USL W League

Top Goal Scorer Sutton Webb Returns to Charlotte for 2023 Season

Webb scored Charlotte’s first-ever USL W League goal

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 18, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team announced today the return of midfielder Sutton Webb, pending league and federation approval. Webb scored the Charlotte Independence’s first-ever USL W League goal during the team’s 2022 home opener. She appeared in 11 out of 12 games and accumulated 959 minutes. She also led the team in goals during the 2022 season scoring five and adding one assist.

“I am so excited to come back and play with a great group of girls this summer under the best staff,” stated Webb. “Can’t wait to get to work!”

Webb announced her transfer to Mississippi State following the conclusion of her Freshman season with the University of Georgia.

“Sutton did a wonderful job for us last year. She played the majority of our minutes in a few different positions, and we started off the year playing her out of position in the back line,” explained Charlotte Independence USL W League Head Coach, Robyn Horner. “As one of our younger players, she rolled up her sleeves and took the challenge head on. She’s a team player with an endless drive and wonderful attitude. Can’t wait to have her back in blue for the summer.”

Before her collegiate career began, Webb was a captain of Charlotte Independence Soccer Club’s Super Cup team and earned First Team ECNL All-Conference Honors.

Webb played high school soccer at Salisbury High School in Salisbury, N.C. from 2018-2021. She was named a North Carolina All-State selection in 2021, twice named All-Conference and All-Region, and named Rowan County (N.C.) Female Athlete of the Year following her senior season.

In addition, Webb was named to the ODP All-South Region Team and was selected for the ODP Costa Rica International Tournament in 2020.The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team kicks off the 2023 season on Sunday, May 21 at 5:00 p.m. The women will host the NC Courage U-23s at American Legion Memorial Stadium. To view the full schedule please visit charlotteindependence.com.

Charlotte Independence Welcome Back Kennedy Jones for Second Season

Junior from Elon University played international tournaments in five different countries.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 14, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League team today announced the return of midfielder Kennedy Jones for the 2023 season, pending league and federation approval. Last year, she scored 2 goals for the Charlotte Independence women’s inaugural team and accumulated 610 minutes played.

“I am very excited about this upcoming season with the Charlotte Independence,” Jones said. “I am most looking forward to seeing everyone again and having the opportunity to play with others at a high level alongside fun people!”

Jones is a Junior at Elon University. Last fall, she made 16 starts in 16 appearances and logged 1,401 minutes. She scored the first goal of the 2022 season for the Phoenix and helped lead the team to six shutouts.

“Kennedy brings her all to every game and the undeniable grit and competitiveness that you want to have on your side against other opponents,” explained Charlotte Independence USL W League Head Coach, Robyn Horner. “She can influence the game with a quick change of direction or through pass, and we are excited to have her back with us for another season.”

As a former member of the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club, Jones helped lead her youth club team to NCYSA State and U.S. National League Championship titles in 2018.

Throughout high school, Jones played soccer tournaments internationally in 5 different countries including Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, and Portugal. She won the Gothia Puma Cup in Sweden and was a finalist in the Vildbjerg Cup.

Jones played four seasons of high school soccer and was a two-time captain at Providence Day School in Charlotte, N.C. She was a Gatorade Player of the Year nominee and Academic All-American after her senior season in 2021. She earned All-Conference (2018-2021), All-State (2019 & 2021), and All-Region honors (2018, 2019 & 2021) throughout her high school career.

Jones was tied for leading goal scorer after both her sophomore (29) and senior (28) seasons. She led the Chargers to the North Carolina Independence School Athletic Association (NCISAA) State Championships in 2019 and 2021 as well as a State Runner-Up finish in 2018. Jones concluded her high school soccer campaign with 71 goals and 33 assists.

In 2017, Jones was twice named a U.S. Soccer ID2 National Camp Selection.

The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team kicks off the 2023 season on Sunday, May 21 at 5:00 p.m. The women host the NC Courage U-23s at American Legion Memorial Stadium. View the full schedule at charlotteindependence.com.

