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Charlotte (NC) — On Monday, the Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced defender Markhus ‘Duke’ Lacroix has signed for the 2020 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval. The 26-year-old, outside back most recently was a trialist this preseason for D.C. United and played the 2019 season for USL Championship side Reno 1868 FC. 

“His ability to both defend and get forward into the attack is vital to how we want to play”, said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “He has excellent technical ability, a real acumen for timing his runs forward and ultimately creating chances.”

Over the past two seasons, Lacroix has been a mainstay for Reno making 62 appearances, scoring four goals and notching 11 assists. During the 2019 season, he was four-times named to the USL Championship Team of the Week and totaled 42 chances created; good for second-most on the team for the second-highest scoring offense in the league. 

Prior to joining Reno, Lacroix played one season with Orange County SC. In 2015, he signed his rookie contract with Indy Eleven where he would make 34 appearances over two seasons.   

In 2011, Lacroix joined the University of Pennsylvania where he became the third player in school history to earn four All-Ivy League honors and the first to be named Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year, in 2011 and 2013 respectively. In consecutive seasons, he played for USL League Two side Ocean City Nor’easters, making 21 appearances with four goals and four assists. Born in New Egypt, New Jersey, Lacroix represented the U-14, U-15 and U-18 U.S. Boy’s National Teams. At The Lawrenceville School, he was a four-year varsity letterman, in both high school outdoor track and soccer. 

Lacroix marks the 13th player added to the 2020 Charlotte Independence roster. The club exercised team-options on four players’ contracts, reached new contracts with three returning players and Lacroix marks the fifth new signing as the team prepares for the 2020 preseason set to begin on Monday, February 27th.  

Current Charlotte Independence roster:

 Forward: Enzo Martinez, Dane Kelly

Midfielder: Jake Areman, Kevan George, Valentin Sabella, Oscar Ramsay, Junior Etou  

Defender: Clay Dimick, Joel Johnson, Hugh Roberts, Casey Penland, Duke Lacroix

Goalkeeper: Brandon Miller

 The Charlotte Independence will open the 2020 USL Championship season at Sporting Kansas City II on Sunday, March 8th. The Independence will open the 2020 home schedule the following weekend on Saturday, March 14th against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at the Sportsplex at Matthews. For more information on 2020 Season Memberships, please visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.

Charlotte (NC) — On Monday, the Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced defender Markhus ‘Duke’ Lacroix has signed for the 2020 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval. The 26-year-old, outside back most recently was a trialist this preseason for D.C. United and played the 2019 season for USL Championship side Reno 1868 FC. 

“His ability to both defend and get forward into the attack is vital to how we want to play”, said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “He has excellent technical ability, a real acumen for timing his runs forward and ultimately creating chances.”

Over the past two seasons, Lacroix has been a mainstay for Reno making 62 appearances, scoring four goals and notching 11 assists. During the 2019 season, he was four-times named to the USL Championship Team of the Week and totaled 42 chances created; good for second-most on the team for the second-highest scoring offense in the league. 

Prior to joining Reno, Lacroix played one season with Orange County SC. In 2015, he signed his rookie contract with Indy Eleven where he would make 34 appearances over two seasons.   

In 2011, Lacroix joined the University of Pennsylvania where he became the third player in school history to earn four All-Ivy League honors and the first to be named Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year, in 2011 and 2013 respectively. In consecutive seasons, he played for USL League Two side Ocean City Nor’easters, making 21 appearances with four goals and four assists. Born in New Egypt, New Jersey, Lacroix represented the U-14, U-15 and U-18 U.S. Boy’s National Teams. At The Lawrenceville School, he was a four-year varsity letterman, in both high school outdoor track and soccer. 

Lacroix marks the 13th player added to the 2020 Charlotte Independence roster. The club exercised team-options on four players’ contracts, reached new contracts with three returning players and Lacroix marks the fifth new signing as the team prepares for the 2020 preseason set to begin on Monday, February 27th.  

