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CHARLOTTE (July 28, 2020) – Mike Jeffries' squad traveled to AutoZone Park this past Saturday for their first Group G matchup. The Jacks claimed a point on the road against Tim Howard and Memphis 901 FC, 2-2, in their first match in 139 days. 

Take a look at a selection of images of the Jacks' first game back in USL Championship action below…

Photos by Memphis 901 FC

CHARLOTTE (July 28, 2020) – Mike Jeffries’ squad traveled to AutoZone Park this past Saturday for their first Group G matchup. The Jacks claimed a point on the road against Tim Howard and Memphis 901 FC, 2-2, in their first match in 139 days. 

Take a look at a selection of images of the Jacks’ first game back in USL Championship action below…

Photos by Memphis 901 FC

MEMPHIS (July 25, 2020) – The Charlotte Independence earned a hard-fought point on the road after coming from behind two different times to remain in second place in the 2020 USL Championship Group G standings. Goals in the second half by midfielders Luke Haakenson and Valentin Sabella canceled out Memphis 901 FC's goals in each half and helped the Jacks reach four points in their first two matches.

"I would give our guys a lot of credit for battling back on a night when it wasn’t our best soccer night," said Independence head coach Mike Jeffries. "We struggled a lot of times to have the rhythm we wanted but we managed to comeback twice from a goal down."

Memphis struck first tonight, finding the net in the 16th minute through a well-timed cross and finish by midfielder Rafael Mentzingen and forward Brandon Allen. After intercepting an Independence pass, Mentzingen fired a left-footed cross into the penalty area towards Allen who tapped in the pass from four yards out to give the hosts the lead. Allen's goal helped Memphis enter the half with a one-goal advantage. 

The second half began with a flurry of chances for the Independence. In the 51st minute, the Jacks found the equalizer through Haakenson who connected on forward Enzo Martinez's cross with a powerful header past Memphis goalkeeper Tim Howard . The goal for Haakenson was his first goal of the season since joining the Independence on loan from Nashville SC of MLS. 

The hosts answered quickly in the 56th minute, as Memphis defender Rece Buckmaster pounced on an Independence mistake in the back, took one touch by defender Hugh Roberts, and fired a left-footed shot home to regain the lead for Memphis.

Jeffries turned to his bench in the second half, bringing on midfielders Sabella, Rey Ortiz, and Jake Areman. Pushing for the tying goal, the Jacks clawed their way back again, this time through one of Jeffries' substitutes, Sabella. The Argentina midfielder capped off a sensational solo run by making a Memphis defender miss at the top of the box before calmly placing the ball out of the reach of Howard to level to score in the 83rd minute. 

After Sabella’s goal, the two teams traded chances in an intensifying end to the contest. Unable to find a winner, the match finished with both Group G opponents earning a point. With four points in two games, the Jacks sit in second place in the Group G standings.

MEMPHIS (July 25, 2020) – The Charlotte Independence earned a hard-fought point on the road after coming from behind two different times to remain in second place in the 2020 USL Championship Group G standings. Goals in the second half by midfielders Luke Haakenson and Valentin Sabella canceled out Memphis 901 FC’s goals in each half and helped the Jacks reach four points in their first two matches.

“I would give our guys a lot of credit for battling back on a night when it wasn’t our best soccer night,” said Independence head coach Mike Jeffries. “We struggled a lot of times to have the rhythm we wanted but we managed to comeback twice from a goal down.”

Memphis struck first tonight, finding the net in the 16th minute through a well-timed cross and finish by midfielder Rafael Mentzingen and forward Brandon Allen. After intercepting an Independence pass, Mentzingen fired a left-footed cross into the penalty area towards Allen who tapped in the pass from four yards out to give the hosts the lead. Allen’s goal helped Memphis enter the half with a one-goal advantage. 

The second half began with a flurry of chances for the Independence. In the 51st minute, the Jacks found the equalizer through Haakenson who connected on forward Enzo Martinez’s cross with a powerful header past Memphis goalkeeper Tim Howard . The goal for Haakenson was his first goal of the season since joining the Independence on loan from Nashville SC of MLS. 

The hosts answered quickly in the 56th minute, as Memphis defender Rece Buckmaster pounced on an Independence mistake in the back, took one touch by defender Hugh Roberts, and fired a left-footed shot home to regain the lead for Memphis.

