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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Independence announced Friday a change to their 2017 USL regular season home schedule stating that the game against the Tampa Bay Rowdies originally scheduled for Saturday, June 3rd will now take place the following day on Sunday, June 4th. The game time will remain at 7:00 PM ET.

Along with the change in date, it was also announced that the game will take place at Winthrop University’s Eagle Field in Rock Hill, South Carolina. This will be the third and final game played at Winthrop University this season before the Independence move to their new home at the Sportsplex at Matthews on June 17th.

The other two home games to be played at Eagle Field will take place on Saturday, April 15th against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Thursday, May 11th against New York Red Bulls II. Both games will kick off at 7 p.m.

Tickets for the April 15th and May 11th game are on sale now. For more information please visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence.

Gallery: Friday Training

Well Wishes to Two Tremendous Coaches

Charlotte, (N.C.) — Over the course of two seasons, there are countless personalities who contributed to the success of the Charlotte Independence. Two particular individuals help embody the “Selflessness – Family – Accountability” mantra the team brandishes. The Charlotte Independence thank those two individuals, Assistant/Keepers Coach Philip Poole and Strength and Conditioning Coach John Lytton, who are pursuing other opportunities this season.

“I enjoyed my two seasons with the team,” said Coach Poole. “We started with a head coach and in a short span of time built a playoff team. It really amazed me to see something created out of nothing.”

Similarly, Coach Lytton shared sentiments of thanks to the Independence organization and the people involved.

“I especially want to thank Coach Jeffries and Coach Lesesne for taking a chance on me and believing in the information that I was able to bring them,” said Coach Lytton.

"Not only have they been great with the team, but I have enjoyed learning coaching nuances from both," said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. "I truly appreciate the sacrifices they made to contribute to our group and the willingness they showed in taking the chance and coming on board with us."

Reflecting on the highlights of the past two years, the pair noted the Swansea game as one of many lasting memories.

“The game itself was ok,” said Coach Poole. “The standard of play was pretty good. But the biggest realization for me was that professional soccer in Charlotte works when fans come together.”

Similarly, Coach Lytton shared sentiments of thanks to the Independence organization and the people involved.

“I especially want to thank Coach Jeffries and Coach Lesesne for taking a chance on me and believing in the information that I was able to bring them,” said Coach Lytton.

“Not only have they been great with the team, but I have enjoyed learning coaching nuances from both,” said Independence Head Coach Mike Jeffries. “I truly appreciate the sacrifices they made to contribute to our group and the willingness they showed in taking the chance and coming on board with us.”

Reflecting on the highlights of the past two years, the pair noted the Swansea game as one of many lasting memories.

“The game itself was ok,” said Coach Poole. “The standard of play was pretty good. But the biggest realization for me was that professional soccer in Charlotte works when fans come together.”

“Good times all around,” added Coach Lytton as he further recalled one of the first instances working for the Independence.

“One of my first memories with the team, and indicative of what an adventure the position would be, was during the snowstorm of the 2015 preseason.”

“Good times all around,” added Coach Lytton as he further recalled one of the first instances working for the Independence.

“One of my first memories with the team, and indicative of what an adventure the position would be, was during the snowstorm of the 2015 preseason.”

Coach Lytton doubted soccer was playable that training session, but was willing to risk frostbite in the hour and a half of field prep that ensued.

“Little did I know that Coach Jeffries had intended for the Equipment Manager, Operations Coordinator, and myself to tip over a picnic bench to plow the entire third of the playing field. I’m pretty sure that was an initiation of some sorts.”

Both coaches are excited about their prospects moving forward. Coach Lytton says he is considering a new venture in adult fitness and massage therapy but will continue efforts in youth soccer.

“My company, Performance Unlimited, has some great opportunities to develop physical programming within several youth clubs around the country, including the Carolina Rapids,” said Coach Lytton. “I will be getting back into focusing on the youth game and have taken a new role with the U.S. Under-14 Boy’s National team, as their Head of Sports Science.”

Coach Lytton doubted soccer was playable that training session, but was willing to risk frostbite in the hour and a half of field prep that ensued.