Current Charlotte Independence roster:

 Forward: Enzo Martinez, Dane Kelly

Midfielder: Jake Areman, Kevan George, Valentin Sabella, Oscar Ramsay, Junior Etou  

Defender: Clay Dimick, Joel Johnson, Hugh Roberts, Casey Penland, Duke Lacroix

Goalkeeper: Brandon Miller

 The Charlotte Independence will open the 2020 USL Championship season at Sporting Kansas City II on Sunday, March 8th. The Independence will open the 2020 home schedule the following weekend on Saturday, March 14th against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at the Sportsplex at Matthews. For more information on 2020 Season Memberships, please visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.

Charlotte (NC) — The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced the team will host a Season Members 2020 Kickoff Event at Jack’s House Soccer Bar and Team Store (1523 Elizabeth Ave. Suite 120, Charlotte NC, 28204) on Sunday, March 1st from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. 2020 Independence Season Members planning to attend can optionally RSVP by calling the front office at 704-206-1515 or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/179850153350664/. 

Charlotte (NC) — The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced the team will host a Season Members 2020 Kickoff Event at Jack’s House Soccer Bar and Team Store (1523 Elizabeth Ave. Suite 120, Charlotte NC, 28204) on Sunday, March 1st from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. 2020 Independence Season Members planning to attend can optionally RSVP by calling the front office at 704-206-1515 or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/179850153350664/. 

The afternoon will feature free food and beverages from NoDa Brewing, trivia prizes, tailgate games and introductions to the 2020 Independence players and coaching staff, including Head Coach Mike Jeffries. Fans will have the opportunities for photos and autographs with their favorite returning players and be able to welcome the new addition to the roster, including the USL Championship all-time leading goal scorer, Dane Kelly.  

For more information on 2020 Season Memberships, please visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515. The Charlotte Independence will open the 2020 USL Championship season at Sporting Kansas City II on Sunday, March 8th. The Independence will open the 2020 home schedule the following weekend on Saturday, March 14th against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at the Sportsplex at Matthews.

The afternoon will feature free food and beverages from NoDa Brewing, trivia prizes, tailgate games and introductions to the 2020 Independence players and coaching staff, including Head Coach Mike Jeffries. Fans will have the opportunities for photos and autographs with their favorite returning players and be able to welcome the new addition to the roster, including the USL Championship all-time leading goal scorer, Dane Kelly.  

For more information on 2020 Season Memberships, please visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515. The Charlotte Independence will open the 2020 USL Championship season at Sporting Kansas City II on Sunday, March 8th. The Independence will open the 2020 home schedule the following weekend on Saturday, March 14th against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at the Sportsplex at Matthews.

Charlotte (NC) — The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Second Round match versus Stumptown Athletic on Tuesday, April 7th at the Sportsplex at Matthews will be free admission and open to the public. 

Gates will open at 6:00 PM ET and kickoff will be at 7:00 PM ET. Food and beverage vendors will be available on-site. 2020 Independence Season Members will receive priority on their regular seats. Please contact your Account Representative for further questions. All other seating will be general admission on a first come, first serve basis. Parking lots will open at 5:00 PM ET and cost $5 per vehicle or free with an Independence Season Parking Pass. 

The Charlotte Independence will open the 2020 USL Championship season at Sporting Kansas City II on Sunday, March 8th. The Independence will open the 2020 home schedule the following weekend on Saturday, March 14th against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at the Sportsplex at Matthews. For more information on 2020 Season Memberships, please visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.

Charlotte (NC) — The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Second Round match versus Stumptown Athletic on Tuesday, April 7th at the Sportsplex at Matthews will be free admission and open to the public. 

Gates will open at 6:00 PM ET and kickoff will be at 7:00 PM ET. Food and beverage vendors will be available on-site. 2020 Independence Season Members will receive priority on their regular seats. Please contact your Account Representative for further questions. All other seating will be general admission on a first come, first serve basis. Parking lots will open at 5:00 PM ET and cost $5 per vehicle or free with an Independence Season Parking Pass. 

The Charlotte Independence will open the 2020 USL Championship season at Sporting Kansas City II on Sunday, March 8th. The Independence will open the 2020 home schedule the following weekend on Saturday, March 14th against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at the Sportsplex at Matthews. For more information on 2020 Season Memberships, please visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.

Charlotte (NC) — On Monday, the Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced single game tickets for the 2020 USL Championship regular-season are on sale.  The Independence face off against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at the Sportsplex at Matthews for the 2020 Home Opener presented by Chick-fil-a on Saturday, March 14th .

Charlotte (NC) — On Monday, the Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced single game tickets for the 2020 USL Championship regular-season are on sale.  The Independence face off against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at the Sportsplex at Matthews for the 2020 Home Opener presented by Chick-fil-a on Saturday, March 14th .

The Charlotte Independence will open the 2020 USL Championship season at Sporting Kansas City II on Sunday, March 8th. For more information on 2020 Season Memberships, please visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.

The Charlotte Independence will open the 2020 USL Championship season at Sporting Kansas City II on Sunday, March 8th. For more information on 2020 Season Memberships, please visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.

Charlotte (NC) — On Monday, the Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced the USL Championship all-time leading goal scorer and 2017 Golden Boot winner Dane Kelly has signed for the 2020 season, pending league and federation approval. The 28-year-old, forward most recently played for USL Championship side Indy Eleven. 

“Dane is one of the premier goal scorers in the league and he has a tremendous acumen to create chances”, said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “He gives our offense a ton of flexibility because not only can he be the focal point but his pace allows to stretch opponents and give a little bit of a different look.” 

As the marquee scorer of the USL Championship, Kelly holds the regular-season scoring record with 77 goals, and an additional five post-season goals. Three times he has earned All-League selections and posted six seasons with a double-digit goal total. In 2017, Kelly claimed both the league MVP award and the Championship Golden Boot with an 18 goals season. 

Following his record-setting season with Reno 1868, Kelly earned a MLS contract with D.C. United and received his first call up to the Jamacian National team. Since 2018, the Saint Catherine Parish, Jamaica native has capped four times for the Reggae Boyz, scoring two goals.  

Kelly began his career with Jamaican side Tivoli Gardens in 2010, but joined the Charleston Battery to begin the 2011 season and would stay with the club for five years. The following season, he signed with Swope Park Rangers. Most recently, Kelly spearheaded the Indy Eleven attack, posting ten goals in 32 games, en route to an appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals. 

Kelly marks the 12th player added to the 2020 Charlotte Independence roster. The club exercised team-options on four players’ contracts, reached new contracts with three returning players and have made four new signings. The team began preparation for the 2020 preseason with the first day of training today. 

Current Charlotte Independence roster:

Forward: Enzo Martinez, Dane Kelly

Midfielder: Jake Areman, Kevan George, Valentin Sabella, Junior Etou, Oscar Ramsay 

Defender: Clay Dimick, Joel Johnson, Hugh Roberts, Casey Penland

Goalkeeper: Brandon Miller

The Charlotte Independence will open the 2020 USL Championship season at Sporting Kansas City II on Sunday, March 8th. The Independence will open the 2020 home schedule the following weekend on Saturday, March 14th against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at the Sportsplex at Matthews. For more information on 2020 Season Memberships, please visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.

Charlotte (NC) — On Monday, the Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced the USL Championship all-time leading goal scorer and 2017 Golden Boot winner Dane Kelly has signed for the 2020 season, pending league and federation approval. The 28-year-old, forward most recently played for USL Championship side Indy Eleven. 

“Dane is one of the premier goal scorers in the league and he has a tremendous acumen to create chances”, said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “He gives our offense a ton of flexibility because not only can he be the focal point but his pace allows to stretch opponents and give a little bit of a different look.” 

As the marquee scorer of the USL Championship, Kelly holds the regular-season scoring record with 77 goals, and an additional five post-season goals. Three times he has earned All-League selections and posted six seasons with a double-digit goal total. In 2017, Kelly claimed both the league MVP award and the Championship Golden Boot with an 18 goals season. 

Following his record-setting season with Reno 1868, Kelly earned a MLS contract with D.C. United and received his first call up to the Jamacian National team. Since 2018, the Saint Catherine Parish, Jamaica native has capped four times for the Reggae Boyz, scoring two goals.  

Kelly began his career with Jamaican side Tivoli Gardens in 2010, but joined the Charleston Battery to begin the 2011 season and would stay with the club for five years. The following season, he signed with Swope Park Rangers. Most recently, Kelly spearheaded the Indy Eleven attack, posting ten goals in 32 games, en route to an appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals. 

Kelly marks the 12th player added to the 2020 Charlotte Independence roster. The club exercised team-options on four players’ contracts, reached new contracts with three returning players and have made four new signings. The team began preparation for the 2020 preseason with the first day of training today. 

Current Charlotte Independence roster:

Forward: Enzo Martinez, Dane Kelly

Midfielder: Jake Areman, Kevan George, Valentin Sabella, Junior Etou, Oscar Ramsay 

Defender: Clay Dimick, Joel Johnson, Hugh Roberts, Casey Penland

Goalkeeper: Brandon Miller

The Charlotte Independence will open the 2020 USL Championship season at Sporting Kansas City II on Sunday, March 8th. The Independence will open the 2020 home schedule the following weekend on Saturday, March 14th against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at the Sportsplex at Matthews. For more information on 2020 Season Memberships, please visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.

Charlotte (NC) — On Friday, the Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced the club has signed rookies Oscar Ramsay and Casey Penland for the 2020 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approvals. Ramsay is a 22-year-old, center midfielder who most recently played for Hofstra University. Penland is 22-year-old, defender who was named the 2019 Southern Conference (SoCon) Player of the Year for UNC Greensboro. Both players were featured during the two-day Charlotte Independence Invitational Combine held at the Sportsplex at Matthews last December. 

“Both players have got great attacking instincts and it was a big plus to see that in our environment at the invitational," said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. "Oscar is an excellent technical player, and moreover he can play in a couple different spots so he gives us a little flexibility in that regard. Casey has an ability to both defend and brings a dynamic element when it comes to creating scoring opportunities.”

Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Ramsay represented the boy’s national team for U-20 World Cup Qualifying. After his high school senior season, Ramsay joined Hofstra University where he played four collegiate seasons accumulating 73 games played, six goals and five assists.  

In the summer of 2019, Ramsay joined USL League 2 side Lionsbridge FC where he appeared in five games, adding a goal and an assist. Ramsay garnered additional League 2 experience the summer prior with Reading United AC en route to a Mid Atlantic Division Championship. 

Penland captained UNC Greensboro to the 2019 SoCon Regular Season Championship and a 2019 SoCon Championship Final appearance behind a conference-best 0.33 goals against average. He led all SoCon defenders with five goals in 2019 and leaves UNC Greensboro with the program-record for careers goals scored by a defender. Since 2016, Penland appeared in 68 games, recording 12 goals and 20 shutouts for the Spartans.

In the summer of 2019, Penland joined USL League 2 side North Carolina Fusion U23 where he appeared in thirteen games, adding a goal and an assist, en route to the South Atlantic Division Championship. A native of High Point, North Carolina, Penland was a two-sport, high-school athlete doubling as a basketball guard and soccer standout for High Point Christian Academy. 

Ramsay and Penland mark the 10th and 11th players added to the 2020 Charlotte Independence roster. The club exercised team-options on four players’ contracts, reached new contracts with three returning players and made three new signing as the team prepares for the 2020 preseason set to begin on Monday, February 27th. 

Current Charlotte Independence roster: 

Forward: Enzo Martinez

Midfielder: Jake Areman, Kevan George, Valentin Sabella, Junior Etou, Oscar Ramsay 

Defender: Clay Dimick, Joel Johnson, Hugh Roberts, Casey Penland

Goalkeeper: Brandon Miller 

The Charlotte Independence will open the 2020 USL Championship season at Sporting Kansas City II on Sunday, March 8th. The Independence will open the 2020 home schedule the following weekend on Saturday, March 14th against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at the Sportsplex at Matthews. For more information on 2020 Season Memberships, please visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.

