USL League One News

#5 Shalom Dutey with his second goal of the season

CHARLOTTE, NC (April 25, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence dropped their first match of the season to the Richmond Kickers tonight by a score of 1-2. The Jacks return to the pitch this Saturday, April 30 to host Union Omaha at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM. Visit our website for tickets: www.charlotteindependence.com/. 

When asked about his thoughts on the match, Head Coach Mike Jeffries explained, “We need to be better in our shape in terms of restarts. We were a little bit better with second balls getting around it, and I thought we did well with possession. We weren’t able to find as many chances as I thought we should. In the final third we were incisive enough and then it’s just mentality, being a little stronger in terms of making sure we’re concentrating the whole game and taking care of ourselves physically.”

The Jacks were first to put a strike on goal in the 4th minute of play. It was #6 Omar Ciss who took the left footed shot from outside of the box and towards the bottom right corner of the net. Richmond’s keeper #1 Akira Fitzgerald came up with the save.

Two minutes later Richmond came down the other end. They attacked up the flank and it was #11 Leonardo Baima’s cross which found the head of #32 Emiliano Terzaghi. Richmond took the early lead.

After a couple dangerous looks in the final third, Charlotte earned a corner kick in the 37th minute. #10 Ayrton Paez stepped up to take the kick. The service flew in to the head of #5 Shalom Dutey who snuck it into the back of the net for the Jacks. 

“I think I just have a mentality that I want to win every ball I get inside the box,” stated Dutey. “I have a goal I want to get to, not just with set pieces but defensively how I play and I’m just trying to meet those expectations.”

The match was all square at halftime, Charlotte Independence 1 – Richmond Kickers 1.

Defender #2 Koa Santos, now a key part of the Jacks back line after two starts in the team’s last two games, expressed how he’s starting to build chemistry with the group stating, “It’s good. I’m kind of developing a leadership role and the guys are good. They’re very competitive, they want to win games and that’s the nature here. We have a pretty good group and I’ve been enjoying it.”

The second half started with some momentum in favor of the Jacks. Paez took a strike from distance in the 52nd minute off a set piece forcing Fitzgerald to make a save.

Richmond went on to take the lead in the 55th minute after a cross from the left side of the pitch found #9 Matthew Bentley open on the back post. 

A red card in the 69th minute shown to #11 Tresor Mbuyu left the Jacks with 10 men for the final 20 minutes of regulation.

#9 Ivan Luquetta and Ciss looked dangerous in stoppage time after the pair worked in tandem to create multiple opportunities in front of net. It was Ciss who found the space to shoot, but he was blocked by the Kickers defense.

“We’ve got to learn. We know we made mistakes, and we need to learn from them and make sure we add them to our repertoire and be better,” stated Jeffries. “I think we showed good fight at the end in that regard, but we put ourselves in a bad spot. The goals were too easy.”

Final score: Charlotte Independence 1 – Richmond Kickers 2

The Charlotte Independence return for their fourth consecutive home match in April to face the defending USL League One champs, Union Omaha, on Saturday, April 30 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM. Visit our website for tickets: www.charlotteindependence.com/. 

Includes two players on loan from MLS club, Charlotte FC

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 24, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence announced today the addition of three new players to the 2022 roster. Forward Khori Bennett joins the Jacks’ attack while goalkeeper Adrian Zendejas and defender Koa Santos strengthen the back line. Zendejas and Santos are currently on loan from MLS Club, Charlotte FC. 

“With his pace and box presence, Khori brings a different dimension to our attack,” explained Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “Not only does he have the technical abilities in front of goal, but Khori has the desire of a player who will do what he can to make an impact with us and work his way up the ladder.”

Bennett joins the Independence after a previous stint with Philadelphia Fury in the National Independent Soccer Association. Bennett started his college career at Northeastern University where he scored five goals and three assists for the Howlin’ Huskies across three seasons. He later transferred to Radford University and scored three goals with one assist across 15 starts for the Highlanders. 