Jeffries turned to his bench in the second half, bringing on midfielders Sabella, Rey Ortiz, and Jake Areman. Pushing for the tying goal, the Jacks clawed their way back again, this time through one of Jeffries’ substitutes, Sabella. The Argentina midfielder capped off a sensational solo run by making a Memphis defender miss at the top of the box before calmly placing the ball out of the reach of Howard to level to score in the 83rd minute. 

After Sabella’s goal, the two teams traded chances in an intensifying end to the contest. Unable to find a winner, the match finished with both Group G opponents earning a point. With four points in two games, the Jacks sit in second place in the Group G standings.

Next on the Schedule: The Independence will travel to BBVA Field to take on Birmingham Legion FC on Wednesday, August 5th at 8 p.m. ET and broadcast live on ESPN+.  

Social: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN:

MEM – Brandon Allen (Rafael Mentzingen), 16th minute: Memphis midfielder Rafael Mentzingen pounced on a loose ball at the corner of the box and dribbled towards the end line where he fired a left footed cross into the penalty area. Mentzingen’s cross was met by forward Brandon Allen who tapped the pass in from two yards out to give the hosts the first goal of the match. CLT 0, MEM 1

CLT – Luke Haakenson (Enzo Martinez), 51st minute: From a set piece near the right corner flag, Enzo Martinez played a ball directly into the middle of the penalty area. An unmarked Luke Haakenson met Martinez’s cross in the six-yard box with a powerful header into the back of the net to level the score for the visitors. CLT 1, MEM 1

MEM – Rece Buckmaster, 56th minute: Brandon Allen looped a ball into the penalty area that was met by Independence defender Hugh Roberts. Roberts’ clearance fell to the feet of Memphis defender Rece Buckmaster who controlled the ball in the box, took one touch by Roberts and fired left footed shot from 8 yards out into the left side of the net. CLT 1, MEM 2

CLT – Valentin Sabella (Jake Areman), 83rd minute: Enzo Martinez beat a Memphis defender out on the right wing before sending a pass into the middle to Jake Areman. Areman played a one-time ball to an on running Valentin Sabella at the right corner of the eighteen. Sabella received the pass from Areman, cut inside on his left, beat one defender, made another defender miss at the top of the box and then hammered a left-footed shot low on the ground and into the net to tie the game for the final time of the evening. CLT 2, MEM 2

Match: Charlotte Independence at Memphis 901 FC
Date: July 25, 2020
Competition: USL Championship – Group G
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. local/8:30 p.m. ET

Scoring Summary:             1          2          F

CLT                                             0          2          2 

MEM                                          1         1          2

MEM – Brandon Allen (Rafael Mentzingen)     16th minute
CLT – Luke Haakenson (Enzo Martinez)          51st minute
MEM – Rece Buckmaster                                        56th minute
CLT – Valentin Sabella (Jake Areman)             83rd minute

LINEUPS:

CLT: 33-Brandon Miller; 22-Joel Johnson, 18-Aaron Maund, 3-Hugh Roberts; 21-Junior Etou, 15-Luke Haakenson (4-Jake Areman, 60), 27-Derek Gebhard (11-Valentin Sabella, 71), 23- Guido Vadala (7-Rey Ortiz, 60);19-Enzo Martinez (Capt.), 9-Dane Kelly

Subs Not Used: 1-Austin Pack, 2-Shalom Dutey, 17-Clay Dimick, 17-Tresor Mbuyu

Head Coach: Mike Jeffries

MEM: 1-Tim Howard; 19-Rece Buckmaster, 2-Mark Segbers, 5-Tristan Hodges, 3-Zach Carroll, 21-Duane Muckette,14-Rafael Mentzingen (70-Matthew Hundley, 55), 17-Michael Reed, 23-Leston Paul, 9-Keanu Marsh-Brown (11-Pierre Da Silva, 55), 29-Brandon Allen (26-Cal Jennings, 67)

Subs Not Used: 12-Jimmy Hague, 4-Liam Doyle, 6-Dan Metzger, 20- Joe Baxter

Head Coach: Tim Mulqueen 

Stats Summary CLT/ MEM:

Shots: 10 / 17

Shots on Goal: 5 / 2

Saves: 3 / 0

Corner Kicks: 3 / 8

Fouls: 16 / 17

Offside: 1/ 2

Misconduct Summary:

CLT – Junior Etou (caution)         37th minute
CLT – Dane Kelly (caution)          45+1 minute
MEM – Rece Buckmaster (caution) 56th minute
MEM – Michael Reed (caution) 90+2 minute

Officials:
Referee: Benjamin Meyer
Assistant Referee 1: Ryan Star
Assistant Referee 2: Rebecca Luther
Fourth Official: Muhammad Hassan

 

Next on the Schedule: The Independence will travel to BBVA Field to take on Birmingham Legion FC on Wednesday, August 5th at 8 p.m. ET and broadcast live on ESPN+.  