Charlotte (NC) — On Friday, the Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced the club has signed rookies Oscar Ramsay and Casey Penland for the 2020 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approvals. Ramsay is a 22-year-old, center midfielder who most recently played for Hofstra University. Penland is 22-year-old, defender who was named the 2019 Southern Conference (SoCon) Player of the Year for UNC Greensboro. Both players were featured during the two-day Charlotte Independence Invitational Combine held at the Sportsplex at Matthews last December. 

“Both players have got great attacking instincts and it was a big plus to see that in our environment at the invitational,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “Oscar is an excellent technical player, and moreover he can play in a couple different spots so he gives us a little flexibility in that regard. Casey has an ability to both defend and brings a dynamic element when it comes to creating scoring opportunities.”

Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Ramsay represented the boy’s national team for U-20 World Cup Qualifying. After his high school senior season, Ramsay joined Hofstra University where he played four collegiate seasons accumulating 73 games played, six goals and five assists.  

In the summer of 2019, Ramsay joined USL League 2 side Lionsbridge FC where he appeared in five games, adding a goal and an assist. Ramsay garnered additional League 2 experience the summer prior with Reading United AC en route to a Mid Atlantic Division Championship. 

Penland captained UNC Greensboro to the 2019 SoCon Regular Season Championship and a 2019 SoCon Championship Final appearance behind a conference-best 0.33 goals against average. He led all SoCon defenders with five goals in 2019 and leaves UNC Greensboro with the program-record for careers goals scored by a defender. Since 2016, Penland appeared in 68 games, recording 12 goals and 20 shutouts for the Spartans.

In the summer of 2019, Penland joined USL League 2 side North Carolina Fusion U23 where he appeared in thirteen games, adding a goal and an assist, en route to the South Atlantic Division Championship. A native of High Point, North Carolina, Penland was a two-sport, high-school athlete doubling as a basketball guard and soccer standout for High Point Christian Academy. 

Ramsay and Penland mark the 10th and 11th players added to the 2020 Charlotte Independence roster. The club exercised team-options on four players’ contracts, reached new contracts with three returning players and made three new signing as the team prepares for the 2020 preseason set to begin on Monday, February 27th. 

Current Charlotte Independence roster: 

Forward: Enzo Martinez

Midfielder: Jake Areman, Kevan George, Valentin Sabella, Junior Etou, Oscar Ramsay 

Defender: Clay Dimick, Joel Johnson, Hugh Roberts, Casey Penland

Goalkeeper: Brandon Miller 

The Charlotte Independence will open the 2020 USL Championship season at Sporting Kansas City II on Sunday, March 8th. The Independence will open the 2020 home schedule the following weekend on Saturday, March 14th against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at the Sportsplex at Matthews. For more information on 2020 Season Memberships, please visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.

Charlotte (NC) — On Thursday, the Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced midfielder Brunallergene Junior Etou has signed for the 2020 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval. The 25-year-old, center midfielder most recently played for Ligue 2 (France) side AS Béziers. 

“Junior is a really sound technical player and provides a strong defensive presence for our midfield, as well as, being a player we can build through”, said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “Establishing a strong center of midfield has been a priority this offseason, and he is going to be a big part of that.”

Born in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, Etou began his youth career for French fourth division side J.A. Drancy in 2012. He stayed with the club for five years prior to the 2017-18 season when he joined Monts d'Or Azergues. The following season, Etou made his professional debut for AS Béziers in the second division, making 17 appearances. In March of 2019, Etou earned his first call up to the Republic of Congo National Team for an Africa Cup of Nations qualification match. 

Etou marks the 9th player added to the 2020 Charlotte Independence roster. The club exercised team-options on four players’ contracts, reached new contracts with three returning players and Etou makes the first new signing as the team prepares for the 2020 preseason set to begin on Monday, February 27th. 

Current Charlotte Independence roster:

 Forward: Enzo Martinez

Midfielder: Jake Areman, Kevan George, Valentin Sabella, Junior Etou 

Defender: Clay Dimick, Joel Johnson, Hugh Roberts

 Goalkeeper: Brandon Miller

The Charlotte Independence will open the 2020 USL Championship season at Sporting Kansas City II on Sunday, March 8th. The Independence will open the 2020 home schedule the following weekend on Saturday, March 14th against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at the Sportsplex at Matthews. For more information on 2020 Season Memberships, please visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.

Charlotte (NC) — On Thursday, the Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced midfielder Brunallergene Junior Etou has signed for the 2020 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval. The 25-year-old, center midfielder most recently played for Ligue 2 (France) side AS Béziers. 

“Junior is a really sound technical player and provides a strong defensive presence for our midfield, as well as, being a player we can build through”, said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “Establishing a strong center of midfield has been a priority this offseason, and he is going to be a big part of that.”

Born in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, Etou began his youth career for French fourth division side J.A. Drancy in 2012. He stayed with the club for five years prior to the 2017-18 season when he joined Monts d’Or Azergues. The following season, Etou made his professional debut for AS Béziers in the second division, making 17 appearances. In March of 2019, Etou earned his first call up to the Republic of Congo National Team for an Africa Cup of Nations qualification match. 

Etou marks the 9th player added to the 2020 Charlotte Independence roster. The club exercised team-options on four players’ contracts, reached new contracts with three returning players and Etou makes the first new signing as the team prepares for the 2020 preseason set to begin on Monday, February 27th. 

Current Charlotte Independence roster:

 Forward: Enzo Martinez

Midfielder: Jake Areman, Kevan George, Valentin Sabella, Junior Etou 

Defender: Clay Dimick, Joel Johnson, Hugh Roberts

 Goalkeeper: Brandon Miller

The Charlotte Independence will open the 2020 USL Championship season at Sporting Kansas City II on Sunday, March 8th. The Independence will open the 2020 home schedule the following weekend on Saturday, March 14th against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at the Sportsplex at Matthews. For more information on 2020 Season Memberships, please visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.

Charlotte (NC) — On Thursday, the Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced midfielder Alex Martinez will not return for the 2020 season. Since the inaugural season, Martinez represented his hometown club as a true professional with immense passion and a fierce love for club, community and family. On behalf of the youth players, club staff, ownership and the countless fans that he inspired, the Charlotte Independence thanks Alex for his relentless commitment and loyalty to the club. 

“To the fans, I just want to say thank you so much for the immense support and love that you’ve shown me the last five years,” said Martinez. “You made me stronger, you gave me so much love, always supported me and always backed me up every time. All I can say is thank you so much for all the love and the support. You will forever be in my heart.” 

Over five USL Championship seasons, Martinez racked up 116 appearances, 10 goals and 16 assists. He was a part of the inaugural roster, which shaped the team culture for years to come. Moreover, the Montevideo, Uruguay native never forgot about his local, Rock Hill ties and proudly transcended his playing ability in order to coach at the youth level, for the same club where he played as a kid.  

The Charlotte Independence will open the 2020 USL Championship season at Sporting Kansas City II on Sunday, March 8th. The Independence will open the 2020 home schedule the following weekend on Saturday, March 14th against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at the Sportsplex at Matthews. For more information on 2020 Season Memberships, please visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.

Charlotte (NC) — On Thursday, the Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced midfielder Alex Martinez will not return for the 2020 season. Since the inaugural season, Martinez represented his hometown club as a true professional with immense passion and a fierce love for club, community and family. On behalf of the youth players, club staff, ownership and the countless fans that he inspired, the Charlotte Independence thanks Alex for his relentless commitment and loyalty to the club. 

“To the fans, I just want to say thank you so much for the immense support and love that you’ve shown me the last five years,” said Martinez. “You made me stronger, you gave me so much love, always supported me and always backed me up every time. All I can say is thank you so much for all the love and the support. You will forever be in my heart.” 

Over five USL Championship seasons, Martinez racked up 116 appearances, 10 goals and 16 assists. He was a part of the inaugural roster, which shaped the team culture for years to come. Moreover, the Montevideo, Uruguay native never forgot about his local, Rock Hill ties and proudly transcended his playing ability in order to coach at the youth level, for the same club where he played as a kid.  

The Charlotte Independence will open the 2020 USL Championship season at Sporting Kansas City II on Sunday, March 8th. The Independence will open the 2020 home schedule the following weekend on Saturday, March 14th against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at the Sportsplex at Matthews. For more information on 2020 Season Memberships, please visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.

Charlotte (NC) — The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced the club has exercised team-options on four players’ contracts and reached new contracts with three players as a part of the initial roster moves for the 2020 season. 

The Independence team captain Enzo Martinez will return for the second of his four-year contract in 2020. Defender Clay Dimick, defender Joel Johnson, defender Hugh Roberts and midfielder Valentin Sabella had their team-options exercised and will return to the club on the 2020 roster. The Independence reached new contracts with midfielder Jake Areman, midfielder Kevan George and goalkeeper Brandon Miller, pending league and federation approval. 

The following players from the 2019 Independence roster are currently out of contract; midfielder Ricardo Bocanegra, forward Zyen Jones, defender Abdoulie Mansally, midfielder Alex Martinez, defender Aaron Maund, forward Dominic Oduro, defender Chad Poarch, and defender Steven Thicot. 

Current Charlotte Independence roster:

Forward: Enzo Martinez

Midfielder: Jake Areman, Kevan George, Valentin Sabella 

Defender: Clay Dimick, Joel Johnson, Hugh Roberts

Goalkeeper: Brandon Miller

The Charlotte Independence will open the 2020 USL Championship season at Sporting Kansas City II on Sunday, March 8th. The Independence will open the 2020 home schedule the following weekend on Saturday, March 14th against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at the Sportsplex at Matthews. For more information on 2020 Season Memberships, please visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.

Charlotte (NC) — The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team announced the club has exercised team-options on four players’ contracts and reached new contracts with three players as a part of the initial roster moves for the 2020 season. 

The Independence team captain Enzo Martinez will return for the second of his four-year contract in 2020. Defender Clay Dimick, defender Joel Johnson, defender Hugh Roberts and midfielder Valentin Sabella had their team-options exercised and will return to the club on the 2020 roster. The Independence reached new contracts with midfielder Jake Areman, midfielder Kevan George and goalkeeper Brandon Miller, pending league and federation approval. 

The following players from the 2019 Independence roster are currently out of contract; midfielder Ricardo Bocanegra, forward Zyen Jones, defender Abdoulie Mansally, midfielder Alex Martinez, defender Aaron Maund, forward Dominic Oduro, defender Chad Poarch, and defender Steven Thicot. 

Current Charlotte Independence roster:

Forward: Enzo Martinez

Midfielder: Jake Areman, Kevan George, Valentin Sabella 

Defender: Clay Dimick, Joel Johnson, Hugh Roberts

Goalkeeper: Brandon Miller

The Charlotte Independence will open the 2020 USL Championship season at Sporting Kansas City II on Sunday, March 8th. The Independence will open the 2020 home schedule the following weekend on Saturday, March 14th against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at the Sportsplex at Matthews. For more information on 2020 Season Memberships, please visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or call the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.

TAMPA, Fla. – The complete schedule for the 10 th anniversary season of the USL Championship was announced by the United Soccer League today with 35 teams set to play 595 regular season contests over 33 weeks ahead of the 2020 USL Championship Playoffs that begin in October.

Full 2020 Charlotte Independence USL Championship Schedule

 

As previously announced, the 2020 campaign will open on the weekend of March 6-8 with a 16-game slate that includes a marquee matchup Saturday, March 7 when expansion side San Diego Loyal SC hosts Las Vegas Lights FC at Torero Stadium.

The opening weekend begins a 34-game regular season for every club in the league that will see each team in both the Eastern and Western Conferences play home-and-home contests against every opponent in their respective division. In the 17-team Eastern Conference, the remaining two games of the schedule will be completed with contests against regional rivals.

The regular season will conclude on Saturday, October 17 with 17 contests that will see the final playoff places and seeding decided ahead of the postseason. Among the high-profile contests slated for the final day of the campaign is a Western Conference clash between Sacramento Republic FC and Phoenix Rising FC at Papa Murphy’s Park and an Eastern Conference showdown between Louisville City FC and North Carolina FC at Lynn Family Stadium.

Overall, 385 games in the 2020 USL Championship regular season will be played on Saturdays, with a total of 509 games – 85 percent of the league’s schedule – being held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Following the conclusion of the regular season, the top 10 teams from both the Eastern and Western Conferences will qualify for the 2020 USL Championship Playoffs, which will open with the Eastern and Western Conference Wild Card Round on Wednesday, October 21. The Eastern and Western Conference Quarterfinals will then be held between October 24-25, the Eastern and Western Conference Semifinals between October 30-November 1 and the Eastern and Western Conference Finals between November 6-8.

The 2020 USL Championship Final to conclude the league’s 10th anniversary season will be held between November 12-16 and aired on an ESPN broadcast network.

2020 USL Championship Key Dates

March 6 – Regular Season Begins
Oct. 17 – Regular Season Concludes
Oct. 21 – Eastern and Western Conference Wild Card Round
Oct. 24-25 – Eastern and Western Conference Quarterfinals
Oct. 30-Nov. 1 – Eastern and Western Conference Semifinals

Nov. 6-8 – Eastern and Western Conference Finals
Nov. 12-16 – 2020 USL Championship Final

TAMPA, Fla. – The complete schedule for the 10 th anniversary season of the USL Championship was announced by the United Soccer League today with 35 teams set to play 595 regular season contests over 33 weeks ahead of the 2020 USL Championship Playoffs that begin in October.

Full 2020 Charlotte Independence USL Championship Schedule

 

As previously announced, the 2020 campaign will open on the weekend of March 6-8 with a 16-game slate that includes a marquee matchup Saturday, March 7 when expansion side San Diego Loyal SC hosts Las Vegas Lights FC at Torero Stadium.

The opening weekend begins a 34-game regular season for every club in the league that will see each team in both the Eastern and Western Conferences play home-and-home contests against every opponent in their respective division. In the 17-team Eastern Conference, the remaining two games of the schedule will be completed with contests against regional rivals.

The regular season will conclude on Saturday, October 17 with 17 contests that will see the final playoff places and seeding decided ahead of the postseason. Among the high-profile contests slated for the final day of the campaign is a Western Conference clash between Sacramento Republic FC and Phoenix Rising FC at Papa Murphy’s Park and an Eastern Conference showdown between Louisville City FC and North Carolina FC at Lynn Family Stadium.

Overall, 385 games in the 2020 USL Championship regular season will be played on Saturdays, with a total of 509 games – 85 percent of the league’s schedule – being held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Following the conclusion of the regular season, the top 10 teams from both the Eastern and Western Conferences will qualify for the 2020 USL Championship Playoffs, which will open with the Eastern and Western Conference Wild Card Round on Wednesday, October 21. The Eastern and Western Conference Quarterfinals will then be held between October 24-25, the Eastern and Western Conference Semifinals between October 30-November 1 and the Eastern and Western Conference Finals between November 6-8.

The 2020 USL Championship Final to conclude the league’s 10th anniversary season will be held between November 12-16 and aired on an ESPN broadcast network.

2020 USL Championship Key Dates

March 6 – Regular Season Begins
Oct. 17 – Regular Season Concludes
Oct. 21 – Eastern and Western Conference Wild Card Round
Oct. 24-25 – Eastern and Western Conference Quarterfinals
Oct. 30-Nov. 1 – Eastern and Western Conference Semifinals

Nov. 6-8 – Eastern and Western Conference Finals
Nov. 12-16 – 2020 USL Championship Final