Both coaches are excited about their prospects moving forward. Coach Lytton says he is considering a new venture in adult fitness and massage therapy but will continue efforts in youth soccer.

Coach Poole also plans to work with U.S. Soccer and the youth teams at Charlotte Soccer Academy. He doesn’t rule out a return to the Independence in the future.

One thing could not be mistaken in the coaches’ conclusion about their time with the Independence; the significance of the people associated.

Coach Poole also plans to work with U.S. Soccer and the youth teams at Charlotte Soccer Academy. He doesn’t rule out a return to the Independence in the future.

One thing could not be mistaken in the coaches’ conclusion about their time with the Independence; the significance of the people associated.

“I went into the position with an expectation and each individual blew me away with how much they impacted my life,” said Coach Lytton. “I can only hope that I have had a small portion of the same impact on them.”

“My favorite part of coaching is interacting with the people involved,” said Coach Poole. “I will say that the people involved with the Charlotte Independence are the type of people that will leave a lasting impact on me – I will miss the boys for sure.”

On behalf of Coach Jeffries, Coach Lesesne, players, front office staff, fans, and countless others who have had the privilege to work with you two in the past two years, we thank you, and take pride in the fact that you will always be a part of our family.

Gallery: Sportsplex at Matthews

Independence Moving to Matthews

Charlotte, (N.C.) – The Charlotte Independence are excited to announce the team will play twelve league games at the Sportsplex at Matthews beginning June 17th, 2017. The team is moving towards Division II compliance in cooperation with the United Soccer League, which was granted provisional status on January 6th.

The brand new Mecklenburg County facility is constructed with attention to detail and excellence in fan experience in mind. Features include over 800 paved parking spots, a High-Definition video board, three restroom facilities, a pair of roofed picnic pavilions, a fully concreted concourse, VIP event rooms, and two entries/exits for traffic. Conveniently located near Independence Blvd. and I-485, the stadium is only a few minutes from downtown Matthews, local bars and restaurants, and shopping centers.

"With the Sportsplex at Matthews, Mecklenburg County has created a first class facility that is reminiscent of the beautiful Disney Sports fields I used to market in Orlando,” said Michael Behrman, Chief Operating Officer of the Charlotte Independence. “We are excited to make the Sportsplex at Matthews our home pitch and embrace the Town of Matthews as we become that community’s hometown, professional sports team."

"We welcome the Independence to Matthews with open arms," said Mayor Jim Taylor for the Town of Matthews. "The addition of the Independence will be another asset to our community as well as another reason Matthews is so great."

Returning fans and season ticket holders will note that ticket and parking pricing corresponds to plans at Ramblewood Soccer Complex. Individual game tickets are not on sale yet, but season ticket packages still start at $144.

“Season ticket holders will be unaffected by the switch to the Sportsplex at Matthews”, said Patrick O’Leary, Independence Senior Account Manager. “Everyone will be placed in comparable seats. I’m excited about the improved access and sightlines to bolster fan experience.”

The team will open the 2017 home season away from the Sportsplex at Matthews, but Charlotte Head Coach Mike Jeffries thinks the new facility is an asset to the Independence.

“I love it,” said Jeffries. “Because of the way the stadium is set up, I think there is so much potential to make it a great venue and a place we can call home for a while, in addition to having some success there.”

The Independence set up an information page to help Charlotte fans explore more details about the facility. Check in periodically for updates as we move toward the first gameday. Fans are encouraged to use #MovingtoMatthews on social media platforms to express interest and inquire about the relocation.

“With the Sportsplex at Matthews, Mecklenburg County has created a first class facility that is reminiscent of the beautiful Disney Sports fields I used to market in Orlando,” said Michael Behrman, Chief Operating Officer of the Charlotte Independence. “We are excited to make the Sportsplex at Matthews our home pitch and embrace the Town of Matthews as we become that community’s hometown, professional sports team.”

“We welcome the Independence to Matthews with open arms,” said Mayor Jim Taylor for the Town of Matthews. “The addition of the Independence will be another asset to our community as well as another reason Matthews is so great.”

The team will open the 2017 home season away from the Sportsplex at Matthews, but Charlotte Head Coach Mike Jeffries thinks the new facility is an asset to the Independence.