Charlotte (NC) — Join the Charlotte Independence professional soccer team for a free Pre-Game Tailgate & Carnival at the Sportsplex at Matthew on Saturday, September 22nd ahead of the Independence's match with New York Red Bulls II.  Enjoy discounted game tickets with a portion of the sales benefiting the Greater Matthews Local Family Network. 

The Pre-Game Tailgate & Carnival will begin at 5:00 PM in the grass parking lot adjacent to the Sportsplex at Matthews Stadium. Tailgate and Carnival activities will include bounce-houses, soccer darts, and much more with food provided for the first 150 fans to arrive. 

Charlotte (NC) — Join the Charlotte Independence professional soccer team for a free Pre-Game Tailgate & Carnival at the Sportsplex at Matthew on Saturday, September 22nd ahead of the Independence’s match with New York Red Bulls II.  Enjoy discounted game tickets with a portion of the sales benefiting the Greater Matthews Local Family Network. 

The Pre-Game Tailgate & Carnival will begin at 5:00 PM in the grass parking lot adjacent to the Sportsplex at Matthews Stadium. Tailgate and Carnival activities will include bounce-houses, soccer darts, and much more with food provided for the first 150 fans to arrive. 

Charlotte (NC) — Join the Charlotte Independence professional soccer team for a Lime Scooter Beer Crawl from Downtown Matthews bars to the Sportsplex at Matthews this Saturday, September 22nd. Participants will enjoy a free beer on us at Temple Mojo (195 N Trade St, Matthews, NC 28105), Lime Scooter credits to Carolina Beer Temple (131 Matthews Station St, Matthews, NC 28105) and another free beer on us, and Lime Scooter credits to the Sportsplex at Matthews (2425 Sports Parkway, Matthews, NC 28105). All participants must be 21+ years-old and Pre-Register with an Independence "LIME" promo game ticket for Saturday’s match.

Charlotte (NC) — Join the Charlotte Independence professional soccer team for a Lime Scooter Beer Crawl from Downtown Matthews bars to the Sportsplex at Matthews this Saturday, September 22nd. Participants will enjoy a free beer on us at Temple Mojo (195 N Trade St, Matthews, NC 28105), Lime Scooter credits to Carolina Beer Temple (131 Matthews Station St, Matthews, NC 28105) and another free beer on us, and Lime Scooter credits to the Sportsplex at Matthews (2425 Sports Parkway, Matthews, NC 28105). All participants must be 21+ years-old and Pre-Register with an Independence “LIME” promo game ticket for Saturday’s match.

Included: 1 Free beer at Temple Mojo 1 Free beer at Carolina Beer Temple Lime Scooter credits between stops and to the Sportsplex at Matthews

Required: 21+ years-old Independence vs New York Red Bulls “LIME” promo game ticket Lime Scooter Beer Crawl Pre-Registration (emailed to participants upon ticket purchase)

 

Tickets must be purchased at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence by using promo code “LIME” or by calling the Independence front office at 704-206-1515. If you have already bought tickets for Saturday's match with New York Red Bulls II and would like to participate in the beer crawl, please call the Independence front office to Pre-Register. The Independence are providing 50 scooters for this unique experience and Pre-Registration will end once all spots are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

 The scooter procession will arrive at the Sportsplex at Matthews prior to the Independence vs New York Red Bulls II kickoff at 7:00 PM ET. For additional questions, please contact the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.

Included: 1 Free beer at Temple Mojo 1 Free beer at Carolina Beer Temple Lime Scooter credits between stops and to the Sportsplex at Matthews

Required: 21+ years-old Independence vs New York Red Bulls “LIME” promo game ticket Lime Scooter Beer Crawl Pre-Registration (emailed to participants upon ticket purchase)

 

Tickets must be purchased at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence by using promo code “LIME” or by calling the Independence front office at 704-206-1515. If you have already bought tickets for Saturday’s match with New York Red Bulls II and would like to participate in the beer crawl, please call the Independence front office to Pre-Register. The Independence are providing 50 scooters for this unique experience and Pre-Registration will end once all spots are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

 The scooter procession will arrive at the Sportsplex at Matthews prior to the Independence vs New York Red Bulls II kickoff at 7:00 PM ET. For additional questions, please contact the Independence front office at 704-206-1515.