Social: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN:

MEM – Brandon Allen (Rafael Mentzingen), 16th minute: Memphis midfielder Rafael Mentzingen pounced on a loose ball at the corner of the box and dribbled towards the end line where he fired a left footed cross into the penalty area. Mentzingen’s cross was met by forward Brandon Allen who tapped the pass in from two yards out to give the hosts the first goal of the match. CLT 0, MEM 1

CLT – Luke Haakenson (Enzo Martinez), 51st minute: From a set piece near the right corner flag, Enzo Martinez played a ball directly into the middle of the penalty area. An unmarked Luke Haakenson met Martinez’s cross in the six-yard box with a powerful header into the back of the net to level the score for the visitors. CLT 1, MEM 1

MEM – Rece Buckmaster, 56th minute: Brandon Allen looped a ball into the penalty area that was met by Independence defender Hugh Roberts. Roberts’ clearance fell to the feet of Memphis defender Rece Buckmaster who controlled the ball in the box, took one touch by Roberts and fired left footed shot from 8 yards out into the left side of the net. CLT 1, MEM 2

CLT – Valentin Sabella (Jake Areman), 83rd minute: Enzo Martinez beat a Memphis defender out on the right wing before sending a pass into the middle to Jake Areman. Areman played a one-time ball to an on running Valentin Sabella at the right corner of the eighteen. Sabella received the pass from Areman, cut inside on his left, beat one defender, made another defender miss at the top of the box and then hammered a left-footed shot low on the ground and into the net to tie the game for the final time of the evening. CLT 2, MEM 2

Match: Charlotte Independence at Memphis 901 FC
Date: July 25, 2020
Competition: USL Championship – Group G
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. local/8:30 p.m. ET

Scoring Summary:             1          2          F

CLT                                             0          2          2 

MEM                                          1         1          2

MEM – Brandon Allen (Rafael Mentzingen)     16th minute
CLT – Luke Haakenson (Enzo Martinez)          51st minute
MEM – Rece Buckmaster                                        56th minute
CLT – Valentin Sabella (Jake Areman)             83rd minute

LINEUPS:

CLT: 33-Brandon Miller; 22-Joel Johnson, 18-Aaron Maund, 3-Hugh Roberts; 21-Junior Etou, 15-Luke Haakenson (4-Jake Areman, 60), 27-Derek Gebhard (11-Valentin Sabella, 71), 23- Guido Vadala (7-Rey Ortiz, 60);19-Enzo Martinez (Capt.), 9-Dane Kelly

Subs Not Used: 1-Austin Pack, 2-Shalom Dutey, 17-Clay Dimick, 17-Tresor Mbuyu

Head Coach: Mike Jeffries

MEM: 1-Tim Howard; 19-Rece Buckmaster, 2-Mark Segbers, 5-Tristan Hodges, 3-Zach Carroll, 21-Duane Muckette,14-Rafael Mentzingen (70-Matthew Hundley, 55), 17-Michael Reed, 23-Leston Paul, 9-Keanu Marsh-Brown (11-Pierre Da Silva, 55), 29-Brandon Allen (26-Cal Jennings, 67)

Subs Not Used: 12-Jimmy Hague, 4-Liam Doyle, 6-Dan Metzger, 20- Joe Baxter

Head Coach: Tim Mulqueen 

Stats Summary CLT/ MEM:

Shots: 10 / 17

Shots on Goal: 5 / 2

Saves: 3 / 0

Corner Kicks: 3 / 8

Fouls: 16 / 17

Offside: 1/ 2

Misconduct Summary:

CLT – Junior Etou (caution)         37th minute
CLT – Dane Kelly (caution)          45+1 minute
MEM – Rece Buckmaster (caution) 56th minute
MEM – Michael Reed (caution) 90+2 minute

Officials:
Referee: Benjamin Meyer
Assistant Referee 1: Ryan Star
Assistant Referee 2: Rebecca Luther
Fourth Official: Muhammad Hassan

 

CHARLOTTE (July 25, 2020) – Independence head coach  Mike Jeffries speaks to https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence ahead of the Jacks' away clash against Memphis 901 FC. Jeffries details the Jacks' key points to the game, presented by Harris Teeter. 