University of Arkansas Midfielder Zoe Susi Returns to Charlotte Independence USL W League Team

Susi enters her second season with Charlotte’s only pre-professional women’s team

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 13, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League team today announced the return of University of Arkansas Midfielder Zoe Susi for the 2023 summer season, pending league and federation approval. Susi accumulated 760 minutes in nine appearances during the team’s inaugural season and recorded 10 shots.

“I am excited to play with the girls again and get back on the field together,” Susi said. “I also can’t wait to see how our program develops this year after already having one season under our belt.”

Susi, a Wilkesboro, N.C. native, is coming off a successful freshman season at the University of Arkansas. In Fall 2022, she made seven starts in 18 appearances. Susi helped lead the Razorbacks to an NCAA Elite 8 appearance. She played a career-high 78 minutes, and scored a goal, in the team’s Sweet 16 match against Memphis.

“Zoe was great for us last year, and we look forward to having her back after a stellar freshman year at Arkansas,” explained Charlotte Independence USL W League Head Coach, Robyn Horner. “She uses her soccer savvy and tactical understanding to poke holes in the opposition. She is a fierce competitor, and although she is more of a quiet leader, she uses that to sneak into open pockets and make dangerous runs. If you look up, you’ll usually find her in a half space asking for the ball or making a run in behind the defense. We are thrilled to have her back and look forward to the flare she will add to our core of returners.”

Before college, Susi competed for the ‘04 Charlotte Independence ECNL Girls team and was named to the 2021 ECNL U17 Mid-Atlantic First Team All-Conference.

Susi played high school soccer at Wilkes Central High School. She scored 125 goals and tallied 65 assists throughout her career. Susi was a two-time North Carolina All-Region Selection, two-time North Carolina All-State Selection, and two-time Conference Player of the Year.

As a Freshman, Susi scored the second most goals in North Carolina State history and was named the 2019 Mountain Valley Athletic Conference Player of the Year.

Susi is also a three-time ODP Region 3 Team Member, a three-time ODP National Team Training Invitee, and played on the 2019 Region III International Team.

The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team kicks off the 2023 season on Sunday, May 21 at 5:00 p.m. The women host the NC Courage U-23s at American Legion Memorial Stadium. View the full schedule at charlotteindependence.com.

Head Coach Robyn Horner and Assistant Coach Erika Duncan Return for Second Year with Charlotte Independence USL W League Team

The pre-professional women’s team finished 4-5-3 in their inaugural season.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 6, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence Women’s USL W League team announced today that Head Coach, Robyn Horner and Assistant Coach, Erika Duncan will once again lead Charlotte’s only women’s pre-professional soccer team. In 2022, the team’s inaugural season, they led the club to an overall record of 4-5-3 and finished 4th in the USL W League’s South Atlantic Division.

“We are excited to have Robyn and Erika back leading our USL W League team for its second season,” stated Charlotte Independence USL W League General Manager, Greg Ashton. “We hope to take the lessons we learned from both on and off the field last year and show progress in those areas this season. We have looked to add some experience to the team and have attracted some new, young talent that will help raise the level of the group. Robyn and Erika will provide the consistency we need to continue to grow the culture within the team as we compete in the extremely challenging South Atlantic Division and push to make the playoffs this season.”

Horner joined the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club in 2019 as the Director of Goalkeeping and Head Coach. In her first year, she coached her U19 girls team to an undefeated season and a State Cup Championship.

“I’m elated that season two is finally here! Coach Erika and I looked at each other after the end of the season last summer and said, “season 2 starts now,” explained Head Coach, Robyn Horner. “We’ve been working for the last several months to put together a team of girls that we know will proudly represent the Independence crest and what it stands for. We are excited to welcome the girls into Charlotte in the next few weeks and continue building upon the successes we had last season.”

Before joining the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club, Horner coached at Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer, N.C. She was the Assistant Coach for two years, during which she helped the Falcons win a Conference Carolinas Championship in 2013. Horner was promoted as the Head Women’s Soccer Coach in 2015. She led the program for four years with an overall record of 39-26-3 which included two Conference Semifinal appearances in 2015 and 2016.

Duncan joined the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club in 2022 and worked with the Girls ECNL Regional League North Teams in addition to her role as Assistant Coach for the USL W League Team.

“I am incredibly excited for our second season playing in the USL W League,” stated Assistant Coach, Erika Duncan. “We have some key players returning to the team and have added some very talented players who will take our play to the next level. We had a competitive season last summer where we built a strong foundation, and this season, we will be looking to build on that foundation to compete for a championship. I can’t wait to get back on the field with these young women!”

Before coming to the Independence, Duncan spent nine seasons as the assistant coach for Division I Marshall University Women’s Soccer. In addition to her time at Marshall, she worked with the West Virginia Futbol Club from 2011-2021. She was named the 2021 West Virginia Soccer Association Girl’s Competitive Coach of the Year. As Head Coach, the U19 girls were National President’s Cup Finalists and East Regional President’s Cup Champions. Duncan also coached teams to State Cup Championships in 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2019.

The Charlotte Independence Women’s USL W League team kicks off their 2023 season on Sunday, May 21. The women will host NC Courage U-23 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. First kick is set for 5:00 p.m. View the full schedule.

Charlotte Independence USL W League Team Announces 2023 Schedule

The pre-professional women’s team enters its second season.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (February 21, 2023) – The Charlotte Independence women’s pre-professional soccer team today announced the 2023 schedule for their second USL W League season. The campaign includes six away games and six home games, two of which will be hosted in Uptown, Charlotte at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The remaining four matches will be played in Huntersville, N.C. at the Community School of Davidson’s Spartan Athletic Complex.

The team starts with three consecutive home matches in May vs. NC Courage, Greenville Liberty and FC Carolinas respectively. Duals between NC Courage and FC Carolinas will be played at American Legion Memorial Stadium as double headers with the club’s USL League One men’s professional team.

Charlotte has eight games during the month of June. It starts with two away games at Asheville City and Greenville Liberty. The women return home for one match vs. Wake FC before going back on the road for three straight road trips to NC Fusion, NC Courage and Wake FC. The month ends with two home matches vs. Asheville City and NC Fusion at the Community School of Davidson’s Spartan Athletic Complex.

The season finale is on Saturday, July 1 at FC Carolinas.

USL W League games played at American Legion Memorial Stadium are double header nights with the club’s USL League One men’s team. Any tickets purchased for the men’s matches on those dates will also be valid for the women’s games.

Details on access to games played at the Community School of Davidson’s Spartan Athletic Complex will be coming soon.

Stay connected with the team throughout the 2023 season by following them on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

Charlotte Independence Women’s USL W League Team Announces 2023 Open Tryout Date

The pre-professional women’s team enters its second USL W League season.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (November 15, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence Women’s USL W League Team announced it will host open tryouts on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at Manchester Meadows Park in Rock Hill, S.C. The pre-professional women’s team enters its second USL W League season after finishing 4-5-3 in their inaugural campaign. Registration for all participants is free of charge. Click here to sign up.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have a PlayMetrics account login and register. If you do not have an account please create an account and then register for W League Tryout.

Tryout Details:

Date: Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Location: Manchester Meadows

Schedule:

10:00 AM – Check In

Check In will be located at the Pavilion next to turf field 1 and 2.

11:00 AM – Training Session

12:15 PM – Lunch

12:30 PM – Classroom Session

2:00 PM – 11 v 11 Scrimmage

In 2022, the Charlotte Independence Women played 12 games, scored 18 goals and kept 3 clean sheets.

The Charlotte Independence Women are led by returning Head Coach, Robyn Horner. Horner played professional soccer for two years in the WPS with the Philadelphia Independence. She also has six years of experience competing in the previous USL W League with the New Jersey Wildcats and the Charlotte Lady Eagles. Horner played semi-professional soccer in 2021 for the Charlotte Independence North-WPSL team and was named All-Conference Goalkeeper. She continues her role as Director of Goalkeeping for the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club following a four year stint as the Head Coach for Pfeiffer University, which included two Conference Semifinal appearances.

“We are extremely excited to begin the process of selecting players for the upcoming USL W League season,” stated Charlotte Independence Women’s Head Coach, Robyn Horner. “I have been watching as many games as I can to ID players we’d like to invite out to our tryouts. Last season we were extremely competitive in every game we played, and our inaugural roster of young women were very successful in laying the strong foundation we set out to create. We can’t wait to get started on this next chapter, and we will welcome anyone and everyone out that wants to be a part of this special group!”

The USL W League is a pre-professional women’s soccer league which serves as the nation’s premier pre-professional league developing the next generation of women’s soccer talent both on and off the field. The USL W League strives to use women’s soccer as a force for societal good by creating a national platform to increase opportunity, gender equity, and career development. Learn more about the USL W League.

Charlotte Independence Women Defeat Division Leader Greenville Liberty 2-0

Goals scored by #27 Michaela Deas (5’ & 44’)

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (July 2, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League team handed Greenville Liberty SC its first loss of the season with a 2-0 win at the Community School of Davidson Spartan Athletic Complex on Saturday, July 2. The Independence close out the regular season on the road Tuesday, July 5 against NC Courage U23 at 6 PM.

Entering the match, the Independence were the only team to score more than one goal against the Liberty in a single match, and Greenville held an undefeated record. As the whistle blew to start the game, the Independence advanced the ball and set the tempo of the game.

It did not take long for the Independence to put one on the scoreboard as #27 Michaela Deas scored in the 5^th minute. She handled a pass from #9 Kendyl Lauher outside the top of the penalty area and launched a shot into the top left corner of the net.

The Independence defense stopped many advances and opportunities by the Liberty. #28 Sydney Smith and #30 Jada Palmer were just as critical preventing attacks from the Liberty as they were vital in starting offense from the back.

Deas’ second goal of the night started from a takeaway by Palmer who distributed it out wide to Lauher again. Lauher sent a cross in the penalty area which Deas headed beyond the Greenville goalkeeper.

The Independence led at halftime: Charlotte Independence 2 – Greenville Liberty SC 0.

The match was stopped only two minutes into the second half for a weather delay. After conversations between both teams and league representatives, the game was ruled final as a 2-0 win for the Independence. It will not be rescheduled.

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence USL W League team travels to face NC Courage U23 for the final game of the regular season Tuesday, July 5 at 6:00 PM.

Charlotte Independence Women Win 3-0 at NC Fusion

Goals scored by #27 Michaela Deas (10’), #11 Sutton Webb (67’), #9 Kendyl Lauher (89’)

GREENSBORO, N.C. (June 30, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League team earned a 3-0 road win at NC Fusion on Thursday, June 30. The team returns to Charlotte for the final home match of the season on Saturday, July 2 at 6 PM at the Community School of Davidson Spartan Athletic Complex.

The offense started early for the Independence as Charlotte earned four corners in the first four minutes.

#27 Michaela Deas notched her second goal of the season in the 10th minute off a through-ball from #20 Ayden Yates to put the Independence up 1-0.

Many players joined the attack, including #15 Kelly Flanders whose shot in the 19th minute landed just wide of the post.

Although she was not forced to make many saves, goalkeeper #51 S.A. Phillips made a massive impact by blocking a penalty kick in the 40th minute to keep the Independence in the lead.

The Independence took the one-goal lead into halftime: Charlotte Independence 1 – NC Fusion 0

#11 Sutton Webb started the offense in the second half with a shot that nearly went over the head of the NC Fusion goalkeeper. Webb and Deas combined multiple times, creating dangerous chances for the Independence.

Webb found a breakthrough in the 67th minute with a half-volley off a cross from #9 Kendyl Lauher to double the lead. Webb now leads the team in scoring this season with four goals.

In the final minutes of the match, Lauher extended the lead to 3-0 with a shot beyond the oncoming Fusion goalkeeper. Lauher claimed her first goal of the season, and Yates recorded her second assist of the night.

Goalkeeper #71 Cadence Talbert made her first appearance of the season and helped secure the clean sheet for the Independence.

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence USL W League team will play their final home match of the season Saturday, July 2 at 6 PM at the Community School of Davidson Spartan Athletic Complex. Admission is free for all fans.

Charlotte Independence USL W League Team Falls 4-0 to Wake FC

The Charlotte Independence USL W League team dropped its match against Wake FC 4-0 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The Independence will be in action again on June 30 at 7:00 PM on the road against North Carolina Fusion.

The match started with Charlotte on the attack, with midfielder #8 Zoe Susi taking a shot but sailing her effort just high. Wake FC started the goal scoring shortly after in the 12th minute with #10 Nicole Waters finishing from an assist #13 Ruby Grant.

Wake FC doubled the advantage minutes later with a goal from #11 Elyssa Nowowieski with Waters on the assist.

The Independence stayed on the attack, with #6 Gabby Johnson and #16 Kennedy Jones taking shots in the 24th minute. Susi headed a shot in the box but her attempt went just wide.

Independence goalkeeper #51 Sarah Allston Phillips made a save in the 30th minute, but Wake scored two goals in the next 10 minutes to make it 4-0. #9 Riley Quinlin and #13 Ruby Grant scored to double Wake’s advantage.

The Independence trailed at halftime: Charlotte Independence 0 – Wake FC 4.

To start the second half, the Independence made two changes to spark the attack. Head coach Robyn Horner elected to bring on #9 Kendly Lauher and #27 Michaela Deas to replace #23 Nicola Hauk and #29 Kerri Coffman.

Neither team found the back of the net to start the second half, and Horner continued to make substitutions. #2 Emily Sansbury and #10 Carson Jones came on for #4 Krissi Schuster and Kennedy Jones in the 70th minute. Just minutes later, #17 Lily Suyao and #22 Taylor Barrineau came on for Johnson and #11 Sutton Webb.

The Independence stayed on the attack throughout the full 90 minutes, forcing Wake FC’s goalkeeper into multiple saves resulting in corner kicks. Charlotte wasn’t able to find the back of the net and the action ended with Wake FC taking a 4-0 win.

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence USL W League team will travel to face North Carolina Fusion on Thursday, June 30 at 7:00 PM. Fans can watch the game live on Eleven Sports.

Charlotte Independence Women Tie Asheville City SC 1-1

Goal scored by #11 Sutton Webb (17′)

Huntersville, N.C. (June 18, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League team played to a tie with Asheville City SC 1-1 on Saturday, June 18. The two teams play an immediate rematch on Tuesday, June 21^st at 6:00 PM in Asheville.

The Independence opened the game with plenty of offensive chances, challenging the Asheville keeper often. #11 Sutton Webb had multiple opportunities streaming down the sideline and serving crosses into the penalty area. #16 Kennedy Jones and #20 Ayden Yates both launched incredibly close shots, including one off the goalpost.

The score line did not remain tied for long as Webb found the back of the net for the Independence in the 17^th minute from an assist by Yates.

The Independence led at halftime: Charlotte Independence 1 – Asheville City SC 0.

After both teams made adjustments at halftime, the Independence were left defending much of the second half. Goalkeeper #41 Katelyn Carroll stepped up for the Independence, notching multiple important saves.

#4 Krissi Schuster found multiple opportunities to test the Asheville goalkeeper in the second half as a wingback on the left side. She connected with #7 Mary Alexander a number of times hoping to double the lead.

In the 89^th minute, #20 Kiley Dulaney broke through the Independence defense to score the equalizer for Asheville City SC.

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence USL W League team will travel to face Asheville City SC again on Tuesday, June 21^st at 6:00 PM. Fans can watch this game live on the Eleven Sports app.

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