Charlotte (NC) — The United Soccer League and Charleston Battery announced on Wednesday that the game scheduled at MUSC Health Stadium between the Battery and the Charlotte Independence had been rescheduled to Wednesday, September 19th at 7:00 p.m. ET. The game's postponement is due to the arrival of Hurricane Florence this week.

Tickets for the contest, which was originally scheduled for this Saturday, September 12th, can be redeemed at any of the Battery’s final three regular season home games: September 19 vs. Charlotte Independence, September 26 vs. North Carolina FC, or September 29 vs. Toronto FC II.

Charlotte (NC) — The United Soccer League and Charleston Battery announced on Wednesday that the game scheduled at MUSC Health Stadium between the Battery and the Charlotte Independence had been rescheduled to Wednesday, September 19th at 7:00 p.m. ET. The game’s postponement is due to the arrival of Hurricane Florence this week.

Tickets for the contest, which was originally scheduled for this Saturday, September 12th, can be redeemed at any of the Battery’s final three regular season home games: September 19 vs. Charlotte Independence, September 26 vs. North Carolina FC, or September 29 vs. Toronto FC II.

Charlotte (NC) — On Friday, the Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League (USL) professional soccer team, announced midfielder Conor O’Brien has been signed the 2018 roster. The 29-year-old has the most goals and games played in Danish SuperLiga history of any American born player, ahead of current Atlanta United FC captain and U.S. Men’s National Team defender Michael Parkhurst.

RECENT NEWS: INDEPENDENCE HOST MEXICAN CHAMPIONS SANTOS LAGUNA 

 

As a rookie, O’Brien signed with Blokhus FC (currently Jammerbugt FC) of the Danish 2nd division, where he helped the side earn promotion by netting 10 goals in 23 games. After a stint with Danish top division side Sønderjysk Elitesport, O’Brien signed with 2012-2013 Champions League participants and reigning SuperLiga Champions FC Nordsjælland. O’Brien would stay in the Danish SuperLiga for a number of years with Odense Boldklub and Alliance Club Horsens, with a run in-between at Alliance Club Horsens of the Austrian Bundesliga, where he scored four goals in 29 matches. Most recently, O’Brien played in the second division of Norwegian soccer, OBOS-ligaen, for a Idrettsklubben Start side which earned promotion to Eliteserien, the top division of Norwegian soccer.

A former Hermann Trophy finalist for Bucknell University, O’Brien finished his collegiate career as the school’s 2nd all-time leader in assists, 9th all-time leading goal scorer, and was named a 2009 NSCAA All-Americans — one of five in the history of the program and the first in the 33 years prior. The Mount Sinai, New York native reached the 2009 National Semifinals for USL Premier Development League side Cary Clarets (currently the North Carolina FC U23).

O’Brien will be available for selection when the Independence return to action this Saturday, September 8th as the Richmond Kickers visits the Sportsplex at Matthews. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. Tickets are available by calling 704-206-1515 or purchasing online at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence.

Charlotte (NC) — On Friday, the Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League (USL) professional soccer team, announced midfielder Conor O’Brien has been signed the 2018 roster. The 29-year-old has the most goals and games played in Danish SuperLiga history of any American born player, ahead of current Atlanta United FC captain and U.S. Men’s National Team defender Michael Parkhurst.