CHARLOTTE (July 25, 2020) – Independence head coach  Mike Jeffries speaks to https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence ahead of the Jacks’ away clash against Memphis 901 FC. Jeffries details the Jacks’ key points to the game, presented by Harris Teeter. 

CHARLOTTE (July 24, 2020) – Due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic across the world, in the Charlotte area and the Governor’s decision to remain in Phase 2 until at least August 7th, the Charlotte Independence announced today that their first home match against North Carolina FC, originally scheduled for July 29th, has been postponed to August 26th at the Sportsplex at Matthews. 

We will continue to assess each situation and game in the best interest of our players, coaches, staff, and fans. We appreciate everyone's patience with this very fluid situation. As we move forward, we will keep you updated on any additional changes that may occur as soon as decisions are made.

The Jacks’ first home of the season will now be against the Charleston Battery on Saturday, August 8th at the Sportsplex at Matthews, presented by Chick-fi-la.  

Paired together in Group G, the Independence will face North Carolina FC a total of four times during the revised 2020 regular reason schedule. The two teams will face off once in August and three times in September.

· Click Here for the Jacks' 2020 USL Championship Schedule

· Click Here for the Complete Revised 2020 USL Championship Schedule

UPDATED SCHEDULE

July 
  
Saturday 25 – Memphis 901 FC (A)

August

Wednesday 5 – Birmingham Legion FC (A)
Saturday 8 – Charleston Battery (H)
Wednesday 12 – Birmingham Legion FC (H)
Saturday 15 – Memphis 901 FC (H)
Sunday 23 – Miami FC (A)
Wednesday 26 – North Carolina FC (H)
Saturday 29 – Birmingham Legion FC (H)

September

Wednesday 2 – Memphis 901 FC (A)
Saturday 5 – North Carolina FC (H)
Saturday 12 – Birmingham Legion FC (A)
Saturday 19 – North Carolina FC (A)
Wednesday 23 – Miami FC (H)
Saturday 26 – Memphis 901 FC (H)
Wednesday 30 – North Carolina FC (A)

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.

All kick-off times are ET.

CHARLOTTE (July 24, 2020) – Due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic across the world, in the Charlotte area and the Governor’s decision to remain in Phase 2 until at least August 7th, the Charlotte Independence announced today that their first home match against North Carolina FC, originally scheduled for July 29th, has been postponed to August 26th at the Sportsplex at Matthews. 

We will continue to assess each situation and game in the best interest of our players, coaches, staff, and fans. We appreciate everyone’s patience with this very fluid situation. As we move forward, we will keep you updated on any additional changes that may occur as soon as decisions are made.

The Jacks’ first home of the season will now be against the Charleston Battery on Saturday, August 8th at the Sportsplex at Matthews, presented by Chick-fi-la.  

Paired together in Group G, the Independence will face North Carolina FC a total of four times during the revised 2020 regular reason schedule. The two teams will face off once in August and three times in September.

· Click Here for the Jacks’ 2020 USL Championship Schedule

· Click Here for the Complete Revised 2020 USL Championship Schedule

UPDATED SCHEDULE

July 
  
Saturday 25 – Memphis 901 FC (A)

August

Wednesday 5 – Birmingham Legion FC (A)
Saturday 8 – Charleston Battery (H)
Wednesday 12 – Birmingham Legion FC (H)
Saturday 15 – Memphis 901 FC (H)
Sunday 23 – Miami FC (A)
Wednesday 26 – North Carolina FC (H)
Saturday 29 – Birmingham Legion FC (H)

September

Wednesday 2 – Memphis 901 FC (A)
Saturday 5 – North Carolina FC (H)
Saturday 12 – Birmingham Legion FC (A)
Saturday 19 – North Carolina FC (A)
Wednesday 23 – Miami FC (H)
Saturday 26 – Memphis 901 FC (H)
Wednesday 30 – North Carolina FC (A)

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.

All kick-off times are ET.

CHARLOTTE (July 23, 2020) – Mike Jeffries' squad will travel to AutoZone Park on Saturday for their first Group G matchup, where they will take on Tim Howard and Memphis 901 FC. 

Our photographer captured a series of images of the Jacks' training, which you can see below. 

CHARLOTTE (July 23, 2020) – Mike Jeffries’ squad will travel to AutoZone Park on Saturday for their first Group G matchup, where they will take on Tim Howard and Memphis 901 FC. 

Our photographer captured a series of images of the Jacks’ training, which you can see below. 

