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BIRMINGHAM (Sept. 12, 2020) – The Charlotte Independence utilized goals from Dane Kelly and Derek Gebhard to earn a 3-1 victory against Birmingham Legion FC at BBVA Compass Field. The Independence improved its 2020 USL Championship record to 6-3-3 and extended its unbeaten streak to three games.

Kelly began the scoring for the Independence in the first half and Gebhard’s goal late in the second frame propelled the Independence to three points. The three goals marked the sixth time the Jacks have scored more than one goal in a match this season.

With the win, the Independence (6-3-3; 21 points), remain in second place in the Group G standings but move within one point of Legion FC (6-3-4; 22 points), followed by North Carolina FC (3-6-1; 10 points) and Memphis 901 FC (2-5-4; 10 points).

The match became a battle of wills and it was the Independence that got the crucial first goal just 17 minutes into the match. A cross into the box by Jake Areman bounced perfectly to Dane Kelly, who crisply powered in from close range to give the Jacks a 1-0 lead. The goal lit a fire under the Legion FC attack and the Independence lead would stand for just 17 minutes before Neco Brett’s first-time effort sneaked past Brandon Miller in the 34th minute.

Just before halftime, Areman again found Kelly with a cross into the box. The forward met Areman’s cross and headed a brilliant effort beyond the reach of Legion FC ‘keeper Matt Vanoekel and inside the upper left corner to send the Jacks into the locker room with a 2-1 lead.

The goal was Kelly’s tenth of the 2020 season, moving him ahead of Indy Eleven’s Tyler Pasher for second in the Championship. His 87th career USL goal also furthered his advantage on top of the USL’s all-time list.

The Independence carried the lead into the second half where cards began to take their toll on both teams. In the 60th minute, Legion FC had a player sent off as Anderson Asiedu received a second caution. Both teams kept up the high tempo despite Legion FC being reduced to 10-men.

The Independence continued to push throughout the period and would finally get the necessary third goal in the 86th minute when Gebhard finished a Guido Vadala through ball with his right foot for his second goal of the year.

In the 89th minute, the Jacks were also reduced to 10-men as Joel Johnson received his second yellow card of the match. Johnson will now miss the Jacks’ next match against North Carolina FC. #BHMvCLT was the fourth and final meeting between the two Group G teams, with Legion FC being the only Group G team that had not lost to the Independence before tonight.

Next on the Schedule: The Independence heads to Cary, N.C. to tackle Group G rival North Carolina FC. The game will be broadcast beginning at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

BIRMINGHAM (Sept. 12, 2020) – The Charlotte Independence utilized goals from Dane Kelly and Derek Gebhard to earn a 3-1 victory against Birmingham Legion FC at BBVA Compass Field. The Independence improved its 2020 USL Championship record to 6-3-3 and extended its unbeaten streak to three games.

Kelly began the scoring for the Independence in the first half and Gebhard’s goal late in the second frame propelled the Independence to three points. The three goals marked the sixth time the Jacks have scored more than one goal in a match this season.

With the win, the Independence (6-3-3; 21 points), remain in second place in the Group G standings but move within one point of Legion FC (6-3-4; 22 points), followed by North Carolina FC (3-6-1; 10 points) and Memphis 901 FC (2-5-4; 10 points).

The match became a battle of wills and it was the Independence that got the crucial first goal just 17 minutes into the match. A cross into the box by Jake Areman bounced perfectly to Dane Kelly, who crisply powered in from close range to give the Jacks a 1-0 lead. The goal lit a fire under the Legion FC attack and the Independence lead would stand for just 17 minutes before Neco Brett’s first-time effort sneaked past Brandon Miller in the 34th minute.

Just before halftime, Areman again found Kelly with a cross into the box. The forward met Areman’s cross and headed a brilliant effort beyond the reach of Legion FC ‘keeper Matt Vanoekel and inside the upper left corner to send the Jacks into the locker room with a 2-1 lead.

The goal was Kelly’s tenth of the 2020 season, moving him ahead of Indy Eleven’s Tyler Pasher for second in the Championship. His 87th career USL goal also furthered his advantage on top of the USL’s all-time list.

The Independence carried the lead into the second half where cards began to take their toll on both teams. In the 60th minute, Legion FC had a player sent off as Anderson Asiedu received a second caution. Both teams kept up the high tempo despite Legion FC being reduced to 10-men.

The Independence continued to push throughout the period and would finally get the necessary third goal in the 86th minute when Gebhard finished a Guido Vadala through ball with his right foot for his second goal of the year.

In the 89th minute, the Jacks were also reduced to 10-men as Joel Johnson received his second yellow card of the match. Johnson will now miss the Jacks’ next match against North Carolina FC. #BHMvCLT was the fourth and final meeting between the two Group G teams, with Legion FC being the only Group G team that had not lost to the Independence before tonight.

Next on the Schedule: The Independence heads to Cary, N.C. to tackle Group G rival North Carolina FC. The game will be broadcast beginning at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN:

CLT – Dane Kelly, 17th minute: Junior Etou played a ball from midfield into the left corner for Jake Areman to run down. He controlled the ball and made a cross to the middle of the box, looking for Dane Kelly. A deflected ball fell to Kelly, who pounced on the loose ball from just inside the penalty area and smashed home the opening goal of the match. CLT 1, BHM 0

BHM – Neco Brett (Jonathan Dean), 34th minute: Anderson Asiedu played a ball centrally from midfield to the top of the box to Bruno Lapa. Lapa flicked a pass one-time to an on-running Jonathan Dean into the right side of the box. Dean then sent a ball back into the penalty area where Neco Brett met it with a curling run to smack a low, one-time shot through traffic into the lower right corner of Brandon Miller’s goal. CLT 1, BHM 1

CLT – Dane Kelly (Jake Areman), 45th minute: The Independence once again played a ball from midfield into the left corner, this time Joel Johnson played a long ball from midfield into the left corner for Luke Haakenson to run down. Haakenson received the ball, faced up his defender and made a smart pass back to Jake Areman, who crossed into the penalty area, again looking for Kelly. Kelly beat his man and sent a header flying past ‘keeper Matt Vanoekel. CLT 2, BHM 1

CLT – Derek Gebhard (Guido Vadala), 86th minute: Guido Vadala received the ball 15 yards above the penalty area and sent a quick pass behind the Legion FC defender to Derek Gebhard, who controlled the ball on the right side before sending his shot just inside the right post.  CLT 3, BHM 1

GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN:

CLT – Dane Kelly, 17th minute: Junior Etou played a ball from midfield into the left corner for Jake Areman to run down. He controlled the ball and made a cross to the middle of the box, looking for Dane Kelly. A deflected ball fell to Kelly, who pounced on the loose ball from just inside the penalty area and smashed home the opening goal of the match. CLT 1, BHM 0

BHM – Neco Brett (Jonathan Dean), 34th minute: Anderson Asiedu played a ball centrally from midfield to the top of the box to Bruno Lapa. Lapa flicked a pass one-time to an on-running Jonathan Dean into the right side of the box. Dean then sent a ball back into the penalty area where Neco Brett met it with a curling run to smack a low, one-time shot through traffic into the lower right corner of Brandon Miller’s goal. CLT 1, BHM 1

CLT – Dane Kelly (Jake Areman), 45th minute: The Independence once again played a ball from midfield into the left corner, this time Joel Johnson played a long ball from midfield into the left corner for Luke Haakenson to run down. Haakenson received the ball, faced up his defender and made a smart pass back to Jake Areman, who crossed into the penalty area, again looking for Kelly. Kelly beat his man and sent a header flying past ‘keeper Matt Vanoekel. CLT 2, BHM 1

CLT – Derek Gebhard (Guido Vadala), 86th minute: Guido Vadala received the ball 15 yards above the penalty area and sent a quick pass behind the Legion FC defender to Derek Gebhard, who controlled the ball on the right side before sending his shot just inside the right post.  CLT 3, BHM 1

Scoring Summary:             1          2          F

CLT                                      2         1           3 

BHM                                    1          0          1

CLT – Dane Kelly                                                   17th minute
BHM – Neco Brett (Jonathan Dean)                  34th minute
CLT – Dane Kelly (Jake Areman)                       45th minute
CLT – Derek Gebhard (Guido Vadala)              86th minute

LINEUPS:

CLT: 33-Brandon Miller; 22-Joel Johnson, 3-Hugh Roberts, 14-Duke Lacroix, 17-Clay Dimick, 4-Jake Areman (18-Aaron Maund, 90’), 7-Rey Ortiz (11-Derek Gebhard, 69’), 15-Luke Haakenson (23-Guido Vadala, 69’), 21-Junior Etou, 9-Dane Kelly (90-Christian Chaney, 90’), 19-Enzo Martinez(captain)

Subs Not Used: 1-Austin Pack, 20-Oscar Ramsay, 32-Tresor Mbuyu,

Head Coach: Mike Jeffries

BHM: 1-Matt Vanoekel; 3-Boluwatife Akinyode, 5-Mikey Lopez, 21-Alex Crognale, 24-Jonathan Dean; 6-Anderson Asiedu, 8-Bruno Lapa, 10-Prosper Kasim (16-Daigo Kobayashi, 78’), 12-Eli Crognale, 11-Neco Brett (7-Brian Wright, 78’), 17-Jaden Servania (9-J.J. Williams, 45’)

Subs Not Used: 99-Ford Parker, 4-Josh Bauer, 13-Jake Rufe, 30-Razak Cromwell

Head Coach: Tom Soehn

Stats Summary CLT/ BHM:

Shots: 17 / 13

Shots on Goal: 8 / 2

Saves: 1 / 5

Corner Kicks: 7 / 2

Fouls:  14 / 12

Offside: 3 / 2

Misconduct Summary:                
CLT – Junior Etou (caution)                                   23rd minute
CLT – Dane Kelly (caution)                                    30th minute
BHM – Anderson Asiedu (caution)                       48th minute
BHM – Anderson Asiedu (second caution, red) 60th minute
CLT – Duke Lacroix (caution)                                81st minute
CLT – Joel Johnson (caution)                                88th minute
CLT – Joel Johnson (caution)                                90th minute

Officials:
Referee: Matt Thompson
Assistant Referee: Ben Rigel
Assistant Referee: Sam Bierster
Fourth Official: Diego Chulan

Scoring Summary:             1          2          F

CLT                                      2         1           3 

BHM                                    1          0          1

CLT – Dane Kelly                                                   17th minute
BHM – Neco Brett (Jonathan Dean)                  34th minute
CLT – Dane Kelly (Jake Areman)                       45th minute
CLT – Derek Gebhard (Guido Vadala)              86th minute

LINEUPS:

CLT: 33-Brandon Miller; 22-Joel Johnson, 3-Hugh Roberts, 14-Duke Lacroix, 17-Clay Dimick, 4-Jake Areman (18-Aaron Maund, 90’), 7-Rey Ortiz (11-Derek Gebhard, 69’), 15-Luke Haakenson (23-Guido Vadala, 69’), 21-Junior Etou, 9-Dane Kelly (90-Christian Chaney, 90’), 19-Enzo Martinez(captain)

Subs Not Used: 1-Austin Pack, 20-Oscar Ramsay, 32-Tresor Mbuyu,

Head Coach: Mike Jeffries

BHM: 1-Matt Vanoekel; 3-Boluwatife Akinyode, 5-Mikey Lopez, 21-Alex Crognale, 24-Jonathan Dean; 6-Anderson Asiedu, 8-Bruno Lapa, 10-Prosper Kasim (16-Daigo Kobayashi, 78’), 12-Eli Crognale, 11-Neco Brett (7-Brian Wright, 78’), 17-Jaden Servania (9-J.J. Williams, 45’)

Subs Not Used: 99-Ford Parker, 4-Josh Bauer, 13-Jake Rufe, 30-Razak Cromwell

Head Coach: Tom Soehn

Stats Summary CLT/ BHM:

Shots: 17 / 13

Shots on Goal: 8 / 2

Saves: 1 / 5

Corner Kicks: 7 / 2

Fouls:  14 / 12

Offside: 3 / 2

Misconduct Summary:                
CLT – Junior Etou (caution)                                   23rd minute
CLT – Dane Kelly (caution)                                    30th minute
BHM – Anderson Asiedu (caution)                       48th minute
BHM – Anderson Asiedu (second caution, red) 60th minute
CLT – Duke Lacroix (caution)                                81st minute
CLT – Joel Johnson (caution)                                88th minute
CLT – Joel Johnson (caution)                                90th minute

Officials:
Referee: Matt Thompson
Assistant Referee: Ben Rigel
Assistant Referee: Sam Bierster
Fourth Official: Diego Chulan

CHARLOTTE (September 12, 2020) – Independence head coach  Mike Jeffries speaks to https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence ahead of the Jacks' USL Championship, Group G play rematch against Birmingham Legion FC. Jeffries details the Jacks' key points to the game, presented by Harris Teeter. 

CHARLOTTE (September 12, 2020) – Independence head coach  Mike Jeffries speaks to https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence ahead of the Jacks’ USL Championship, Group G play rematch against Birmingham Legion FC. Jeffries details the Jacks’ key points to the game, presented by Harris Teeter. 

Charlotte Independence vs. Birmingham Legion FC
2020 USL Championship – Group G
BBVA Compass Field; Birmingham, Alabama

7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
September 12, 2020

Charlotte Independence vs. Birmingham Legion FC
2020 USL Championship – Group G
BBVA Compass Field; Birmingham, Alabama

7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
September 12, 2020

CHARLOTTE (Sept. 11, 2020) – The Charlotte Independence face Birmingham Legion FC at BBVA Compass Field on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m. ET and broadcast live on ESPN+. The meeting will be the fourth and final matchup this season for the Group G opponents.

WATCH – Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET: Watch BHMvCLT live on ESPN+

“Legion FC has been a very difficult matchup for us this year,” said Independence Manager Mike Jeffries. “When you see a team as many times as we have with Birmingham in such a short period of time, the little tweaks that both teams make make a huge difference.”

“We managed to adjust very well in our first home game with them and were able to find ways of breaking them down but we know we need to be better tomorrow night.”

CHARLOTTE (Sept. 11, 2020) – The Charlotte Independence face Birmingham Legion FC at BBVA Compass Field on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m. ET and broadcast live on ESPN+. The meeting will be the fourth and final matchup this season for the Group G opponents.

WATCH – Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET: Watch BHMvCLT live on ESPN+

“Legion FC has been a very difficult matchup for us this year,” said Independence Manager Mike Jeffries. “When you see a team as many times as we have with Birmingham in such a short period of time, the little tweaks that both teams make make a huge difference.”

“We managed to adjust very well in our first home game with them and were able to find ways of breaking them down but we know we need to be better tomorrow night.”

NEW! Charlotte Independence Launches Season Deposit & Priority Seat Selection Plan For All-New American Legion Memorial Stadium in 2021!

NEW! Charlotte Independence Launches Season Deposit & Priority Seat Selection Plan For All-New American Legion Memorial Stadium in 2021!

The Independence currently sit in second place in the Group G standings after earning six points last week in wins over Memphis 901 FC and North Carolina FC. Eight different Jacks have tallied a goal or an assist while goalkeeper Brandon Miller ranks first in the USL in saves (48) and forward Dane Kelly ranks third in goals (8).

For their performances, Kelly and Miller were both named to the USL Championship’s Week 11 Team of the Week. The Championship’s all-time leading scorer, Kelly also earned Player of the Week honors after his hat trick led the Independence to a 3-1 victory against North Carolina FC on Saturday night. The Jamaican international has now recorded four regular season hat tricks in his career, also a league record.

In their last match, Legion FC earned one point in a 1-1 draw against Memphis 901 FC on Wednesday evening thanks to Bruno Lapa converting from the spot in the second half. Tommy Soehn’s side currently sit in first place in the Group G standings, four points ahead of the Jacks.

“We must deal with their pace and athleticism up front that has caused us so much trouble in the previous three games,” continued Jeffries. "We know we need to be better managing that and managing them on the counter.”

“We do feel like we can possess and move the ball against them but we have to find ways that we can be cleaner in the final third and create more chances.”

The Independence currently sit in second place in the Group G standings after earning six points last week in wins over Memphis 901 FC and North Carolina FC. Eight different Jacks have tallied a goal or an assist while goalkeeper Brandon Miller ranks first in the USL in saves (48) and forward Dane Kelly ranks third in goals (8).

For their performances, Kelly and Miller were both named to the USL Championship’s Week 11 Team of the Week. The Championship’s all-time leading scorer, Kelly also earned Player of the Week honors after his hat trick led the Independence to a 3-1 victory against North Carolina FC on Saturday night. The Jamaican international has now recorded four regular season hat tricks in his career, also a league record.

In their last match, Legion FC earned one point in a 1-1 draw against Memphis 901 FC on Wednesday evening thanks to Bruno Lapa converting from the spot in the second half. Tommy Soehn’s side currently sit in first place in the Group G standings, four points ahead of the Jacks.

“We must deal with their pace and athleticism up front that has caused us so much trouble in the previous three games,” continued Jeffries. “We know we need to be better managing that and managing them on the counter.”

“We do feel like we can possess and move the ball against them but we have to find ways that we can be cleaner in the final third and create more chances.”

LAST TIME THEY MET: Charlotte and Birmingham most recently met last month on Saturday, August 29 at the Sportsplex at Matthews in Matthews, N.C. The Charlotte Independence fell 4-1 to Legion FC in its ninth match of the 2020 USL Championship season.

LAST MATCH: In the eighth meeting of Charlotte Independence-North Carolina FC in USL Championship play, the Independence claimed its fifth win of the season with a 3-1 triumph over North Carolina FC as forward Dane Kelly recorded a hat trick at the Sportsplex at Matthews.

The Independence surged into a two-goal lead inside the opening 20 minutes at the Sportsplex at Matthews, courtesy of two clinical finishes by Kelly.

In the second half, Kelly completed his hat trick in the 79th minute and sealed a second all-time victory over North Carolina FC for the Jacks.

SERIES HISTORY (W-L-D)
Independence Record vs. Birmingham Legion FC: (1-2-2)
Independence Home Record vs. Birmingham Legion FC: (1-1-1)
Independence Away Record vs. Birmingham Legion FC: (0-1-1)

LAST TIME THEY MET: Charlotte and Birmingham most recently met last month on Saturday, August 29 at the Sportsplex at Matthews in Matthews, N.C. The Charlotte Independence fell 4-1 to Legion FC in its ninth match of the 2020 USL Championship season.

LAST MATCH: In the eighth meeting of Charlotte Independence-North Carolina FC in USL Championship play, the Independence claimed its fifth win of the season with a 3-1 triumph over North Carolina FC as forward Dane Kelly recorded a hat trick at the Sportsplex at Matthews.

The Independence surged into a two-goal lead inside the opening 20 minutes at the Sportsplex at Matthews, courtesy of two clinical finishes by Kelly.

In the second half, Kelly completed his hat trick in the 79th minute and sealed a second all-time victory over North Carolina FC for the Jacks.

SERIES HISTORY (W-L-D)
Independence Record vs. Birmingham Legion FC: (1-2-2)
Independence Home Record vs. Birmingham Legion FC: (1-1-1)
Independence Away Record vs. Birmingham Legion FC: (0-1-1)

STATISTICAL SNAPSHOT

CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE

Leading Scorer(s): Dane Kelly (8) 

Assist Leader(s): Joel Johnson (3) 

Goals Per Game: 1.63

Saves Per Game: 4.36

Goals Against Average: 1.6

Shots on Target Per Game: 4.45

BIRMINGHAM LEGION FC

Leading Scorer(s): Brett, Lapa (6)

Assist Leader(s): Jonathan Dean (4)

Goals Per Game: 1.83

Saves Per Game: 2.83

Goals Against Average: 0.9

Shots on Target Per Game: 4.83

2020 CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE USL CHAMPIONSHIP ROSTER BY POSITION

GOALKEEPERS: Lucas Hatsios, Brandon Miller, Austin Pack

DEFENDERS: Owen Barber, Clay Dimick, Shalom Dutey, Duke Lacroix, Aaron Maund, Dylan Mitchiner, Joel Johnson, Hugh Roberts, Joey Skinner

MIDFIELDERS: Jake Areman, Junior Etou, Derek Gebhard, Kevan George, Luke Haakenson, Rey Ortiz, Valentin Sabella, Oscar Ramsay

FORWARDS: Christian Chaney, Enzo Martinez, Tresor Mbuyu, Dane Kelly, Guido Valada

2020 BIRMINGHAM LEGION FC USL CHAMPIONSHIP ROSTER BY POSITION

GOALKEEPERS: Ford Parker, Trevor Spangenberg, Matt Vanoekel

DEFENDERS: Josh Bauer, Alex Crognale, Razak Cromwell, Jonathan Dean, Mathieu Laurent, Jake Rufe

MIDFIELDERS: Boluwatife Akinyode, Anderson Asiedu, Eli Crognale, Daigo Kobayashi, Bruno Lapa, Mikey Lopez, Braxton Najib, Jaden Servania, Marcos Ugarte

FORWARDS: Neco Brett, Propser Kasim, Rudolf Mensah, Brian Wright, JJ Williams

STATISTICAL SNAPSHOT

CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE

Leading Scorer(s): Dane Kelly (8) 

Assist Leader(s): Joel Johnson (3) 

Goals Per Game: 1.63

Saves Per Game: 4.36

Goals Against Average: 1.6

Shots on Target Per Game: 4.45

BIRMINGHAM LEGION FC

Leading Scorer(s): Brett, Lapa (6)

Assist Leader(s): Jonathan Dean (4)

Goals Per Game: 1.83

Saves Per Game: 2.83

Goals Against Average: 0.9

Shots on Target Per Game: 4.83

2020 CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE USL CHAMPIONSHIP ROSTER BY POSITION

GOALKEEPERS: Lucas Hatsios, Brandon Miller, Austin Pack

DEFENDERS: Owen Barber, Clay Dimick, Shalom Dutey, Duke Lacroix, Aaron Maund, Dylan Mitchiner, Joel Johnson, Hugh Roberts, Joey Skinner

MIDFIELDERS: Jake Areman, Junior Etou, Derek Gebhard, Kevan George, Luke Haakenson, Rey Ortiz, Valentin Sabella, Oscar Ramsay

FORWARDS: Christian Chaney, Enzo Martinez, Tresor Mbuyu, Dane Kelly, Guido Valada

2020 BIRMINGHAM LEGION FC USL CHAMPIONSHIP ROSTER BY POSITION

GOALKEEPERS: Ford Parker, Trevor Spangenberg, Matt Vanoekel

DEFENDERS: Josh Bauer, Alex Crognale, Razak Cromwell, Jonathan Dean, Mathieu Laurent, Jake Rufe

MIDFIELDERS: Boluwatife Akinyode, Anderson Asiedu, Eli Crognale, Daigo Kobayashi, Bruno Lapa, Mikey Lopez, Braxton Najib, Jaden Servania, Marcos Ugarte

FORWARDS: Neco Brett, Propser Kasim, Rudolf Mensah, Brian Wright, JJ Williams

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

– Seven players have scored for the Independence in the 2020 USL Championship season: Dane Kelly (8), Luke Haakenson (3), Enzo Martinez (2), Jake Areman, Derek Gebhard, Rey Ortiz, Valentin Sabella (1)

– Eight players have recorded at least one assist for the Independence this year: Joel Johnson (3), Aaron Maund, Haakenson, (2), Areman, Gebhard, Kelly, Martinez, Sabella (1)

– Six players have recorded a goal and an assist for the Jacks this season: Areman, Gebhard, Haakenson, Martinez, Kelly, Sabella

– With an appearance last week against Memphis 901 FC, Independence forward Dane Kelly reached 200 career USL appearances. 

– Kelly became the first player in USL Championship history to score 80 career league goals. Kelly, who scored his 80th USL goal in a 1-1 draw against Legion FC, leads the Jacks in goals this season with four. 

– Independence goalkeeper Brandon Miller's 48 saves is ranked first in the Championship this season. 

– Against The Miami FC, Miller became only the second goalkeeper to post two outings this season with 8+ saves. Miller recorded eight saves against Miami having previously recorded nine saves against Sporting Kansas City II on March 8 to start the season.

– Independence defender Hugh Roberts reached 12,500 regular-season minutes in last Wednesday’s match against Memphis 901 FC.

– Martinez, Miller, Roberts, and Duke Lacroix are the only players to play all 990 minutes for the Jacks this season thus far.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

– Seven players have scored for the Independence in the 2020 USL Championship season: Dane Kelly (8), Luke Haakenson (3), Enzo Martinez (2), Jake Areman, Derek Gebhard, Rey Ortiz, Valentin Sabella (1)

– Eight players have recorded at least one assist for the Independence this year: Joel Johnson (3), Aaron Maund, Haakenson, (2), Areman, Gebhard, Kelly, Martinez, Sabella (1)

– Six players have recorded a goal and an assist for the Jacks this season: Areman, Gebhard, Haakenson, Martinez, Kelly, Sabella

– With an appearance last week against Memphis 901 FC, Independence forward Dane Kelly reached 200 career USL appearances. 

– Kelly became the first player in USL Championship history to score 80 career league goals. Kelly, who scored his 80th USL goal in a 1-1 draw against Legion FC, leads the Jacks in goals this season with four. 

– Independence goalkeeper Brandon Miller’s 48 saves is ranked first in the Championship this season. 

– Against The Miami FC, Miller became only the second goalkeeper to post two outings this season with 8+ saves. Miller recorded eight saves against Miami having previously recorded nine saves against Sporting Kansas City II on March 8 to start the season.

– Independence defender Hugh Roberts reached 12,500 regular-season minutes in last Wednesday’s match against Memphis 901 FC.

– Martinez, Miller, Roberts, and Duke Lacroix are the only players to play all 990 minutes for the Jacks this season thus far.

ABOUT THE 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.

COMPETITION FORMAT: The 35 Championship’s clubs will be divided into eight regionalized groups and are set to play 263 games over 13 weeks to decide which 16 teams will advance to the 2020 USL Championship Playoffs, which will open in the second weekend of October.

Games completed prior to the season suspension in March will be counted and are included in the schedule.

The top two teams from each group in the regular season will advance to the 2020 USL Championship Playoffs, producing a field of 16 teams overall in a regionalized single-elimination bracket. Group winners will be paired with Group runners-up in the Round of 16, with home advantage being determined by record for the remainder of the bracket.

· Click Here for the Jacks' 2020 USL Championship Schedule

· Click Here for the Complete Revised 2020 USL Championship Schedule

Every game of the 2020 USL Championship season will air on the ESPN family of networks, with broadcasts on ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ bringing all the excitement of the first league in the United States to return to play in home markets directly to homes across the United States.

For live match updates, follow @Independence on Twitter, or tune in as the match will air live on ESPN+.

ABOUT THE 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.

COMPETITION FORMAT: The 35 Championship’s clubs will be divided into eight regionalized groups and are set to play 263 games over 13 weeks to decide which 16 teams will advance to the 2020 USL Championship Playoffs, which will open in the second weekend of October.

Games completed prior to the season suspension in March will be counted and are included in the schedule.

The top two teams from each group in the regular season will advance to the 2020 USL Championship Playoffs, producing a field of 16 teams overall in a regionalized single-elimination bracket. Group winners will be paired with Group runners-up in the Round of 16, with home advantage being determined by record for the remainder of the bracket.

· Click Here for the Jacks’ 2020 USL Championship Schedule

· Click Here for the Complete Revised 2020 USL Championship Schedule

Every game of the 2020 USL Championship season will air on the ESPN family of networks, with broadcasts on ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ bringing all the excitement of the first league in the United States to return to play in home markets directly to homes across the United States.

For live match updates, follow @Independence on Twitter, or tune in as the match will air live on ESPN+.

CHARLOTTE (Sept. 10, 2020) – Leading up to the Charlotte Independence’s move to American Legion Memorial Stadium in 2021, Independence’s ticketing staff has finalized procedures for accepting deposits for Full-Season Memberships and Partial-Season Memberships. All fans can log on to Tickets.com this morning after 10 a.m. for members to declare full-season or partial-season intentions in the new stadium.

CHARLOTTE (Sept. 10, 2020) – Leading up to the Charlotte Independence’s move to American Legion Memorial Stadium in 2021, Independence’s ticketing staff has finalized procedures for accepting deposits for Full-Season Memberships and Partial-Season Memberships. All fans can log on to Tickets.com this morning after 10 a.m. for members to declare full-season or partial-season intentions in the new stadium.

Full-Season Members will receive tickets to every regular season home game and will choose their seats first, in the order their deposits are received. Full-Season Membership includes free parking, a free licensed seat cushion for a limited time, and savings up to 50% on the price of single game tickets. 

Partial-Season Members choose their seats second in the order their deposits are received. Partial-Season Membership includes tickets to nine regular season home games and savings up to 20% on the price of single game tickets. 

Deposits for both Full-Season and Partial-Season Memberships are priced at $25 per seat.

LINK: 2021 Season Deposit

“The Independence had the original will and vision to renovate American Legion Memorial Stadium to remake it into the great community asset it once was,” said Independence President and Managing Partner Jim McPhilliamy. “We are thrilled we will be able to make American Legion Memorial Stadium our home field starting in 2021. Being able to play in the new stadium will put the Charlotte Independence in a position to grow the beautiful game here in the Queen City and create something our whole community can be proud of.”

Independence fans will be able to choose from five different seating options including Club Seats, VIP Overlook seats including in-seat waiter service, field-level VIP seats with waiter service, reserved grandstand and general admission grandstand. All seats have incredible sightlines as well as a perfect view of the city skyline.

“We’re excited for our fans to enjoy Independence games in this beautiful new stadium," stated Independence Chief Marketing Officer Tim Schuldt. “With all the modern amenities and a wide variety of seating experiences, this is going to be fantastic for our fans.”

For more information on 2021 Season Membership deposits, please email cwheat@queencitysc.com or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1521. 

Full-Season Members will receive tickets to every regular season home game and will choose their seats first, in the order their deposits are received. Full-Season Membership includes free parking, a free licensed seat cushion for a limited time, and savings up to 50% on the price of single game tickets. 

Partial-Season Members choose their seats second in the order their deposits are received. Partial-Season Membership includes tickets to nine regular season home games and savings up to 20% on the price of single game tickets. 

Deposits for both Full-Season and Partial-Season Memberships are priced at $25 per seat.

LINK: 2021 Season Deposit

“The Independence had the original will and vision to renovate American Legion Memorial Stadium to remake it into the great community asset it once was,” said Independence President and Managing Partner Jim McPhilliamy. “We are thrilled we will be able to make American Legion Memorial Stadium our home field starting in 2021. Being able to play in the new stadium will put the Charlotte Independence in a position to grow the beautiful game here in the Queen City and create something our whole community can be proud of.”

Independence fans will be able to choose from five different seating options including Club Seats, VIP Overlook seats including in-seat waiter service, field-level VIP seats with waiter service, reserved grandstand and general admission grandstand. All seats have incredible sightlines as well as a perfect view of the city skyline.

“We’re excited for our fans to enjoy Independence games in this beautiful new stadium,” stated Independence Chief Marketing Officer Tim Schuldt. “With all the modern amenities and a wide variety of seating experiences, this is going to be fantastic for our fans.”

For more information on 2021 Season Membership deposits, please email cwheat@queencitysc.com or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1521. 

American Legion Memorial Stadium Gallery

American Legion Memorial Stadium Gallery

ABOUT AMERICAN LEGION MEMORIAL STADIUM: In the fall of 2018, Queen City Sports Club and the Independence signed a 10-year lease to move to American Legion Memorial Stadium following a revitalization of the historic landmark set for spring of 2021.

The stadium is projected to have a 10,000 seating capacity, while improvements are made to the field to accommodate football, soccer, lacrosse and concerts. Facility upgrades will include new restrooms that meet ADA requirements, while historical features such as the ticket offices and rock wall will be preserved. This past summer, The Historical Landmarks Commission approved the design of the renovation project. 

STADIUM FEATURES:

– 10,000 seating capacity

– Walking distance from parking decks and CATS Gold Line

– Located centrally near bars and restaurants for pre-game events

– Remains a Mecklenburg County controlled facility accommodating to football, soccer, lacrosse and concerts

– Skyline sightlines similar to Charlotte Knights' Stadium 

– Preservation of historical features such as iconic rock wall and ticket offices 

– New concession facilities and restrooms which meet ADA requirements

– Charlotte Historical Landmarks Commission approved design 

ABOUT THE CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE: The Charlotte Independence 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.

Social: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

ABOUT AMERICAN LEGION MEMORIAL STADIUM: In the fall of 2018, Queen City Sports Club and the Independence signed a 10-year lease to move to American Legion Memorial Stadium following a revitalization of the historic landmark set for spring of 2021.

The stadium is projected to have a 10,000 seating capacity, while improvements are made to the field to accommodate football, soccer, lacrosse and concerts. Facility upgrades will include new restrooms that meet ADA requirements, while historical features such as the ticket offices and rock wall will be preserved. This past summer, The Historical Landmarks Commission approved the design of the renovation project. 

STADIUM FEATURES:

– 10,000 seating capacity

– Walking distance from parking decks and CATS Gold Line

– Located centrally near bars and restaurants for pre-game events

– Remains a Mecklenburg County controlled facility accommodating to football, soccer, lacrosse and concerts

– Skyline sightlines similar to Charlotte Knights’ Stadium 

– Preservation of historical features such as iconic rock wall and ticket offices 

– New concession facilities and restrooms which meet ADA requirements

– Charlotte Historical Landmarks Commission approved design 

ABOUT THE CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE: The Charlotte Independence 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.

Social: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

TAMPA, Fla. (Sept. 8, 2020) – The USL Championship announced the Team of the Week Presented by Cleer Audio for Week 11 of the 2020 regular season on Tuesday, with the Charlotte Independence’s Dane Kelly and Brandon Miller both being named to the USL's weekly list. 

Previously, Miller was voted to the Week 1 Team of the Week after recording a league-high 10 saves in a 2-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City II and surpassed 300 USL Championship career saves, which has only been achieved five previous times. Kelly made his first USL Championship Team of the Week appearance this season in Week 8 after scoring in consecutive games against Birmingham Legion FC and Memphis 901 FC. The forward's goal against Legion FC was the 80th of his USL career and helped the Independence move into second place in the Group G standings.

The Championship’s all-time leading scorer, Kelly also earned Player of the Week honors after his hat trick led the Independence to a 3-1 victory against North Carolina FC on Saturday night. The Jamaican international has now recorded four regular season hat tricks in his career, also a league record.

Kelly and Miller helped the Independence open an eight-point gap between themselves in second place in Group G and third-placed NCFC as the final stretch of the regular season arrives.

Kelly earned 87 percent of the ballot for his performance. Both FC Tulsa’s Dario Suarez – who scored three goals in two games for his side as it picked up four points on the week – and El Paso Locomotive FC’s Dylan Mares – who notched the game-winning goal and an assist in El Paso’s 3-2 win against New Mexico United on Saturday – finished tied for second on seven percent.

The Championship’s Player of the Week is selected by the USL National Media Panel, which is made up of representatives from each media market in the Championship.

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 11

GK – Brandon Miller, Charlotte Independence: Miller recorded six saves across two contests, including a key penalty save against Memphis 901 FC on Wednesday night, as the Independence took victories against Memphis and North Carolina FC during the week.

D – Gabriel Torres, Hartford Athletic: Torres recorded a goal and assist, including the game-winning goal, while completing 30 of 37 passes, winning 6 of 9 duels and making nine recoveries in a 2-1 win against Loudoun United FC.

D – Jordan Scarlett, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Scarlett scored in the Rowdies’ victory against Miami FC on Wednesday night, and across two games completed 112 of 136 passes, won 7 of 8 duels and 4 of 4 aerials as Tampa Bay recorded two shutout wins.

D – Matt Mahoney, Sacramento Republic FC: Mahoney recorded one assist, completed 73 of 85 passes overall and won 9 of 11 duels and 5 of 6 aerial duels in Sacramento’s 2-1 victory against the Portland Timbers 2 on Wednesday.

M – Corben Bone, Louisville City FC: Bone scored once, had two key passes and completed 23 of 29 passes overall, and won 5 of 7 duels and 4 of 5 tackles as LouCity earned a 3-1 victory against Indy Eleven on Saturday night.

M – Robbie Mertz, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: Mertz scored once and recorded four key passes across two Hounds victories against Loudoun United FC and the New York Red Bulls II, while also completing 69 of 80 passes.

M – Dylan Mares, El Paso Locomotive FC: Mares recorded a goal and assist, including the late game-winner, while recording six shots, three key passes and 28 of 35 passes overall in Locomotive FC’s 3-2 win against New Mexico United, its first in the series between the clubs.

M – Tucker Bone, Reno 1868 FC: Bone scored the opening two goals of the game, finished with four shots on target overall, and completed 26 of 32 passes as 1868 FC recorded the most goals in a game this season against the Portland Timbers 2 in its 7-1 win.

F – Sean Okoli, Orange County SC: Okoli had two goals and one assist in two games, including a brace in OCSC’s 2-1 win against the LA Galaxy II on Wednesday night, and had seven shots, three chances created while completing 27 of 38 passes.

F – Dario Suarez, FC Tulsa: Suarez scored three goals across two games, recording five shots overall and four on target while completing 33 of 40 passes as Tulsa earned victory against Rio Grande Valley FC and a draw with Austin Bold FC.

F – Dane Kelly, Charlotte Independence: Kelly recorded the fourth hat trick of his career, had five shots overall and completed 18 of 22 passes as the Independence took a 3-1 victory against North Carolina FC on Saturday night.

Bench: Danny Vitiello (PIT), Wilson Harris (SKC), Dre Fortune (NC), Ariel Martinez (TUL), Sam Gleadle (RNO), Sebastian Guenzatti (TBR), Jonathan Perez (LA)

TAMPA, Fla. (Sept. 8, 2020) – The USL Championship announced the Team of the Week Presented by Cleer Audio for Week 11 of the 2020 regular season on Tuesday, with the Charlotte Independence’s Dane Kelly and Brandon Miller both being named to the USL’s weekly list. 

Previously, Miller was voted to the Week 1 Team of the Week after recording a league-high 10 saves in a 2-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City II and surpassed 300 USL Championship career saves, which has only been achieved five previous times. Kelly made his first USL Championship Team of the Week appearance this season in Week 8 after scoring in consecutive games against Birmingham Legion FC and Memphis 901 FC. The forward’s goal against Legion FC was the 80th of his USL career and helped the Independence move into second place in the Group G standings.

The Championship’s all-time leading scorer, Kelly also earned Player of the Week honors after his hat trick led the Independence to a 3-1 victory against North Carolina FC on Saturday night. The Jamaican international has now recorded four regular season hat tricks in his career, also a league record.

Kelly and Miller helped the Independence open an eight-point gap between themselves in second place in Group G and third-placed NCFC as the final stretch of the regular season arrives.

Kelly earned 87 percent of the ballot for his performance. Both FC Tulsa’s Dario Suarez – who scored three goals in two games for his side as it picked up four points on the week – and El Paso Locomotive FC’s Dylan Mares – who notched the game-winning goal and an assist in El Paso’s 3-2 win against New Mexico United on Saturday – finished tied for second on seven percent.

The Championship’s Player of the Week is selected by the USL National Media Panel, which is made up of representatives from each media market in the Championship.

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 11

GK – Brandon Miller, Charlotte Independence: Miller recorded six saves across two contests, including a key penalty save against Memphis 901 FC on Wednesday night, as the Independence took victories against Memphis and North Carolina FC during the week.

D – Gabriel Torres, Hartford Athletic: Torres recorded a goal and assist, including the game-winning goal, while completing 30 of 37 passes, winning 6 of 9 duels and making nine recoveries in a 2-1 win against Loudoun United FC.

D – Jordan Scarlett, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Scarlett scored in the Rowdies’ victory against Miami FC on Wednesday night, and across two games completed 112 of 136 passes, won 7 of 8 duels and 4 of 4 aerials as Tampa Bay recorded two shutout wins.

D – Matt Mahoney, Sacramento Republic FC: Mahoney recorded one assist, completed 73 of 85 passes overall and won 9 of 11 duels and 5 of 6 aerial duels in Sacramento’s 2-1 victory against the Portland Timbers 2 on Wednesday.

M – Corben Bone, Louisville City FC: Bone scored once, had two key passes and completed 23 of 29 passes overall, and won 5 of 7 duels and 4 of 5 tackles as LouCity earned a 3-1 victory against Indy Eleven on Saturday night.

M – Robbie Mertz, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: Mertz scored once and recorded four key passes across two Hounds victories against Loudoun United FC and the New York Red Bulls II, while also completing 69 of 80 passes.

M – Dylan Mares, El Paso Locomotive FC: Mares recorded a goal and assist, including the late game-winner, while recording six shots, three key passes and 28 of 35 passes overall in Locomotive FC’s 3-2 win against New Mexico United, its first in the series between the clubs.

M – Tucker Bone, Reno 1868 FC: Bone scored the opening two goals of the game, finished with four shots on target overall, and completed 26 of 32 passes as 1868 FC recorded the most goals in a game this season against the Portland Timbers 2 in its 7-1 win.

F – Sean Okoli, Orange County SC: Okoli had two goals and one assist in two games, including a brace in OCSC’s 2-1 win against the LA Galaxy II on Wednesday night, and had seven shots, three chances created while completing 27 of 38 passes.

F – Dario Suarez, FC Tulsa: Suarez scored three goals across two games, recording five shots overall and four on target while completing 33 of 40 passes as Tulsa earned victory against Rio Grande Valley FC and a draw with Austin Bold FC.

F – Dane Kelly, Charlotte Independence: Kelly recorded the fourth hat trick of his career, had five shots overall and completed 18 of 22 passes as the Independence took a 3-1 victory against North Carolina FC on Saturday night.

Bench: Danny Vitiello (PIT), Wilson Harris (SKC), Dre Fortune (NC), Ariel Martinez (TUL), Sam Gleadle (RNO), Sebastian Guenzatti (TBR), Jonathan Perez (LA)

CHARLOTTE (Sept. 7, 2020) – FC Cincinnati loanee Rey Ortiz claimed the USL Championship's Fans' Choice Goal of the Month award, with his long-range volley against North Carolina FC claiming 83 percent of the vote to sit ahead of Phoenix Rising’s Junior Flemmings on 11 percent. 

The goal was Ortiz’s first of his professional career and helped the Independence defeat North Carolina FC for the first time in USL Championship history.

USL Championship Fans’ Choice Goal of the Month Finalists – August

Junior Flemmings (PHX) – #PHXvELP, 8/1/20: Flemmings picked up possession deep in the left corner late in the first half and then proceeded to weave his way past two defenders into the penalty area before finishing into the roof of the net at Casino Arizona Field.

Dario Suarez (TUL) – #STLvTUL, 8/8/20: Suarez ensured a second consecutive victory for Tulsa with a powerful low finish to the left corner of the net from the edge of the penalty area on the road against Saint Louis FC.

Junior Flemmings (PHX) – #PHXvSD, 8/15/20: The Jamaican Golden Boot contender fired home a spectacular long-range finish from almost 30 yards into the top-left corner to open the scoring in Rising FC’s 2-0 victory against San Diego.

Kyle Murphy (TBR) – #TBRvATL, 8/22/20: Murphy fired home an outstanding strike from 25 yards as he set himself on the turn to hit a brilliant finish that caromed off the right post and into the net.

Rey Ortiz (CLT) – #CLTvNM, 8/26/20: Ortiz controlled Dane Kelly’s cross top the top of the penalty area perfectly with his first touch to set up a volleyed finish from 20 yards into the bottom-left corner of the net to give the Independence victory against their in-state rival.

Juan Tejada (TBR) – #ATLvTBR, 8/12/20: Tejada took on the Atlanta defense on a counterattack, checked up just short of the penalty area and then produced a perfect curling finish to the bottom-right corner to ice the Rowdies’ victory.

CHARLOTTE (Sept. 7, 2020) – FC Cincinnati loanee Rey Ortiz claimed the USL Championship’s Fans’ Choice Goal of the Month award, with his long-range volley against North Carolina FC claiming 83 percent of the vote to sit ahead of Phoenix Rising’s Junior Flemmings on 11 percent. 

The goal was Ortiz’s first of his professional career and helped the Independence defeat North Carolina FC for the first time in USL Championship history.

USL Championship Fans’ Choice Goal of the Month Finalists – August

Junior Flemmings (PHX) – #PHXvELP, 8/1/20: Flemmings picked up possession deep in the left corner late in the first half and then proceeded to weave his way past two defenders into the penalty area before finishing into the roof of the net at Casino Arizona Field.

Dario Suarez (TUL) – #STLvTUL, 8/8/20: Suarez ensured a second consecutive victory for Tulsa with a powerful low finish to the left corner of the net from the edge of the penalty area on the road against Saint Louis FC.

Junior Flemmings (PHX) – #PHXvSD, 8/15/20: The Jamaican Golden Boot contender fired home a spectacular long-range finish from almost 30 yards into the top-left corner to open the scoring in Rising FC’s 2-0 victory against San Diego.

Kyle Murphy (TBR) – #TBRvATL, 8/22/20: Murphy fired home an outstanding strike from 25 yards as he set himself on the turn to hit a brilliant finish that caromed off the right post and into the net.

Rey Ortiz (CLT) – #CLTvNM, 8/26/20: Ortiz controlled Dane Kelly’s cross top the top of the penalty area perfectly with his first touch to set up a volleyed finish from 20 yards into the bottom-left corner of the net to give the Independence victory against their in-state rival.

Juan Tejada (TBR) – #ATLvTBR, 8/12/20: Tejada took on the Atlanta defense on a counterattack, checked up just short of the penalty area and then produced a perfect curling finish to the bottom-right corner to ice the Rowdies’ victory.

CHARLOTTE (Sept. 6, 2020) – In the eighth meeting of Charlotte Independence-North Carolina FC in USL Championship play, the Independence claimed its fifth win of the season with a 3-1 triumph over North Carolina FC as forward Dane Kelly recorded a hat trick at the Sportsplex at Matthews.

The Independence surged into a two-goal lead inside the opening 20 minutes at the Sportsplex at Matthews, courtesy of two clinical finishes by Kelly.

In the second half, Kelly completed his hat trick in the 79th minute and sealed a second all-time victory over North Carolina FC for the Jacks.

Check out our gallery of photos from the fixture, which helped the Independence jump eight points clear of North Carolina FC in the Group G standings and remain in second place in the table.

CHARLOTTE (Sept. 6, 2020) – In the eighth meeting of Charlotte Independence-North Carolina FC in USL Championship play, the Independence claimed its fifth win of the season with a 3-1 triumph over North Carolina FC as forward Dane Kelly recorded a hat trick at the Sportsplex at Matthews.

The Independence surged into a two-goal lead inside the opening 20 minutes at the Sportsplex at Matthews, courtesy of two clinical finishes by Kelly.

In the second half, Kelly completed his hat trick in the 79th minute and sealed a second all-time victory over North Carolina FC for the Jacks.

Check out our gallery of photos from the fixture, which helped the Independence jump eight points clear of North Carolina FC in the Group G standings and remain in second place in the table.

Photos by Adam Cosgrove

Photos by Adam Cosgrove

CHARLOTTE (Sept. 5, 2020) – In the eighth meeting of Charlotte Independence-North Carolina FC in USL Championship play, the Independence claimed its fifth win of the season with a 3-1 triumph over North Carolina FC as forward Dane Kelly recorded a hat trick at the Sportsplex at Matthews.

The Independence surged into a two-goal lead inside the opening 20 minutes at the Sportsplex at Matthews, courtesy of two clinical finishes by Kelly.

In the second half, Kelly completed his hat trick in the 79th minute and sealed a second all-time victory over North Carolina FC for the Jacks.

"I think we put in a great performance tonight," said Kelly. "To get six points in five days and to beat a rival is very, very good. A huge three points tonight."

In the day’s other Group G match, Birmingham Legion FC and Memphis 901 FC tied 1-1 in Memphis. Legion FC (6-2-4; 22 points) currently tops Group G, but with the win tonight the Independence moves within four points (5-3-3; 18 points), followed by North Carolina FC (3-5-1; 10 points) and Memphis 901 FC (1-5-4; 7 points).

The Jacks face the Group G leaders on Saturday, Sept. 12 at BBVA Field in Birmingham, Ala. (7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+).

Independence head coach Mike Jeffries made one change from the starting lineup against Memphis 901 FC on Sept. 2, as defender Clay Dimick replaced Aaron Maund at centre-back.

In another energetic start, the Jacks came out flying all over the field and was rewarded in the 10th minute when Joel Johnson pickpocketed Andre Fortune and unselfishly squared for Kelly, who finished unerringly inside the penalty area for the opening goal of the match.

Kelly would have his second goal of the evening – and seventh of the campaign – soon after, though, as Kelly doubled the Jacks’ lead in the 20th minute by finishing a cleverly weighted through ball by Luke Haakenson with a well-placed left-footed shot off the post and into the net. The goal marked Kelly’s sixth tally of the season and Johnson’s third assist.

The Jacks continued to show well on the other side of the break and would finally get the necessary third goal in the 79th minute. Substitute Derek Gebhard found Kelly inside the penalty area where Kelly volleyed home his 85th career USL goal, clinching three points for the Jacks.

But it was North Carolina FC who scored next and capped the scoring on the evening, via Andre Fortune’s right-footed effort from Manny Perez’s cross on the stroke of full-time.

“I was thrilled with the amount of energy we came out with to start the game,” said Jeffries. "It was great to get early goals and manage the game from there." 

“It was an important win for us, standings wise and rivalry wise," added Jeffries. "It was great to end this stretch of the season with a couple of wins ​and carry some momentum into the next game."

Next on the Schedule: The Independence will travel to BBVA Field to take on Birmingham Legion FC on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m. ET and broadcast live on ESPN+.  

Social: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

CHARLOTTE (Sept. 5, 2020) – In the eighth meeting of Charlotte Independence-North Carolina FC in USL Championship play, the Independence claimed its fifth win of the season with a 3-1 triumph over North Carolina FC as forward Dane Kelly recorded a hat trick at the Sportsplex at Matthews.

The Independence surged into a two-goal lead inside the opening 20 minutes at the Sportsplex at Matthews, courtesy of two clinical finishes by Kelly.

In the second half, Kelly completed his hat trick in the 79th minute and sealed a second all-time victory over North Carolina FC for the Jacks.

“I think we put in a great performance tonight,” said Kelly. “To get six points in five days and to beat a rival is very, very good. A huge three points tonight.”

In the day’s other Group G match, Birmingham Legion FC and Memphis 901 FC tied 1-1 in Memphis. Legion FC (6-2-4; 22 points) currently tops Group G, but with the win tonight the Independence moves within four points (5-3-3; 18 points), followed by North Carolina FC (3-5-1; 10 points) and Memphis 901 FC (1-5-4; 7 points).

The Jacks face the Group G leaders on Saturday, Sept. 12 at BBVA Field in Birmingham, Ala. (7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+).

Independence head coach Mike Jeffries made one change from the starting lineup against Memphis 901 FC on Sept. 2, as defender Clay Dimick replaced Aaron Maund at centre-back.

In another energetic start, the Jacks came out flying all over the field and was rewarded in the 10th minute when Joel Johnson pickpocketed Andre Fortune and unselfishly squared for Kelly, who finished unerringly inside the penalty area for the opening goal of the match.

Kelly would have his second goal of the evening – and seventh of the campaign – soon after, though, as Kelly doubled the Jacks’ lead in the 20th minute by finishing a cleverly weighted through ball by Luke Haakenson with a well-placed left-footed shot off the post and into the net. The goal marked Kelly’s sixth tally of the season and Johnson’s third assist.

The Jacks continued to show well on the other side of the break and would finally get the necessary third goal in the 79th minute. Substitute Derek Gebhard found Kelly inside the penalty area where Kelly volleyed home his 85th career USL goal, clinching three points for the Jacks.

But it was North Carolina FC who scored next and capped the scoring on the evening, via Andre Fortune’s right-footed effort from Manny Perez’s cross on the stroke of full-time.

“I was thrilled with the amount of energy we came out with to start the game,” said Jeffries. “It was great to get early goals and manage the game from there.” 

“It was an important win for us, standings wise and rivalry wise,” added Jeffries. “It was great to end this stretch of the season with a couple of wins ​and carry some momentum into the next game.”

Next on the Schedule: The Independence will travel to BBVA Field to take on Birmingham Legion FC on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m. ET and broadcast live on ESPN+.  

Social: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN:

CLT – Dane Kelly (Joel Johnson),10th minute: Out on the right wing, Joel Johnson pickpocketed Andre Fortune and drove towards the end line. The defender then unselfishly squared a cross into the box for Kelly, who finished unerringly inside the penalty area for the opening goal of the match. CLT 1, NCFC 0

CLT – Dane Kelly (Luke Haakenson), 20th minute: From his own half, Duke Lacroix found Luke Haakenson who placed a cleverly weighted through ball to an overlapping Dane Kelly. Kelly took a couple of touches into the box and fired a well-placed left-footed shot off the post and into the net for his second goal of the match. CLT 2, NCFC 0

CLT – Dane Kelly (Derek Gebhard), 79th minute: On the right wing, Derek Gebhard stole a North Carolina FC pass just inside midfield and dribbled into the box where he fired a pass to Dane Kelly on the penalty spot who powered a shot beyond the reach of 'keeper Alex Tambakis and completed his hat trick. CLT 3, NCFC 0 

NCFC – Andre Fortune (Manny Perez), 90+1 minute: A poor clearance by Independence defender fell perfectly for Robert Kristo who played a through ball into the corner to Manny Perez. Perez received the pass from Kristo and sent a square ball into the penalty area to Andre Fortune who sent a one-timed shot into the left side of the net and capped the scoring on the evening. CLT 3, NCFC 1 FINAL

GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN:

CLT – Dane Kelly (Joel Johnson),10th minute: Out on the right wing, Joel Johnson pickpocketed Andre Fortune and drove towards the end line. The defender then unselfishly squared a cross into the box for Kelly, who finished unerringly inside the penalty area for the opening goal of the match. CLT 1, NCFC 0

CLT – Dane Kelly (Luke Haakenson), 20th minute: From his own half, Duke Lacroix found Luke Haakenson who placed a cleverly weighted through ball to an overlapping Dane Kelly. Kelly took a couple of touches into the box and fired a well-placed left-footed shot off the post and into the net for his second goal of the match. CLT 2, NCFC 0

CLT – Dane Kelly (Derek Gebhard), 79th minute: On the right wing, Derek Gebhard stole a North Carolina FC pass just inside midfield and dribbled into the box where he fired a pass to Dane Kelly on the penalty spot who powered a shot beyond the reach of ‘keeper Alex Tambakis and completed his hat trick. CLT 3, NCFC 0 

NCFC – Andre Fortune (Manny Perez), 90+1 minute: A poor clearance by Independence defender fell perfectly for Robert Kristo who played a through ball into the corner to Manny Perez. Perez received the pass from Kristo and sent a square ball into the penalty area to Andre Fortune who sent a one-timed shot into the left side of the net and capped the scoring on the evening. CLT 3, NCFC 1 FINAL

Match: Charlotte Independence vs. North Carolina FC
Date: September 5, 2020
Venue: Sportsplex at Matthews
Competition: USL Championship
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET

Scoring Summary:             1          2          F 

CLT                                      2           1         3  

NCFC                                   0          1          1

CLT: Dane Kelly (Joel Johnson), 10th minute

CLT: Dane Kelly (Luke Haakenson), 20th minute

CLT: Dane Kelly (Derek Gebhard), 79th minute

NCFC: Andre Fortune (Manny Perez), 90+1 minute

LINEUPS: 

CLT: 33-Brandon Miller; 3-Hugh Roberts, 14-Duke Lacroix, 17-Clay Dimick, 22-Joel Johnson, 4-Jake Areman(32-Tresor Mbuyu, 90'), 7-Rey Ortiz(27-Derek Gebhard, 69'), 15-Luke Haakenson(20-Oscar Ramsey, 90'), 21-Junior Etou, 9-Dane Kelly(90-Christian Chaney, 90'), 19-Enzo Martinez(captain)

Subs Not Used: 1-Austin Pack,2-Shalom Dutey, 23-Guido Vadala

Head Coach: Mike Jeffries 

NC: 1-Alex Tambakis; 4-Alex Comsia (2-Manny Perez, 71'), 5-Sam Brotherton, 20-Conor Donovan, 27-D.J. Taylor(15-Mbaye Malik, 83'), 8-Andre Fortune, 10-Nazmi Albadawi(captain), 16-Graham Smith(7-Wellington Paeckart, 83'), 17-Ben Speas(9-Marios Lomis, 77'), 92-Hadji Barry(31-Steven Miller, 77') 11-Robbie Kristo

Subs Not Used: 24-Paolo Pita

Head Coach: Dave Sarachan 

Stats Summary CLT/ NCFC: 
Shots: 9 / 10 
Shots on Goal: 5 / 2
Saves: 1 / 3
Corner Kicks: 6 / 4 
Fouls:  8 / 6
Offside: 3 / 1

Misconduct Summary: 
CLT: (caution)Yellow card: 14-Duke Lacroix 
NCFC: (caution)Yellow card: 16- Graham Smith
CLT: (caution)Yellow card: 9-Dane Kelly
CLT: (caution)Yellow card: 19-Enzo Martinez 

Officials:
Referees: JJ Bilinski
AR: Dallas Rosier, Colin Ashley
Fourth Official: Joshua Escobar

Match: Charlotte Independence vs. North Carolina FC
Date: September 5, 2020
Venue: Sportsplex at Matthews
Competition: USL Championship
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET

Scoring Summary:             1          2          F 

CLT                                      2           1         3  

NCFC                                   0          1          1

CLT: Dane Kelly (Joel Johnson), 10th minute

CLT: Dane Kelly (Luke Haakenson), 20th minute

CLT: Dane Kelly (Derek Gebhard), 79th minute

NCFC: Andre Fortune (Manny Perez), 90+1 minute

LINEUPS: 

CLT: 33-Brandon Miller; 3-Hugh Roberts, 14-Duke Lacroix, 17-Clay Dimick, 22-Joel Johnson, 4-Jake Areman(32-Tresor Mbuyu, 90′), 7-Rey Ortiz(27-Derek Gebhard, 69′), 15-Luke Haakenson(20-Oscar Ramsey, 90′), 21-Junior Etou, 9-Dane Kelly(90-Christian Chaney, 90′), 19-Enzo Martinez(captain)

Subs Not Used: 1-Austin Pack,2-Shalom Dutey, 23-Guido Vadala

Head Coach: Mike Jeffries 

NC: 1-Alex Tambakis; 4-Alex Comsia (2-Manny Perez, 71′), 5-Sam Brotherton, 20-Conor Donovan, 27-D.J. Taylor(15-Mbaye Malik, 83′), 8-Andre Fortune, 10-Nazmi Albadawi(captain), 16-Graham Smith(7-Wellington Paeckart, 83′), 17-Ben Speas(9-Marios Lomis, 77′), 92-Hadji Barry(31-Steven Miller, 77′) 11-Robbie Kristo

Subs Not Used: 24-Paolo Pita

Head Coach: Dave Sarachan 

Stats Summary CLT/ NCFC: 
Shots: 9 / 10 
Shots on Goal: 5 / 2
Saves: 1 / 3
Corner Kicks: 6 / 4 
Fouls:  8 / 6
Offside: 3 / 1

Misconduct Summary: 
CLT: (caution)Yellow card: 14-Duke Lacroix 
NCFC: (caution)Yellow card: 16- Graham Smith
CLT: (caution)Yellow card: 9-Dane Kelly
CLT: (caution)Yellow card: 19-Enzo Martinez 

Officials:
Referees: JJ Bilinski
AR: Dallas Rosier, Colin Ashley
Fourth Official: Joshua Escobar