RECENT NEWS: INDEPENDENCE HOST MEXICAN CHAMPIONS SANTOS LAGUNA 

 

As a rookie, O’Brien signed with Blokhus FC (currently Jammerbugt FC) of the Danish 2nd division, where he helped the side earn promotion by netting 10 goals in 23 games. After a stint with Danish top division side Sønderjysk Elitesport, O’Brien signed with 2012-2013 Champions League participants and reigning SuperLiga Champions FC Nordsjælland. O’Brien would stay in the Danish SuperLiga for a number of years with Odense Boldklub and Alliance Club Horsens, with a run in-between at Alliance Club Horsens of the Austrian Bundesliga, where he scored four goals in 29 matches. Most recently, O’Brien played in the second division of Norwegian soccer, OBOS-ligaen, for a Idrettsklubben Start side which earned promotion to Eliteserien, the top division of Norwegian soccer.

A former Hermann Trophy finalist for Bucknell University, O’Brien finished his collegiate career as the school’s 2nd all-time leader in assists, 9th all-time leading goal scorer, and was named a 2009 NSCAA All-Americans — one of five in the history of the program and the first in the 33 years prior. The Mount Sinai, New York native reached the 2009 National Semifinals for USL Premier Development League side Cary Clarets (currently the North Carolina FC U23).

O’Brien will be available for selection when the Independence return to action this Saturday, September 8th as the Richmond Kickers visits the Sportsplex at Matthews. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. Tickets are available by calling 704-206-1515 or purchasing online at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence.

Charlotte (NC) — On Friday, the Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League (USL) professional soccer team, announced Colorado Rapids forward Caleb Calvert has been recalled. The Rapids will face Portland Timber FC this Saturday, September 8th at Providence Park. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 PM ET.

During the 2018 USL regular-season, Calvert has logged 13 games played, 11 starts with 985 minutes played. The 21-year-old has one goal and two assists including the game-winning assist to Jorge Herrera against Toronto FC II on March 24th.

The Independence will next be in action this Saturday, September 8th as the Richmond Kickers visits the Sportsplex at Matthews. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. Tickets are available by calling 704-206-1515 or purchasing online at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence.

Charlotte (NC) — On Friday, the Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League (USL) professional soccer team, announced Colorado Rapids forward Caleb Calvert has been recalled. The Rapids will face Portland Timber FC this Saturday, September 8th at Providence Park. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 PM ET.

During the 2018 USL regular-season, Calvert has logged 13 games played, 11 starts with 985 minutes played. The 21-year-old has one goal and two assists including the game-winning assist to Jorge Herrera against Toronto FC II on March 24th.

The Independence will next be in action this Saturday, September 8th as the Richmond Kickers visits the Sportsplex at Matthews. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. Tickets are available by calling 704-206-1515 or purchasing online at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence.

Charlotte (NC) — Four players on the current Charlotte Independence roster have been called up for national team duty — midfielder Kevan George with the Trinidad and Tobago National Team, defender Je-Vaughn Watson with the Jamaican National Team, defender Joel Johnson with the Liberian National Team, and defender Sam Vines with the U-20 United States National Team.

 “As a player, being called up to the National Team is the highest honor in football,” said George. “To be reunited with your countrymen and to play against other countries, there's no other feeling like it. I'm honored to be called up.”

RECENT NEWS: MEXICAN CHAMPIONS PUT ON SHOW AT SPORTSPLEX 

 

 “I think that's a big plus for guys like Kevan and Je-Vaughn that have been a part of their National Team group for some time,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “It's fantastic that their play is still recognized and they're still able to be involved with those groups based on their week-in and week-out performance with us. I think that's a credit to them.”

 Midfielder Kevan George and the Trinidad and Tobago National team defeated the United Arab Emirates National team 2-0 at Estadi Montilivi in Catalonia, Spain on Wednesday.

"The National team took me to another level when I started with Columbus,” said George. “It puts you in a different mindset that even if things were going well with the club team, you can keep working toward a different goal and when you get out there on the international level — even if you come from the smallest country in the world — eyes are on you."