Photos by Adam Cosgrove 

Photos by Adam Cosgrove 

CHARLOTTE (July 19, 2020) – Mike Jeffries' squad finished another successful week of training for their USL Championship return. Take a look at a selection of images of the Jacks' training below…

CHARLOTTE (July 19, 2020) – Mike Jeffries’ squad finished another successful week of training for their USL Championship return. Take a look at a selection of images of the Jacks’ training below…

Photos by Adam Cosgrove and CJ Bradley

Photos by Adam Cosgrove and CJ Bradley

CHARLOTTE (July 15, 2020) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that the Club has signed defender Aaron Maund for the 2020 season. He will be added to Jacks’ roster pending league and federation approval.

“I’m extremely happy and excited to sign with this club again and build off of what we were able to accomplish last year,” said Maund. “We have a very good group that is willing to learn and is hungry to get better every day.”

The Dorchester, Massachusetts native began his MLS career with Toronto FC but was traded to Real Salt Lake in 2012, where he made 64 appearances and claimed the 2013 MLS Western Conference Championship. Most recently, Maund played two seasons with Vancouver Whitecaps FC before joining the Independence for the 2019 USL Championship season.

“Personally, I feel great and I’m ready to go,” stated Maund. “I used the quarantine and time off as an opportunity to break my game down, get stronger, get faster, and get better on the ball. I’m looking build upon where I left off last year.”

During his four-year collegiate career at the University of Notre Dame, Maund was a mainstay for the defensive unit starting 77 matches. In 2011, he captained the Fighting Irish and earned First Team All-Big East honors before being selected 12th overall by Toronto in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft.

On the international stage, Maund represented the United States at the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt and Trinidad & Tobago at the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup in South Korea.

“We are very excited to have Aaron join us again,” said head coach Mike Jeffries. “He is going to be a great addition to the backline and is a player with an exceptionally professional mentality. He will really help us.”

RECENT NEWS: CLICK HERE FOR THE JACKS' 2020 USL CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

The Independence return to USL Championship play with an away clash against Memphis 901 FC on Saturday, July 25th. 

CHARLOTTE (July 15, 2020) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that the Club has signed defender Aaron Maund for the 2020 season. He will be added to Jacks’ roster pending league and federation approval.

“I’m extremely happy and excited to sign with this club again and build off of what we were able to accomplish last year,” said Maund. “We have a very good group that is willing to learn and is hungry to get better every day.”

The Dorchester, Massachusetts native began his MLS career with Toronto FC but was traded to Real Salt Lake in 2012, where he made 64 appearances and claimed the 2013 MLS Western Conference Championship. Most recently, Maund played two seasons with Vancouver Whitecaps FC before joining the Independence for the 2019 USL Championship season.

“Personally, I feel great and I’m ready to go,” stated Maund. “I used the quarantine and time off as an opportunity to break my game down, get stronger, get faster, and get better on the ball. I’m looking build upon where I left off last year.”

During his four-year collegiate career at the University of Notre Dame, Maund was a mainstay for the defensive unit starting 77 matches. In 2011, he captained the Fighting Irish and earned First Team All-Big East honors before being selected 12th overall by Toronto in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft.

On the international stage, Maund represented the United States at the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt and Trinidad & Tobago at the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup in South Korea.

“We are very excited to have Aaron join us again,” said head coach Mike Jeffries. “He is going to be a great addition to the backline and is a player with an exceptionally professional mentality. He will really help us.”

RECENT NEWS: CLICK HERE FOR THE JACKS’ 2020 USL CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

The Independence return to USL Championship play with an away clash against Memphis 901 FC on Saturday, July 25th. 

CHARLOTTE (July 13, 2020) – COVID-19 has greatly impacted our world, our state, our city and our team. We are thankful for your support of the club as we navigate these times of uncertainty. Our commitment to you, our valued season ticket holders, is to communicate well, treat everyone fairly, and provide the best possible experience during these times.

We have implemented social distancing in our seating for season tickets, which has required us to shift seats a couple of spaces or by a row or two to enhance your safety through social distancing. We also have implemented extensive safety protocols. Because this situation is very fluid, our plan gives you a great deal of flexibility and choice.

Every ticket dollar you’ve spent for the original 2020 season has been placed as a credit in your account. We have “protected” your season ticket seats or very comparable seats and will hold them until the day of the first home match. We would like you to reach out directly to the ticketing customer service staff to exercise one of the many options you have.

