Health
Monday, August 16 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Birdsong Brewing
1016 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28206

We’re giving fans, and the greater Charlotte community, an opportunity to meet our players and enjoy conversation over a pint (or two) of beer at our first Meet the Team event presented by Novant Health. 

Join us in the event space at Birdsong Brewing on Monday, August 16. We’ll have several Charlotte Independence players, along with some of our newest signees, in attendance from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm. All fans, supporters groups and Jack’s Brigade season ticket holder rewards members are welcome! 

RSVP recommended.
ALL fans are encouraged to wear a mask.

Meet the Team presented by Novant Health
Monday, August 16 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Birdsong Brewing
1016 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28206