 Defender Sam Vines and will participate in the 2018 U-20 Men’s Invitational tournament at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida from September 7th to the 11th. The U.S. U-20 and U-19 Men’s National Teams will face Venezuela and Jamaica, as well as square off against each other in the round-robin style competition.

 “It's always exciting when you can represent your country,” said Vines. “I'm looking forward to being with the national team and learning from Coach Tab [Ramos]. It's a great atmosphere to be in.”

 Defender Je-Vaughn Watson and the Jamaican National Team will travel to Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey to face the Ecuadorian National in a friendly match on Friday. Defender Joel Johnson and the Liberia National Team will travel to the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Monrovia, Liberia for Group G African Cup of Nation Qualification against the Democratic Republic of Congo National Team.  

The Independence will next be in action this Saturday, September 8th as the Richmond Kickers visits the Sportsplex at Matthews. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. Tickets are available by calling 704-206-1515 or purchasing online at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence.

Charlotte (NC) — Four players on the current Charlotte Independence roster have been called up for national team duty — midfielder Kevan George with the Trinidad and Tobago National Team, defender Je-Vaughn Watson with the Jamaican National Team, defender Joel Johnson with the Liberian National Team, and defender Sam Vines with the U-20 United States National Team.

 “As a player, being called up to the National Team is the highest honor in football,” said George. “To be reunited with your countrymen and to play against other countries, there’s no other feeling like it. I’m honored to be called up.”

RECENT NEWS: MEXICAN CHAMPIONS PUT ON SHOW AT SPORTSPLEX 

 

 “I think that’s a big plus for guys like Kevan and Je-Vaughn that have been a part of their National Team group for some time,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “It’s fantastic that their play is still recognized and they’re still able to be involved with those groups based on their week-in and week-out performance with us. I think that’s a credit to them.”

 Midfielder Kevan George and the Trinidad and Tobago National team defeated the United Arab Emirates National team 2-0 at Estadi Montilivi in Catalonia, Spain on Wednesday.

“The National team took me to another level when I started with Columbus,” said George. “It puts you in a different mindset that even if things were going well with the club team, you can keep working toward a different goal and when you get out there on the international level — even if you come from the smallest country in the world — eyes are on you.”

 Defender Sam Vines and will participate in the 2018 U-20 Men’s Invitational tournament at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida from September 7th to the 11th. The U.S. U-20 and U-19 Men’s National Teams will face Venezuela and Jamaica, as well as square off against each other in the round-robin style competition.

 “It’s always exciting when you can represent your country,” said Vines. “I’m looking forward to being with the national team and learning from Coach Tab [Ramos]. It’s a great atmosphere to be in.”

 Defender Je-Vaughn Watson and the Jamaican National Team will travel to Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey to face the Ecuadorian National in a friendly match on Friday. Defender Joel Johnson and the Liberia National Team will travel to the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Monrovia, Liberia for Group G African Cup of Nation Qualification against the Democratic Republic of Congo National Team.  

The Independence will next be in action this Saturday, September 8th as the Richmond Kickers visits the Sportsplex at Matthews. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. Tickets are available by calling 704-206-1515 or purchasing online at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence.

Charlotte (NC) — The Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League (USL) professional soccer team is proud to announce the club will face off with the current Liga MX Champions Club Santos Laguna S.A. de C.V. in an International Friendly Match on Wednesday, September 5th at the Sportsplex at Matthews.

Santos Laguna is reigning Champions of Liga MX Clausura in the top division of the Mexican Football Federation. A six-time League Champion, Santos Laguna is based out of Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico and plays home matches at Territorio Santos Modelo, home to Estadio Corona. Not only does the team average a league title once every five years — the most of any Mexican club — Santos Laguna holds the record for most goals scored in CONCACAF Champions League with 120.

"This game is a great opportunity for players to play a game against a top International club,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “I am really happy for the organization and our players. It will be a day where we hope to get an incredible turnout and make it a really fun evening."