“I would like to thank Coach Mike and the whole coaching staff for this opportunity,” Bennett said. “I am excited to play in front of our amazing fans and to help the team achieve all our goals. I am looking forward to scoring a lot of goals and giving my 100% every day for this team.” 

Santos comes to the Independence squad on loan from Charlotte FC after the two clubs announced an affiliation agreement in early April. He recently concluded his collegiate soccer career at San Diego State University. 

“Koa is a very technical outside defender with excellent attacking qualities. We anticipate his ability to get up and down the line and create in the final third will be impactful for us,” stated Jeffries. “His ability to take players on and create for himself and others adds another dimension to our attack; his concentration, athleticism, and ability to handle 1 v. 1s will be a positive influence on our team defending.”

Santos became a mainstay for San Diego State across his four years. In his final collegiate season, Santos started in 15 matches, appeared in all 17, and scored one goal with two assists. Across his college career, Santos scored two goals and earned three assists. 

“I’m looking forward to being a part of this new affiliation and helping the team achieve its goals while gaining professional experience and building my leadership on the field through games with the Independence,” Santos said. 

Santos also spent time with the Portland Timbers U23 in USL League Two and led the Timbers to a Western Conference Final appearance in the 2021 playoffs. Santos was invited to the MLS College Showcase where he was later signed by Charlotte FC. 

Zendejas, also on loan from Charlotte FC, began his professional career with Swope Park Rangers in the USL Championship and led the Rangers to the USL Cup Final in 2016, and again in 2017. 

While with Swope Park Rangers, Zendejas spent time with Sporting Kansas City in Major League Soccer. While with the club, he appeared in two US Open Cup matches, both wins for Sporting, and appeared in CONCACAF Champions League against Panamanian side C.A. Independiente. He made one appearance in the MLS regular season, a 1-1 draw against FC Cincinnati. 

“Having Adrian join us is a huge coup for our team.  He brings the experience of over 50 USL Championship games to our roster,” Jeffries said. “Importantly, he is an excellent communicator and can help organize a young back line. His qualities – strong shot stopper, comfortable collecting crosses off his line, as well as capable and comfortable playing from the back fit our style of play well.” 

The Charlotte Independence continue their 2022 season on Monday, April 25 against the Richmond Kickers. To view the full schedule and purchase your tickets, please visit charlotteindependence.com/uslleagueoneschedule.

Goals scored by #7 Miguel Ibarra (14’) and #11 Tresor Mbuyu (91’)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 16, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence won their first USL League One match tonight in a 2-1 extra time victory over expansion side Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC. The Jacks placed a number of new faces in the Starting XI including goalkeeper #30 Adrian Zendejas, #2 Koa Santos and #90 Khori Bennett. The Charlotte Independence return to the pitch on Monday, April 25 to host regional rival Richmond Kickers at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The match starts at 7:00 PM.

“It’s fantastic for us, the guys are really excited and super pumped,” explained Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “To stay with a very good team, come back after conceding while you’re struggling at the beginning of the game, we had to claw our way back in the first half, create some chances and get a really nice goal. I thought the second half, with maybe the exception of the first five minutes or so, we were really sharp. We created a lot of good chances and deserved to get the winner. It’s nice to get it late, which adds to the excitement for us and for the fans. It’s a good way to get the first result, and important too to get a win and build confidence.”

Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC took the early lead after former Charlotte Independence teammate #10 Irvin Parra drew a foul inside the penalty box. Parra stepped up to take the kick and placed it to the lower right corner of the net. 

Charlotte answered in the 14th minute after an attack led by #11 Tresor Mbuyu. He slotted a pass back to the penalty spot where #7 Miguel Ibarra stood waiting for the finish. He tied the score at one goal a piece.

“I think it started with the US Open Cup. I think we were all disappointed from that showing and we made sure we, defensively, stayed as a unit and we worked hard for each other,” stated Ibarra. “After that game we just decided that everybody is going to work for each other and that’s how we are going to get wins.”