Your options for using your credit are as follows:

1. You may use this credit to lock-in your seats for all home games for the 2020 season.
2. You may use this credit to lock-in your seats for select home games that you’d like to attend.
3. You may use this credit to pay for additional seats to 2020 games and bring additional friends and family members.
4. You may choose to pay forward a portion of your credit to reserve your seats at our new home, American Legion Memorial Stadium, for the 2021 season.
5. If you are concerned and not comfortable coming to any games because of COVID-19, you may choose to pay forward your full credit to reserve your seats at our new home, American Legion Memorial Stadium, for the 2021 season.
6. If you have been furloughed from your work or lost your employment due to COVID-19, please contact us so we can discuss additional options and help you through this difficult time.

Please contact Carra Wheat at cwheat@queencitysc.com (704) 206-1521 or Patrick Valdez at pvaldez@queencitysc.com (704) 206-1511 ON OR BEFORE JULY 27, 2020 for assistance in exercising your preferred option.

General Safety for Ticketing, Parking, and Venue Entry Protocols

All employees, fans and vendors at the Sportsplex at Matthews will be asked to follow strict protocols including temperature checks, proper wearing and use of PPE including face coverings and training on proper hygiene.

Do not attend matches if you currently or in the last 14 days have been sick, experiencing a fever or other COVID-19 symptoms or reside with anyone who has these symptoms.

In addition to temperature checks, all who enter the Sportsplex at Matthews will go through standard security screenings including metal detection. Failure to comply with the requirements of the protocols may result in the individual being removed from the venue and denied access in the future. Protocols may be adjusted without notice by following guidelines enforced by the government, public health officials and the United Soccer League.

Facemasks

All fans will be required to wear masks within the Sportsplex at Matthews' stadium area including the front gate area and all areas throughout the stadium, except for when eating or drinking beverages. Fans are strongly encouraged to take their food and beverages to their seats to consume.

Temperatures Taken

Fans temperatures will be taken at the gate. If you register a body temperature of 100.4 or higher, you will not be allowed in the event. We will provide a “cool-down” area outside the gate if you feel you’ve overheated from the walk from the car and would like us to take your temperature a second time.

Social Distancing

Social Distancing throughout your game experience is strongly encouraged and together with Mecklenburg County staff, we will be doing what we can to facilitate that guideline.

Electronic Ticketing & Parking

To minimize the touching and passing of tickets, passes and cash between fans and our staff, we are strongly encouraging our fans to go paperless with us on tickets and parking passes. PLEASE BUY ALL TICKETS AND LOAD ONTO YOUR PHONES.

Season Ticket Holders can access and apply your credit for all of your tickets and parking passes electronically and download and share via your smartphones. We will look to scan all parking passes from your phones at the entry gate to the parking lot. We will also look to scan your ticket barcode at the south gates of the Sportsplex at Matthews.

Season Ticket Seating Adjustments

For our fans’ safety, we are executing proper social distancing between season ticket holder accounts. The seats around you will not be made available for sale until we have new Phase 3 or Phase 4 instructions from Governor Cooper that relaxes social distancing recommendations. This will ensure proper spacing between you and your guests and adjacent groups of fans. Your tickets will be as close to your original seats as possible.

Your tickets are on hold in your accounts and ready for you to apply your credit to the new schedule of games. Please sign in to your account and download the barcodes for your tickets to each game you choose to purchase with your credit. You can electronically share your tickets with others. We will look to scan all tickets electronically to minimize the passing of cash, tickets and documents between our fans and our staff.

Season Ticket Holder Parking

Season ticket holders parking is already loaded in your Tickets.com Provenue account. Please sign in to your account and download the barcodes for your parking for each game. We will look to scan all parking from your smartphones to minimize the passing of cash, passes and documents between our fans and our staff.

Please contact Carra Wheat at cwheat@queencitysc.com (704) 206-1521 or Patrick Valdez at pvaldez@queencitysc.com (704) 206-1511 ON OR BEFORE JULY 27, 2020 for assistance in exercising your preferred option.

Concourse & Pavilions

We encourage fans to maintain social distancing throughout the concourse. You should also expect to see and are encouraged to use the multiple hand sanitizing and or handwashing stations. The Pavilions and associated tables will be closed to ensure social distancing. We are encouraging all fans to take their food and beverages to their seats to consume.

Bathrooms

We will do our best to keep bathroom main entry doors propped open to eliminate unnecessary touching of common areas/door handles. We will ensure your privacy is maintained. Bathrooms will be sanitized before, during and after the matches. Bathrooms will be equipped with handwashing soap and or sanitizer. Fans are encouraged to use these after every use of the restrooms.

Event Experience

To ensure the safety of our players, fans and employees we will be minimizing direct interaction between our players and the fans. The following activities are suspended; rally tunnels, fans walk out with players, high-fiving the players after the game, autograph sessions, and public groups on the field. Our players will be under strict protocols to minimize fan interaction at this time. We ask all fans to respect our desire to protect the players and the fans.

For the time being, we also must suspend the kids’ inflatable play zone and the new adult tailgating games area we had planned for the season.

Food & Beverage

Mecklenburg County manages concessions at the venue. At this time, we do not have guidance on how the County will be handling food and beverage protocols. When that becomes available, we will share that with you as soon as possible.

Exiting the Games

All fans seated on the west side of the Sportsplex at Matthews will exit the west gates. All fans on the east side will exit the east gates. This is to minimize the number of fans congregating together and to minimize the number of fans that come near the players' locker room facilities near the south gates. South end gates will not be available at the end of the matches.

The information assumes Governor Cooper moves NC to Phase 3 in the COVID19 virus protocols and that includes being able to have a limited amount of fans at our games. The situation is changing nearly every day and will more than likely require further adjustments. If we are unable to move to Phase 3 by opening match, these procedures and protocols outlined in this communication will require significant adjustments, including playing some or all games without fans in attendance. If the government entities do relax protocols for live events, and we feel it is still too risky for our players, fans and employees, we will do what we believe is in the best health interest of all, including playing some or all of the games with limited or no fans in attendance.

CHARLOTTE (July 13, 2020) – COVID-19 has greatly impacted our world, our state, our city and our team. We are thankful for your support of the club as we navigate these times of uncertainty. Our commitment to you, our valued season ticket holders, is to communicate well, treat everyone fairly, and provide the best possible experience during these times.

We have implemented social distancing in our seating for season tickets, which has required us to shift seats a couple of spaces or by a row or two to enhance your safety through social distancing. We also have implemented extensive safety protocols. Because this situation is very fluid, our plan gives you a great deal of flexibility and choice.

Every ticket dollar you’ve spent for the original 2020 season has been placed as a credit in your account. We have “protected” your season ticket seats or very comparable seats and will hold them until the day of the first home match. We would like you to reach out directly to the ticketing customer service staff to exercise one of the many options you have.

Your options for using your credit are as follows:

1. You may use this credit to lock-in your seats for all home games for the 2020 season.
2. You may use this credit to lock-in your seats for select home games that you’d like to attend.
3. You may use this credit to pay for additional seats to 2020 games and bring additional friends and family members.
4. You may choose to pay forward a portion of your credit to reserve your seats at our new home, American Legion Memorial Stadium, for the 2021 season.
5. If you are concerned and not comfortable coming to any games because of COVID-19, you may choose to pay forward your full credit to reserve your seats at our new home, American Legion Memorial Stadium, for the 2021 season.
6. If you have been furloughed from your work or lost your employment due to COVID-19, please contact us so we can discuss additional options and help you through this difficult time.

Please contact Carra Wheat at cwheat@queencitysc.com (704) 206-1521 or Patrick Valdez at pvaldez@queencitysc.com (704) 206-1511 ON OR BEFORE JULY 27, 2020 for assistance in exercising your preferred option.

General Safety for Ticketing, Parking, and Venue Entry Protocols

All employees, fans and vendors at the Sportsplex at Matthews will be asked to follow strict protocols including temperature checks, proper wearing and use of PPE including face coverings and training on proper hygiene.

Do not attend matches if you currently or in the last 14 days have been sick, experiencing a fever or other COVID-19 symptoms or reside with anyone who has these symptoms.

In addition to temperature checks, all who enter the Sportsplex at Matthews will go through standard security screenings including metal detection. Failure to comply with the requirements of the protocols may result in the individual being removed from the venue and denied access in the future. Protocols may be adjusted without notice by following guidelines enforced by the government, public health officials and the United Soccer League.

Facemasks

All fans will be required to wear masks within the Sportsplex at Matthews’ stadium area including the front gate area and all areas throughout the stadium, except for when eating or drinking beverages. Fans are strongly encouraged to take their food and beverages to their seats to consume.

Temperatures Taken

Fans temperatures will be taken at the gate. If you register a body temperature of 100.4 or higher, you will not be allowed in the event. We will provide a “cool-down” area outside the gate if you feel you’ve overheated from the walk from the car and would like us to take your temperature a second time.

Social Distancing

Social Distancing throughout your game experience is strongly encouraged and together with Mecklenburg County staff, we will be doing what we can to facilitate that guideline.

Electronic Ticketing & Parking

To minimize the touching and passing of tickets, passes and cash between fans and our staff, we are strongly encouraging our fans to go paperless with us on tickets and parking passes. PLEASE BUY ALL TICKETS AND LOAD ONTO YOUR PHONES.

Season Ticket Holders can access and apply your credit for all of your tickets and parking passes electronically and download and share via your smartphones. We will look to scan all parking passes from your phones at the entry gate to the parking lot. We will also look to scan your ticket barcode at the south gates of the Sportsplex at Matthews.

Season Ticket Seating Adjustments

For our fans’ safety, we are executing proper social distancing between season ticket holder accounts. The seats around you will not be made available for sale until we have new Phase 3 or Phase 4 instructions from Governor Cooper that relaxes social distancing recommendations. This will ensure proper spacing between you and your guests and adjacent groups of fans. Your tickets will be as close to your original seats as possible.

Your tickets are on hold in your accounts and ready for you to apply your credit to the new schedule of games. Please sign in to your account and download the barcodes for your tickets to each game you choose to purchase with your credit. You can electronically share your tickets with others. We will look to scan all tickets electronically to minimize the passing of cash, tickets and documents between our fans and our staff.

Season Ticket Holder Parking

Season ticket holders parking is already loaded in your Tickets.com Provenue account. Please sign in to your account and download the barcodes for your parking for each game. We will look to scan all parking from your smartphones to minimize the passing of cash, passes and documents between our fans and our staff.

Please contact Carra Wheat at cwheat@queencitysc.com (704) 206-1521 or Patrick Valdez at pvaldez@queencitysc.com (704) 206-1511 ON OR BEFORE JULY 27, 2020 for assistance in exercising your preferred option.

Concourse & Pavilions

We encourage fans to maintain social distancing throughout the concourse. You should also expect to see and are encouraged to use the multiple hand sanitizing and or handwashing stations. The Pavilions and associated tables will be closed to ensure social distancing. We are encouraging all fans to take their food and beverages to their seats to consume.

Bathrooms

We will do our best to keep bathroom main entry doors propped open to eliminate unnecessary touching of common areas/door handles. We will ensure your privacy is maintained. Bathrooms will be sanitized before, during and after the matches. Bathrooms will be equipped with handwashing soap and or sanitizer. Fans are encouraged to use these after every use of the restrooms.

Event Experience

To ensure the safety of our players, fans and employees we will be minimizing direct interaction between our players and the fans. The following activities are suspended; rally tunnels, fans walk out with players, high-fiving the players after the game, autograph sessions, and public groups on the field. Our players will be under strict protocols to minimize fan interaction at this time. We ask all fans to respect our desire to protect the players and the fans.

For the time being, we also must suspend the kids’ inflatable play zone and the new adult tailgating games area we had planned for the season.

Food & Beverage

Mecklenburg County manages concessions at the venue. At this time, we do not have guidance on how the County will be handling food and beverage protocols. When that becomes available, we will share that with you as soon as possible.

Exiting the Games

All fans seated on the west side of the Sportsplex at Matthews will exit the west gates. All fans on the east side will exit the east gates. This is to minimize the number of fans congregating together and to minimize the number of fans that come near the players’ locker room facilities near the south gates. South end gates will not be available at the end of the matches.

The information assumes Governor Cooper moves NC to Phase 3 in the COVID19 virus protocols and that includes being able to have a limited amount of fans at our games. The situation is changing nearly every day and will more than likely require further adjustments. If we are unable to move to Phase 3 by opening match, these procedures and protocols outlined in this communication will require significant adjustments, including playing some or all games without fans in attendance. If the government entities do relax protocols for live events, and we feel it is still too risky for our players, fans and employees, we will do what we believe is in the best health interest of all, including playing some or all of the games with limited or no fans in attendance.

CHARLOTTE (July 8, 2020) – Independence defender and Charlotte Independence Soccer Club academy product Dylan Mitchiner speaks to https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence following signing a new academy contract with the club. Mitchiner ‪discusses what he hopes to gain during his time with the first team, adapting to Independence head coach Mike Jeffries' playing style, and much more.

CHARLOTTE (July 8, 2020) – Independence defender and Charlotte Independence Soccer Club academy product Dylan Mitchiner speaks to https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence following signing a new academy contract with the club. Mitchiner ‪discusses what he hopes to gain during his time with the first team, adapting to Independence head coach Mike Jeffries’ playing style, and much more.