Charlotte (NC) — The Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League (USL) professional soccer team is proud to announce the club will face off with the current Liga MX Champions Club Santos Laguna S.A. de C.V. in an International Friendly Match on Wednesday, September 5th at the Sportsplex at Matthews.

Santos Laguna is reigning Champions of Liga MX Clausura in the top division of the Mexican Football Federation. A six-time League Champion, Santos Laguna is based out of Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico and plays home matches at Territorio Santos Modelo, home to Estadio Corona. Not only does the team average a league title once every five years — the most of any Mexican club — Santos Laguna holds the record for most goals scored in CONCACAF Champions League with 120.

“This game is a great opportunity for players to play a game against a top International club,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “I am really happy for the organization and our players. It will be a day where we hope to get an incredible turnout and make it a really fun evening.”

"We're looking forward to knowing Charlotte, which is a new territory for us, and using the international break to keep our competition level high by playing against the Charlotte Independence,” said Santos Laguna Vice President of Football, Jose Riestra. “I have no doubt that we will return to Torreon with nothing but a positive experience."

Beyond the first-team’s on-field success, Santos Laguna is the only club in Mexico as a two-time U17 and U20 title champion in the same tournament. Additionally, the club is celebrating 11 years of a social responsibility program called Guerreros de Corazón which involves weekly community engagement of the first-team and youth teams within their communities. Since 2015, Santos has held 20 charitable activities in the United States.

“We are very excited to play the current Mexican Liga MX Champion Santos Laguna,” said Independence General Manager Tom Engstrom. “Santos Laguna is a highly respected club for both their work on and off the field.  A game like this is important to us as we expand our profile in the community.”

This will be the second international friendly hosted by the Independence after setting a franchise attendance record vs Swansea City AFC of the English Premier League in front of a sold-out crowd of July, 2016. The match will be the first International match hosted at the newly expanded Sportsplex at Matthews stadium.

Fans are invited to experience the Independence’s International friendly match against Santos Laguna by purchasing tickets at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or by calling the front office at 704-206-1515.

“We’re looking forward to knowing Charlotte, which is a new territory for us, and using the international break to keep our competition level high by playing against the Charlotte Independence,” said Santos Laguna Vice President of Football, Jose Riestra. “I have no doubt that we will return to Torreon with nothing but a positive experience.”

Beyond the first-team’s on-field success, Santos Laguna is the only club in Mexico as a two-time U17 and U20 title champion in the same tournament. Additionally, the club is celebrating 11 years of a social responsibility program called Guerreros de Corazón which involves weekly community engagement of the first-team and youth teams within their communities. Since 2015, Santos has held 20 charitable activities in the United States.

“We are very excited to play the current Mexican Liga MX Champion Santos Laguna,” said Independence General Manager Tom Engstrom. “Santos Laguna is a highly respected club for both their work on and off the field.  A game like this is important to us as we expand our profile in the community.”

This will be the second international friendly hosted by the Independence after setting a franchise attendance record vs Swansea City AFC of the English Premier League in front of a sold-out crowd of July, 2016. The match will be the first International match hosted at the newly expanded Sportsplex at Matthews stadium.

Fans are invited to experience the Independence’s International friendly match against Santos Laguna by purchasing tickets at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or by calling the front office at 704-206-1515.

TAMPA, Fla. – Jamaican international and Charlotte Independence defender, Je-Vaughn Watson has been named to the USL Team of the Week for Week 25  following his game-winning goal in a critical match against Nashville SC. 

Tampa Bay Rowdies forward Sebastian Guenzatti has been voted the USL Player of the Week for Week 25 of the 2018 season. Guenzatti recorded a hat trick to lead the Rowdies to a 3-0 victory against North Carolina FC at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park this past Saturday to help keep Tampa Bay’s playoff hopes alive.