The Jacks pressed early in the second half creating a number of opportunities for newcomer #90 Khori Bennett. He was alone on the counter attack in the 50th minute moving his defender side to side. He found a window for a shot, but it was blocked by the Hailstorm goalkeeper.

In the 58th minute, Mbuyu again drove towards the endline. He cut it back to Ibarra who flicked it towards Bennett on the back post. A deflection from the Hailstorm defender popped the ball up and Bennett’s shot soared over the crossbar.

“The feeling is hard to explain. There’s just so much excitement going through me and also my teammates,” stated Mbuyu, the league’s current leading goal scorer. “It feels good, first home win. It’s been tough, the first game drawing, it was hard. Again, we should have won but everything just worked together in this game. Everybody was on point and it just feels good.”

The game winner came in the first minute of extra time. #19 Quinn McNeill found himself on the counter attack with just one defender to beat. He laid it off to Mbuyu who pumped, faked out the goalkeeper and rolled it over to his left foot for the finish.

“Tresor has come into this season. He worked really hard in the offseason, he prepared himself well, he’s playing with a lot of confidence and a lot of sharpness and you can see that,” stated Jeffries. “He’s running at players and has been effective doing it. He’s put himself in good spots in the box and he’s been very composed. It’s good to see. I’m really happy for him, and I’m really happy for all that he’s put into his progress over the last couple of years. You’re seeing some of the results now.”

Final score: Charlotte Independence 2 – Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC 1.

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence return to the pitch on Monday, April 25 to host regional rival Richmond Kickers at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The match starts at 7:00 PM. Visit our website for tickets.

Goals scored by #11 Tresor Mbuyu (32’, 41’) and #5 Shalom Dutey (‘89)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 8, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence 2022 Home Opener presented by Chick-Fil-A vs. Central Valley Fuego FC ended in a 3-3 tie tonight at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The Jacks took the lead three separate times during the club’s USL League One debut. The team returns home in just over a week to face former Independence teammate Irvin Parra and the NC Colorado Hailstorm FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

“It was a crazy game with so many emotions. You go up three times I think so, you think you’ve won the game a couple times but there were positives to take away,” stated Charlotte Independence Captain, #17 Clay Dimick. “We scored three goals, and there’s obviously stuff to work on. We never want to concede three no matter what game it is, especially on a set piece, especially one in the last minute. So, we’ll go back and look to see what we can improve on to close out that game and win.”

It was a steady start to the match. Both teams tested the waters early and started to find their footing on the pitch. A couple back to back corner kicks was the only threat until the 31st minute. The Jacks drew a foul at the top of the box and #11 Tresor Mbuyu stepped up to take the kick. The shot deflected off a Fuego FC defender, froze the goalkeeper, and dropped into the back of the net. 

Fuego FC answered in the 39th minute after some combination play in the box led to a strike at the top of the 18-yard-box by #6 Ozzie Ramos. His goal tied the score 1-1.

Just two minutes later the Jacks found themselves once again in the Fuego final third. A cross came in from the right side of the pitch. #7 Miguel Ibarra settled and slotted a ball through the back line. Mbuyu turned his defender and placed it nicely into the lower right corner. The Jacks took the lead at halftime, 2-1.

Both teams came out strong in the second half finding opportunities and making big plays on both ends of the pitch. Fuego was the first to strike in the 81st minute. The goal came from their first corner kick of the night finding the foot #23 Renato Bustamante. He tied the score 2-2.

The Independence answered again in the 89th minute, also from a corner kick. The service dropped into the box and a header caused chaos for the Fuego defense. After a couple deflections, #5 Shalom Dutey found the ball at his feet and buried it into the back of the net.

“I think we bounced back from our last game really well, it was a long game and for us to come out and put on the performance we did in this game, I think we won’t have a problem doing the same thing,” stated Dutey. “This team is young, it’s energetic so we definitely have the players and the legs for that.”