Guenzatti received 33 percent of the poll conducted by a national panel of independent media representing every USL market, narrowly edging out Toronto FC II’s Tsubasa Endoh on 29 percent after his standout display in TFC II’s 4-1 victory against Louisville City FC last Tuesday night.

UPCOMING EVENT: SANTOS LAGUNA INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY MATCH

 

USL Team of the Week

GK – Kendall McIntosh, Portland Timbers 2: McIntosh kept T2 in the game with a six-save shutout against Saint Louis FC that kept the game scoreless until the hosts grabbed a stoppage-time victory at Providence Park. 

D – Je-Vaughn Watson, Charlotte Independence: The Jamaican international scored the only goal of the game in addition to winning four of four tackles and making 10 possession recoveries in a 1-0 win against Nashville SC on Saturday.

D – Allen Yanes, New York Red Bulls II: Yanes won five of five tackles and recorded five interceptions, three recoveries and two clearances in New York’s 1-0 victory against Ottawa Fury FC.

D – Dekel Keinan, FC Cincinnati: Keinan scored the game-tying goal in Cincinnati’s comeback victory against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and won five of seven duels and recorded seven clearances defensively.

M – Saeed Robinson, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: Robinson scored a late game-winner for the Switchbacks against Real Monarchs SLC after coming on as a second-half substitute last Wednesday night.

M – Lance Laing, San Antonio FC: Laing recorded a goal and assist to lead SAFC back from an early deficit to take a 3-1 victory against Rio Grande Valley FC last Wednesday night.

M – Tsubasa Endoh, Toronto FC II: Endoh had two goals and one assist, as TFC II took a 4-1 victory last Tuesday night against Louisville City FC.

M – Michael Reed, Nashville SC: Reed recorded a three-assist night, as Nashville took a 4-0 victory against the Richmond Kickers on Tuesday night and recorded 11 key passes for the week across two games.

F – Hadji Barry, Swope Park Rangers: Barry scored the game-winning goal in both of Swope Park’s victories over the week against Tulsa Roughnecks FC on Wednesday night and OKC Energy FC on Sunday evening.

F – Sebastian Guenzatti, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Guenzatti scored the first hat trick for the Rowdies this season to lead the side to a 3-0 victory against North Carolina FC on Saturday night.

F – Lagos Kunga, ATL UTD 2: Kunga scored both goals and recorded one key pass, as Atlanta took victory on the road against Toronto FC II last Friday night.

Bench: Daniel Vega (TBR), Joe Greenspan (PGH), Antoine Hoppenot (RNO), Aaron Dennis (PEN), Ariel Lassiter (LA), Cameron Lancaster (LOU), Ataulla Guerra (CHS)

TAMPA, Fla. – Jamaican international and Charlotte Independence defender, Je-Vaughn Watson has been named to the USL Team of the Week for Week 25  following his game-winning goal in a critical match against Nashville SC. 

Tampa Bay Rowdies forward Sebastian Guenzatti has been voted the USL Player of the Week for Week 25 of the 2018 season. Guenzatti recorded a hat trick to lead the Rowdies to a 3-0 victory against North Carolina FC at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park this past Saturday to help keep Tampa Bay’s playoff hopes alive.

Guenzatti received 33 percent of the poll conducted by a national panel of independent media representing every USL market, narrowly edging out Toronto FC II’s Tsubasa Endoh on 29 percent after his standout display in TFC II’s 4-1 victory against Louisville City FC last Tuesday night.

UPCOMING EVENT: SANTOS LAGUNA INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY MATCH

 

USL Team of the Week

GK – Kendall McIntosh, Portland Timbers 2: McIntosh kept T2 in the game with a six-save shutout against Saint Louis FC that kept the game scoreless until the hosts grabbed a stoppage-time victory at Providence Park. 

D – Je-Vaughn Watson, Charlotte Independence: The Jamaican international scored the only goal of the game in addition to winning four of four tackles and making 10 possession recoveries in a 1-0 win against Nashville SC on Saturday.

D – Allen Yanes, New York Red Bulls II: Yanes won five of five tackles and recorded five interceptions, three recoveries and two clearances in New York’s 1-0 victory against Ottawa Fury FC.

D – Dekel Keinan, FC Cincinnati: Keinan scored the game-tying goal in Cincinnati’s comeback victory against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and won five of seven duels and recorded seven clearances defensively.

M – Saeed Robinson, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: Robinson scored a late game-winner for the Switchbacks against Real Monarchs SLC after coming on as a second-half substitute last Wednesday night.

M – Lance Laing, San Antonio FC: Laing recorded a goal and assist to lead SAFC back from an early deficit to take a 3-1 victory against Rio Grande Valley FC last Wednesday night.

M – Tsubasa Endoh, Toronto FC II: Endoh had two goals and one assist, as TFC II took a 4-1 victory last Tuesday night against Louisville City FC.

M – Michael Reed, Nashville SC: Reed recorded a three-assist night, as Nashville took a 4-0 victory against the Richmond Kickers on Tuesday night and recorded 11 key passes for the week across two games.

F – Hadji Barry, Swope Park Rangers: Barry scored the game-winning goal in both of Swope Park’s victories over the week against Tulsa Roughnecks FC on Wednesday night and OKC Energy FC on Sunday evening.

F – Sebastian Guenzatti, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Guenzatti scored the first hat trick for the Rowdies this season to lead the side to a 3-0 victory against North Carolina FC on Saturday night.

F – Lagos Kunga, ATL UTD 2: Kunga scored both goals and recorded one key pass, as Atlanta took victory on the road against Toronto FC II last Friday night.

Bench: Daniel Vega (TBR), Joe Greenspan (PGH), Antoine Hoppenot (RNO), Aaron Dennis (PEN), Ariel Lassiter (LA), Cameron Lancaster (LOU), Ataulla Guerra (CHS)

Charlotte (NC) — On Wednesday, September 5th, Camino Community Center will host Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League (USL) professional soccer team, and Club Santos Laguna, the current Liga MX Champions, on their campus for a community meet and greet. This is a free event, open to the public. Camino is reaching out to local Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to encourage event participation for the students and teachers.

The Meet and Greet will take place on September 5th, 2018 at Camino Community Center (201 Stetson Dr. Charlotte, NC 28262) from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. There will be an opportunity to meet members of each soccer team, win raffle prizes and team jerseys, and receive autographs and photo opportunities.

Later in the evening, the two teams will play against each other in an International Friendly Match on Wednesday, September 5th at the Sportsplex at Matthews. Fans are encouraged to purchase game tickets at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence. The game will promote donations to Camino Community Center, who will be present at the event. Fan who donate are eligible to receive a discount at the team store upon presenting confirmation of donation during the game. All donations can be made by texting 888.456.0833.

About Camino Community Center:

Camino Community Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on equipping all people to live healthy, hopeful, and productive lives. Since 2003, Camino has served low-income families in the greater Charlotte area through a free health clinic, mental health clinic, thrift store, homeless outreach program, and a variety of other health and human services. The community center is bilingual and multicultural, bridging gaps between language and cultural barriers for families in need.

Charlotte (NC) — On Wednesday, September 5th, Camino Community Center will host Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League (USL) professional soccer team, and Club Santos Laguna, the current Liga MX Champions, on their campus for a community meet and greet. This is a free event, open to the public. Camino is reaching out to local Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to encourage event participation for the students and teachers.

The Meet and Greet will take place on September 5th, 2018 at Camino Community Center (201 Stetson Dr. Charlotte, NC 28262) from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. There will be an opportunity to meet members of each soccer team, win raffle prizes and team jerseys, and receive autographs and photo opportunities.