Five minutes of stoppage time was added to the end of the match. With just seconds remaining, Independence goalkeeper #1 Keegan Meyer punched a service up and away. Fuego’s #20 Villyan Bijev took the volley first time and floated it over both Meyer and the Independence defender standing on the goal line. 

“I think we’ve been very good in transition, and we’ve been able to create opportunities,” explained Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “I think that’s something that we’ve worked on that the guys have picked up on. I think we can continue to push and be a little more creative and incisive in the final third and we’ll continue to do that, but by in large, we’ve had a lot of guys that are clever and can manage to make a play in the final third.”

Final score, Charlotte Independence 3 – Central Valley Fuego FC 3.

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence return home to American Legion Memorial Stadium next Saturday, April 16. The team plays host to NC Colorado Hailstorm FC and kickoff is set for 7:00 PM. Visit our website for tickets.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 8, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence welcomes Assistant Coach, Dave Carton and Goalkeeper and Assistant Coach, Bradley Johnson for the 2022 season. 

The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club’s Technical Director, Dave Carton, joins the USL League One team after serving as the Head Coach for the club’s USL League Two team in 2021. He’s been with the club for three years overseeing player development. Previously, Carton was the Executive Director for the Discoveries Soccer Club and a General Manager/Head Coach for the NC Carolina Discoveries.

Goalkeeper and Assistant Coach, Bradley Johnson comes to Charlotte from the Manhattan Soccer Club. During his time in New York, he was the Head Coach Staff for ages 8-18 and the Assistant Coach for the club’s USL League Two team and the U23 College Program. Johnson helped lead his teams to a 2018 and 2019 New York Club League Soccer State Cup Championship.

The Charlotte Independence 2022 season kicks off tonight at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The Jacks host Central Valley Fuego FC and kickoff is set for 7:00 PM. To view the full schedule and purchase your tickets, please visit charlotteindependence.com/uslleagueoneschedule.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 7, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence announced today a schedule change with Richmond Kickers. The match originally scheduled for Friday, April 22 will now be played on Monday, April 25 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. First kick remains at 7:00 PM. 

The change comes after a need to provide ample recovery time for Richmond following their third round U.S. Open Cup match scheduled to take place between April 19 – April 21 that same week.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE UPDATED SCHEDULE

Tickets already purchased for Friday, April 22 will still be valid for the new date on Monday, April 25. For additional ticket inquiries, please email our Director of Ticketing, Jajuan Mabry: tix@queencitysc.com.
  
Single Game Tickets are on sale now. Visit charlotteindependence.com to secure your seats.

Two young players to bring physical presence and technical strength to back line

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 7, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence announced today the signing of defenders Carson Talboys and Diego Rocha to the club’s roster ahead of the Jacks’ 2022 USL League One debut, pending league and federation approval. Talboys, a Huntersville native, joins the club after playing college soccer at Wilmington University. Rocha is coming to the Jacks with USL Championship experience at Rio Grande Valley FC.

Before transferring to Wilmington University, Talboys played four seasons at Catawba College. He was named captain at Catawba for the 2020-21 season. Talboys played every minute at the center back position, appearing in 50 games at Catawba, making 41 starts.

“Carson brings a physical presence defensively, the ability to lead and organize the back group, and a comfort level playing out of the back and finding the right pass in the build up,” explained Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “In Carson, we are delighted to be able to add a local player and former player with our youth club to our roster.”

During his one season at Wilmington, Talboys was named the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Defensive Player of the Year and was named First-Team All-CACC, scoring six goals and earning two assists. He played high school soccer at Lake Norman Charter High School and played for the Colorado Rapids USDDA during his junior and senior season.

“I’m very excited to be able to play with the Independence this season and sign my first professional contract!” Talboys said. “To be able to sign and play in the city I grew up in is a dream come true and I hope to continue on and make history this season as we start our campaign in League One. I’m eager to continue my development as a player, and I’ll do my best to find success for the club and myself!”

Rocha signed with Rio Grande Valley FC at the age of 19 for his first ever professional contract. He became the first player to graduate from the RGV Academy and sign a professional contract.

“Diego is a young, developing defender who fits the profile of our club well,” said Jeffries. “His technical game and ability to play out of the back are very solid and he can be a physical presence defensively. With a strong, athletic profile, we expect Diego to be a strong contributor for us this season – his ability on the ball allows him to be comfortable in both a back three and a back four.”

In the 2020 USL Championship season, Rocha made three appearances as a USL Academy Signing. He started all 16 games for RGV FC’s Academy team in the 2019-2020 season where he scored one goal out of the back.

“I’m very thankful and excited to be here,” Rocha said. “It’s a great group of hard working guys who want to win so I’m really looking forward to being on the pitch with them and playing in front of our fans.”

The Charlotte Independence kick off their 2022 season on Friday, April 8 at 7:00 PM (ET). The Jacks will host Central Valley Fuego FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. To view the full schedule and purchase your tickets, please visit charlotteindependence.com/uslleagueoneschedule.

ECNL National Championship players from the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club make their way to the pros

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 7, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence announced today the club has signed two more players from the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club, midfielder Noah Behrmann and goalkeeper Logan Bellina, to Academy Contracts for the 2022 season. The Independence make their USL League One debut at American Legion Memorial Stadium against Central Valley Fuego FC on Friday, April 8 at 7:00 PM.

“As an academy addition, we expect Noah to compete for playing time this season,” explained Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “His energy and ability to take players on adds positively to our group. Noah’s preseason performances dictated that we transition him from our academy to an addition to our roster.”

Behrmann, a Clemson commit, won the 2021 U19 ECNL National Championship with the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club.

“I am so blessed to have this opportunity to sign with the Independence,” Behrmann said. “I can’t wait to play in front of the fans with my brothers and show what we can do. All the glory goes to God!”

In high school, he was a two-time All-State selection and selected to play in the 2021 All-American game. Behrmann was named the 2020 North Carolina Private School Player of the Year and was a 2020 All-American, leading his team to the State Championship that same year.

“These additional Academy signings to the first team further demonstrate our commitment to player development at the Charlotte Independence. We are thrilled that we can provide these players with the pathway to advance their development, playing and competing in a professional environment daily,” stated Charlotte Independence Technical Director, Dave Carton. “It is not only a testament to the work our Academy staff are doing, but also the dedication and commitment our players are showing each season. Congratulations to each of the players on their signings, we are confident that they will make us proud.”

Bellina was also a part of the historic Charlotte Independence Soccer Club team that won the U19 ECNL National Championship alongside Behrmann.

“Logan is another academy player who excelled during our preseason,” said Jeffries. “Though it is always difficult for a young goalkeeper, Logan has handled the speed of the game well and is able to make difficult saves. Most importantly, he maintains a great banter with the strikers during finishing exercises.”

Across his time playing with the Pro Academy, he acquired 13 clean sheets and averaged .68 goals against.

“I am very grateful to have the opportunity to play at this high of a level,” Bellina said. “Being around players everyday that push you to play your best has been helping me improve so much, and I’m looking forward to continuing to grow as a goalkeeper.”

The Charlotte Independence kickoff their 2022 season on Friday, April 8 at 7:00 PM (ET). The Jacks will host Central Valley Fuego FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. To view the full schedule and purchase your tickets, please visit charlotteindependence.com/uslleagueoneschedule.

#10 Ayrton Paez earned an assist and scored a goal in his debut with the Charlotte Independence.

CHARLOTTE, NC (APRIL 6, 2022) -The Charlotte Independence hosted the 2nd Round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday, April 5 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The Jacks fell to NC Fusion U23’s by a score of 2-4. Despite the result, the Jacks put two goals in the back of the net and created a lot of chances in the final third.

“We had some good stretches and good moments, which shows where we took the lead twice, one on a set piece goal and the other off a nice counter and a composed finish,” explained Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “I thought we had some good stretches in between that, and we managed the game well.” 

The first goal came in the 14th minute off a set piece from #10 Ayrton Paez. He placed a service at the back post for a wide open #5 Shalom Dutey who was left with an easy header to finish it off. #9 Ivan Luquetta beat a couple defenders and dribbled towards the endline in the 42nd minute. He looked across the box and found a dashing Paez sprinting towards the top of the penalty spot. Paez took the shot and placed in the lower left corner of the net for the Jacks’ second goal of the night.

“All the guys have welcomed me in the best way, but [the team’s performance] was not enough today,” Paez said about the U.S. Open Cup result. 

“I think some of the positives were going up, taking the lead twice,” defender Clay Dimick said. “I think it’s a good sign that we can take the lead even after we concede, and we did create chances. Before we got the red card, there were moments when we defended in our shape really well.”

The focus moves to the 2022 Home Opener presented by Chick-Fil-A. It’s the start of the USL League One season for the Jacks as they make their debut vs. expansion side, Central Valley Fuego FC. Fuego FC (1-0-0) defeated Greenville Triumph SC by a score of 2-0 on opening weekend.

When asked about the keys to Friday’s match, Jeffries stated, “First, we have to recover. I mean, this was a hard night. You can play preseason games and so forth, but it just doesn’t offer the same intensity. The way the schedule worked with having the Open Cup first, it’s just the breaks of it all.” 

The Independence are excited to welcome fans back to American Legion Memorial Stadium on Friday night. The club has prepared a lineup of family-friendly entertainment including a live DJ, halftime contests and a fireworks show after the match. Tickets are still available at charlotteindependence.com.

Two international players bring experience from USL Championship and top flight Colombia

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 5, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence announced today the addition of two international talents, Omar Ciss of Senegal and Tomas Maya from Colombia. Ciss, a midfielder, joins the Jacks from USL Championship club, Austin Bold FC. Maya, a defender, played last season with Asociación Deportivo Pasto, a professional fútbol team in Colombia.

“We are delighted to add another talented young player to our roster in Omar Ciss. Omar is the prototypical two way midfielder – a strong ball winner defensively with the ability to playmake from the back and make plays in the final third,” explained Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. “Though he is only 20, Omar brings significant USL Championship experience to our group and the potential to be a big impact for us.”

Ciss came to the U.S. in 2017 from Dakar, Senegal when he joined the Soccer Institute at Montverde Academy in Orlando, Florida. Austin Bold FC (USL C) brought Ciss in as a trialist in 2020. He went on to compete in both the 2020 and 2021 seasons totalling 38 appearances and one assist for 1,677 minutes.

When asked about his thoughts on joining the team, Ciss stated, “I’m so excited to join this historic club and represent this city. I can’t wait to start the season. We have a big year ahead.”

Maya comes to Charlotte with six years of high level experience in the Colombian professional soccer scene. 

“Tomas is an attacking left back who fits our style of play – he will get up and down the sideline making plays in the final third and playing out of pressure,” stated Jeffries. “With experience in First Division Colombia, Tomas adds significant quality to our roster.”

Maya has played at a variety of levels with six different clubs including Asociación Deportivo Pasto, Envigado FC, Cúcuta Deportivo, Independiente Santa Fe, CD Atlético Huila, Atlético Nacional. At the back, he’s recorded 4,592 minutes played, scored one goal and notched two assists.

“I’m very happy to join this great team, this great country and the city of Charlotte in my first soccer experience abroad,” stated Maya. “I feel good about the season, and I know that with this group we will make history. I hope to bring my experience and my style of play and really contribute to the team.”

The Charlotte Independence kickoff their 2022 season on Friday, April 8 at 7:00 PM (ET). The Jacks will host Central Valley Fuego FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. To view the full schedule and purchase your tickets, please visit charlotteindependence.com/uslleagueoneschedule.