Later in the evening, the two teams will play against each other in an International Friendly Match on Wednesday, September 5th at the Sportsplex at Matthews. Fans are encouraged to purchase game tickets at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence. The game will promote donations to Camino Community Center, who will be present at the event. Fan who donate are eligible to receive a discount at the team store upon presenting confirmation of donation during the game. All donations can be made by texting 888.456.0833.

About Camino Community Center:

Camino Community Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on equipping all people to live healthy, hopeful, and productive lives. Since 2003, Camino has served low-income families in the greater Charlotte area through a free health clinic, mental health clinic, thrift store, homeless outreach program, and a variety of other health and human services. The community center is bilingual and multicultural, bridging gaps between language and cultural barriers for families in need.

Charlotte (NC) — On Thursday, the Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League (USL) professional soccer team, announced forward Derek Gebhard has joined the roster on loan from USL El Paso, pending league and federation approval. The 22-year-old recorded two goals in 11 starts during the 2018 season for Jacksonville Armada FC.

UPCOMING EVENT: MEXICAN CHAMPIONS VISIT INDEPENDENCE IN INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY 

 

“We really want to thank Jacksonville and Charlotte for their commitment to helping us get Derek to El Paso,” said USL El Paso General Manager of Business Operations, Andrew Forrest. “We know he will get the proper training in Charlotte and we look forward to watching him finish the season and are all wishing him a great playoff run.”

Before his Jacksonville debut, Gebhard played one season with Jacksonville United FC of the NPSL in the spring of 2015 and played one season with Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida. In 2013 he was selected to the U.S Soccer Region III Olympic Development Program and helped lead his team to a 1-0 win over the Costa Rica U17 Men’s National Team and an overall 4-0-0 record in San Jose, Costa Rica.

“Derek brings a lot of pace and good intensity in his play,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “For us, he's an attacking guy with the ability to get in behind defenses and that's been key. It's been a little more difficult with Cordell [Cato] being out with an injury, so we haven't had as much ability to run in behind groups. Derek is certainly a guy who has that ability.”

Gebhard and the Independence will next be in action this Saturday, September 1st as Nashville SC visits the Sportsplex at Matthews. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET. Additionally, the Independence are preparing to host Mexican Champions Santos Laguna for an international friendly on Wednesday, September 5th. All Preferred Sideline seating options are sold out, but tickets are still available by calling 704-206-1515 or purchasing online at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence.

Charlotte (NC) — On Thursday, the Charlotte Independence, a United Soccer League (USL) professional soccer team, announced forward Derek Gebhard has joined the roster on loan from USL El Paso, pending league and federation approval. The 22-year-old recorded two goals in 11 starts during the 2018 season for Jacksonville Armada FC.

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“We really want to thank Jacksonville and Charlotte for their commitment to helping us get Derek to El Paso,” said USL El Paso General Manager of Business Operations, Andrew Forrest. “We know he will get the proper training in Charlotte and we look forward to watching him finish the season and are all wishing him a great playoff run.”

Before his Jacksonville debut, Gebhard played one season with Jacksonville United FC of the NPSL in the spring of 2015 and played one season with Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida. In 2013 he was selected to the U.S Soccer Region III Olympic Development Program and helped lead his team to a 1-0 win over the Costa Rica U17 Men’s National Team and an overall 4-0-0 record in San Jose, Costa Rica.

“Derek brings a lot of pace and good intensity in his play,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “For us, he’s an attacking guy with the ability to get in behind defenses and that’s been key. It’s been a little more difficult with Cordell [Cato] being out with an injury, so we haven’t had as much ability to run in behind groups. Derek is certainly a guy who has that ability.”

Gebhard and the Independence will next be in action this Saturday, September 1st as Nashville SC visits the Sportsplex at Matthews. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET. Additionally, the Independence are preparing to host Mexican Champions Santos Laguna for an international friendly on Wednesday, September 5th. All Preferred Sideline seating options are sold out, but tickets are still available by calling 704-206-1515 or purchasing online at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence.