USL W League

Huntersville, N.C. (June 14, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League team fell 2-0 to NC Courage U23 on Tuesday evening. The Independence return to the Community School of Davidson Spartan Athletic Complex on Saturday, June 18 at 6:00 p.m. to face Ashville City SC.

The first half was a defensive battle, but #7 Mary Alexander had a strike for the Independence that only missed by inches.

On the following possession NC Courage #25 Isabella Brown scored the first and only goal of the half.

After the goal, the Independence stepped up defensively and put pressure the Courage’s defenders with multiple opportunities to score.

NC Courage U23 led at halftime: Charlotte Independence 0 – NC Courage U23 1.

Early into the second half, the Courage doubled its lead through a goal by #14 Maggie Pierce.

#11 Sutton Webb was streaming down the sidelines throughout the game trying to provide a chance for the Independence. #27 Michaela Deas almost provided the score, but the shot skimmed the post and landed just wide.

Independence goalkeeper #41 Katelyn Carroll notched an amazing diving save to keep the game within reach. She followed this up with a few more quality saves.

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence USL W League team is back this Saturday, June 18 at 6 PM at the Community School of Davidson Spartan Athletic Complex against Ashville City SC. Admission is free for all fans. 

Goal scored by #20 Ayden Yates (66’)

GREENVILLE, S.C. (June 11, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League team dropped a tight match 2-1 against the division-leading Greenville Liberty SC on Saturday evening. The Independence return home on Tuesday, June 14 at 6:00 p.m. to face NC Courage U23 at the Community School of Davidson Spartan Athletic Complex.

It was a competitive first half in Greenville, but the Liberty opened the scoring early in the 9th minute with a goal from #5 Julie Mackin. 

Despite the early deficit, #30 Jada Palmer played a vital role in the backline to keep the Independence only one goal away from leveling the score.

Liberty led at halftime: Charlotte Independence 0 – Greenville Liberty SC 1.

#4 Krissi Schuster put the pressure on Greenville from both ends of the pitch, serving balls into the penalty area on offense and stunting Liberty attacks on defense.

Greenville doubled their lead in the second half with a shot bouncing off the far post and into the back of the net by #4 Christian Brathwaite. 

The Independence found a breakthrough with a goal by #20 Ayden Yates in the 66th minute as she slotted a shot past the oncoming Greenville goalkeeper. 

Substitutes #7 Mary Alexander and #27 Michaela Deas sparked multiple offensive chances for Charlotte, but the Independence were unable to capitalize. 

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: The Charlotte Independence USL W League team returns home after a long stretch of road games on Tuesday, June 14 at 6:00 p.m. against NC Courage U23 at the Community School of Davidson Spartan Athletic Complex. Admission is free for all fans. 

Sansbury won a State Cup Championship with the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club

Charlotte, N.C. (June 2, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League team announced today the addition of local defender, Emily Sansbury, from Washington and Lee University for the 2022 season, pending league and federation approval. Sansbury is a former member of the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club and helped her ECNL team win the State Cup Championship in 2020.

During her freshman season at Washington and Lee, Sansbury featured in 15 games for the Generals as the team reached the semifinals of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference tournament. 

At Christ the King Catholic High School in Huntersville, North Carolina, Sansbury was a four-year letter winner in soccer and two-year letter winner in cross country. She was named All-Conference, All-Region, All-State and Team MVP during her senior season while she helped her team win the 2021 Conference Championship. Sansbury served as team captain for her junior and senior seasons. 

“I am beyond excited and humbled to play for and represent the Charlotte Independence USL W League team,” Sansbury said. “I cannot wait to compete at the highest level surrounded by dedicated and talented teammates.”

The Charlotte Independence USL W League team will travel to face the Greenville Liberty on Saturday, June 11 at 6:00 PM before returning home for a match against NC Courage U23 at the Community School of Davidson Spartan Athletic Complex on Tuesday, June 14 at 6:00 PM.

Goals scored by #12 Eveleen Hahn (44’) and #8 Zoe Susi (84’)

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. (June 1, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League team defeated Wake FC on the road tonight by a score of 2-1. The club earns their first road win and advances to an overall record of 2-1-1 on their inaugural season. The women take the weekend off and return to action on Saturday, June 11 with a re-match on the road at Greenville Liberty SC. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM.

Goal scorer, #12 Eveleen Hahn, got straight to work early in the match. In the 3rd minute of play she put a cross into the box finding #27 Michaela Deas whose shot was saved by the keeper. 

Wake FC pressed as the match went on and found their way behind the back line in the 12th minute. Independence goalkeeper #41 Katelyn Carroll came off her line to close the angle and forced a shot wide.

#8 Zoe Susi found Hahn across the pitch as the Independence attack developed in the 17th minute. Hahn, one on one with the keeper, wasn’t able to capitalize on the opportunity. However, another play led by Susi in the 44th minute, found #20 Ayden Yates who turned at the top of the box and pushed a short pass through two defenders to Hahn. Her shot found the bottom left corner of the net and gave Charlotte the lead by one going into halftime.

Charlotte made a couple changes at the half bringing on goalkeeper Sarah Allston Phillips and #18 Asha Means up top.

Early in the second half, Wake FC found some momentum with another cross in behind the Independence back line however the play was called offsides in the 52nd minute. 

In the 56th minute, Susi took her first attempt on frame with a shot from the top of the box that was deflected up and over the crossbar.

After a slight miscommunication on defense for Charlotte, the Wake FC forward took a touch past Phillips for an easy pass into the back of the net. The score was tied after the 69th minute, 1-1.

The game winner came in the 84th minute. It was Means who dribbled the ball down the right flank. She beat her defender and played a pass towards the penalty spot where Susi was waiting for a textbook finish into the bottom right corner of the net. 

The final score in Holly Springs, Charlotte Independence 2 – Wake FC 1.

The Charlotte Independence take the weekend off and return to action on Saturday, June 11 for a re-match on the road vs. Greenville Liberty SC. First kick is at 6:00 PM.

Local player helps solidify the Independence backline

Charlotte, N.C. (May 24, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League announced the addition of Queens University of Charlotte defender Jada Palmer to the 2022 roster. Palmer has been a three-year starter for the Royals and helped them finish second in the South Atlantic Conference in 2021.

Palmer started 17 games during her junior season, helping secure a shutout in 11 of those matches. She was named to the All-State Fall team and the All-Conference Third team for her performance.

During her sophomore year, Palmer won the SAC Elite 20 Award, earned a spot on the All-Conference Third team and was named an All-Conference honorable mention. She featured in 10 games during her sophomore season, all as a starter. The team only allowed five goals in these 10 games.

As a freshman, Palmer made 20 appearances for the Royals, including 19 starts. 

A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Palmer attended Mallard Creek High School where she helped her team earn a spot in the playoffs each year from 2017-2019. Palmer was named First Team All-Conference and First Team All-Region in 2017, 2018, and 2019. She also won team Defensive MVP in 2017 and team MVP in 2018 and 2019.

Palmer grew up playing for the Carolina Rapids and later played for the Charlotte Independence WPSL team.

“I am looking forward to a fun summer of high quality soccer as I prepare for preseason in the fall,” Palmer shared about her opportunity to play pre-professional soccer for the Charlotte Independence USL W League team. 

The Charlotte Independence USL W League team is in action next on Saturday, May 28 against NC Courage in Cary, North Carolina. The team will return home on Tuesday, June 14 at 6 PM for a match against the NC Courage at the Community School of Davidson’s Spartan Athletic Complex. 

Goals scored by #20 Ayden Yates (8’, 45’), #16 Kennedy Jones (60’), #19 Alexandra Odle (90’)

CHARLOTTE, NC (May 18, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League team won its first game in history by defeating the North Carolina Fusion 4-0 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The Independence were led by #20 Ayden Yates who scored two goals on the day. The Independence women will be back in action on the road against Wake FC on Saturday, May 21. Fans can live stream the match on Eleven Sports.

The Independence started on the front foot early, earning the first six corners of the first half in just the 2nd minute. Charlotte was unable to score a goal from the initial corner, but it didn’t take long for Yates to put the Independence on the board. 

Charlotte’s first goal of the game came in the 8th minute from Yates who notched her first of the season. #11 Sutton Webb attempted a cross into the box. The Fusion defense cleared the pass, but only as far as #8 Zoe Susi. Susi passed to #15 Kelly Flanders who took a shot from the top of the box, her shot took a deflection and fell right to Yates who gave Charlotte an early 1-0 lead. 

Yates doubled the Independence’s lead just before both teams went into the locker rom. Just as the match went into first half stoppage time, Susi got the ball on the left side of the box, and crossed the ball perfectly into the path of Yates who volleyed the ball into the bottom right corner to take a 2-0 lead into halftime. 

To start the second half, Charlotte made two substitutions. #12 Eveleen Hahn and #17 Lily Suyao came on for #27 Michaela Deas and #6 Gabby Johnson to start the final 45 minutes. 

The Independence got on the front foot early, forcing a save from the Fusion keeper and earning the team’s seventh corner kick of the match just into the second half. #16 Kennedy Jones came inches away from scoring her first goal of the season, but the Fusion keeper tipped her effort onto the crossbar in the 51st minute. 

Charlotte added to the lead when Jones was pulled down in the box in the 60th minute and was awarded a penalty kick. Jones stepped up to the spot herself and buried her first goal of the season to take a 3-0 lead heading into the final 30 minutes. 

The Fusion earned its best chance of the game in the 65th minute when #11 Annabelle Walker took a shot near the post but Abigail Stapleton made the save to keep the clean sheet. The Independence attack kept pressing, forcing multiple saves from the Fusion. It was #19 Alexandra Odle who made the Fusion pay late into the match to make it 4-0. The Independence earned a corner kick that fell to Odle just on the edge of the box and she shot it into the back of the net to finish the match off and earn the Independence’s first win of the season. 

Next on the schedule: The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team will be in action again on Saturday, May 2 at 4:30 PM to take on Wake FC on the road. Fans can watch the match on Eleven Sports.

Goals scored by #11 Sutton Webb (55’) and #27 Michaela Deas (78’)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 15, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team opened up its inaugural season with a 2-4 loss to Greenville Liberty SC today at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Winger #11 Sutton Webb scored the Independence women’s first goal in history in the 55th minute. The Independence women are back in action at American Legion Memorial Stadium on Wednesday, May 18 against the North Carolina Fusion as a part of another double header with the men’s USL League One team who faces Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC. One ticket is valid for both matches. Visit charlotteindependence.com to secure your seats. 

To start the match, both teams found the rhythm of the game, and the Independence earned the first corner kick in the 7th minute. #7 Mary Alexander received the ball down the left side to earn the opportunity. 

The first goal of the match came in the 15th minute off a free kick for the Liberty to take an early one-goal lead. The Independence fought back on the attack with #6 Gabby Johnson forcing a save from the Liberty keeper.  

In the 32nd minute, the match was paused due to a lightning delay as teams went to the locker room to prepare for the remainder of the match. 

Quickly after both teams returned to the field, Alexander continued her impact down the wing, earning back to back corner kicks for the Independence in the 35th minute and in the 43rd minute. However, the Liberty took the lead by one heading into the locker room for halftime. 

Greenville doubled its advantage in the 53rd minute with #7 Carly Thatcher converting on a penalty kick to put Liberty in the lead by two. The Independence responded immediately, scoring in the 55th minute with Webb finding the top corner from the right side to bring the Independence within one. 

Shortly after Charlotte found the back of the net, the Liberty restored its two-goal advantage in the 57th minute when Greenville was awarded a penalty kick. #24 Megan Bornkamp stepped up and scored Liberty’s third goal of the game to make Greenville’s advantage 1-3. 

In the 75th minute, #27 Michaela Deas came in off the bench for #20 Ayden Yates. Immediately, Deas made an impact for the Independence, scoring a goal in the 78th minute coming off an assist from Webb. 

The Liberty scored the final goal of the match in the 79th minute, #99 Chidubem Dike found the back of the net to make it 2-4 for Greenville. The Independence continued to generate chances, hitting the woodwork in the final 10 minutes, but could not draw any closer and lost their first game of the 2022 USL W League season. 

Next on the schedule: The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team will be in action again on Wednesday, May 18 at 4:30 PM to take on North Carolina Fusion at American Legion Memorial Stadium before the men’s League One side takes on Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC. One ticket is valid for both matches. Visit charlotteindependence.com to secure your seats. 

49ers stay local for the summer to join the Independence 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 13, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team announced today the signings of midfielders Lea Wissell and Lily Suyao and defender Sydney Smith. Wissell, Suyao and Smith are sophomores at UNC Charlotte. 

“We are excited to have three players from the local UNC Charlotte 49ers on the team this summer.  All three players played for the Independence through their youth careers,” Greg Ashton, General Manager of the Charlotte Independence USL W League team said. “Lea provides the team with a composed style of play with her passing and retaining possession.  Lily will provide a solid defensive presence in the midfield and Sydney will look to demonstrate her athletic ability and continue her development as a dominant central defender.”

Wissell played high school soccer locally at Hough High School in Cornelius, North Carolina, where she was named to the All-Conference team three consecutive seasons from her sophomore to senior year and won three straight conference titles. After her final high school season, Wissell made the All-Senior West team and was one of the finalists for the Charlotte Soccer Gala’s Female Player of the Year Award. 

Wissell has played for the Charlotte Independence her entire soccer career and helped win the 2017 USYS National Championship as well as the 2016 and 2017 USYS Regional titles. Her team advanced to the ECNL Playoffs in 2018 and 2019. 

During her freshman season at UNC Charlotte, Wissell appeared in seven games, making two starts. In her second collegiate season, Wissell appeared in 12 games and earned her first college point by earning an assist for the 49ers against the College of Charleston. She finished the year with two assists. 

“I am super excited to come back and play for the club that I grew up playing with, and I am also really looking forward to the opportunity to train and play with high quality players in a high quality environment!” Wissell said. 

Smith played high school soccer at Cox Mill High School in Concord, North Carolina and earned All-Conference honors in 2017 and 2018. In 2018, she helped lead her team to the state finals. She was also named to the All-State team and recognized as Defensive Player of the Year. In her senior season, she was voted onto the 2020 High School All-Senior West team. 

In her freshman season at UNC Charlotte, Smith appeared in eight games and started in four. She started in every match of the Conference USA tournament after earning her first college start in the home regular season finale. Smith appeared in 12 matches her sophomore season and started in three. 

“I am excited to be a part of the new Charlotte Independence USL W League. I am fortunate to be playing with many talented players that I have trained with in the past,” Smith said. “The atmosphere will be challenging and competitive and I am excited to see what this team has to offer.”

Suyao played club soccer with the Charlotte Independence where she helped guide her team to the ECNL Playoffs in 2018. At Watauga High School in Boone, North Carolina, she earned All-Region honors in 2018 and 2019 while being voted the 2019 Conference Offensive Player of the Year. Her senior season, she was voted team captain and earned a spot into the Senior Clash All-Star game. 

At UNC Charlotte, Suyao started in eight of the 11 games she played in the spring of 2021. She was a consistent presence in the 49ers midfield during the team’s run to the C-USA championship, starting in every game of the conference tournament. 

“I am very excited for another summer season with Charlotte Independence,” Suyao said. “I am so thankful for the opportunity to play for the club I played for before going to college with former and current teammates. I am looking forward to competing at a high level and improving as a player and teammate.”

The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team kicks off their inaugural season on Sunday, May 15 at 3:00 PM (ET). The women will host Greenville Triumph SC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. To view the full schedule and purchase your tickets, please visit www.charlotteindependence.com/2022-womens-usl-w-league-schedule/.

Jacks add two goal scorers and a goalkeeper to the roster 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 11, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team announced today the signing of three Virginia Tech players who are set to join the squad ahead of its inaugural season. The arsenal includes Midfielders Gabrielle Johnson and Ayden Yates as well as goalkeeper Sarah Allston Phillips. 

“We are looking forward to having three young women with ACC experience join the team this summer,” Greg Ashton, General Manager of the Charlotte Independence USL W League Team said. “Ayden is an attacking midfielder and forward that has the ability to get into dangerous positions to score and  create opportunities for others.  Gabi is an experienced central midfielder who looks to retain possession and will take on a playmaking role going forward. Sarah Allston will be part of our goalkeeping group.  She has the experience to provide leadership and organization from the back and will be determined to have a positive impact on the team this summer.” 

Johnson set a school record for career goals scored at Veritas High School in Richmond, Virginia, with 49. She helped lead the Lions to two consecutive Conference Championships in 2014-2015 and was a two-time All-Conference selection in 2014 and 2015. At the club level, Johnson competed for the Seattle Sounders in the Women’s Premier Soccer League and played for Fredericksburg Football and Elite Clubs National League Programs. 

Before transferring to Virginia Tech as a graduate student, Johnson played at Delaware where she made an immediate impact for the Fightin’ Blue Hens. In her freshman season, she appeared in 18 games and was tied for the team lead in goals with three. She served as Captain during her junior and senior seasons before joining the Hokies. 

“I cannot wait to train and compete with, and against, great players this summer with the Charlotte Independence,” Johnson said. “It is exciting to know I am entering a great environment to improve my game, meet new people, and participate in the newest women’s league.” 

At Lake Norman Charter High School, Yates broke the single-season scoring record her freshman year with 45 goals and broke the single-season assist record her junior year with 26. She finished her time at Lake Norman Charter with 144 goals and 68 assists. In her three high school seasons, she was named All-Conference, All-Region and All-State all three years and was named the 2020 Gatorade North Carolina Girls Soccer Player of the Year. 

Yates played for the Charlotte Soccer Academy DA and led her team in assists and was second in goals scored during her final season with CSA. She helped lead the team to a State Cup Championship, scoring in the title game. 

“I am very excited to be signing with the Charlotte Independence USL W League team this summer,” Yates said. “I look forward to being surrounded by amazing talent and playing with former teammates!” 

Phillips played high school soccer at Waccamaw High School. She helped lead the Warriors to three straight Region Championships and was a three-year Captain. She set the school record for saves in a single game and most saves and shutouts in a single season. Phillips played club soccer at South Carolina United and won the South Carolina State Title, the National League Disney Showcase and the Jefferson Cup. She was forced to miss her freshman season at Virginia Tech due to injury, but appeared in goal twice during her junior year making two saves.  

“I am super excited to live in the Charlotte area with my VT teammates and be a part of a very professional setting with high-stellar women athletes,” Phillips said. 

The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team kicks off their inaugural season on Sunday, May 15 at 3:00 PM (ET). The women will host Greenville Triumph SC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. To view the full schedule and purchase your season tickets, please visit www.charlotteindependence.com/2022-womens-usl-w-league-schedule/.

Jacks’ defense takes shape with new faces ahead of inaugural season 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 9, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team announced today the signing of goalkeeper Cadence Talbert and defenders Kendyl Lauher and Nicola Hauk for the 2022 season. 

“It will be exciting to see Kendyl back out on the field and see her using her tremendous athletic ability as she looks to give us an attacking threat from the  outside back position,” Greg Ashton, General Manager of the Charlotte Independence USL W League Team said. “We are very fortunate to have Nicole playing for us this summer as she prepares to head off to the Big 10 with Nebraska in the fall. She is a very composed center back who reads the game extremely well.  This enables her to break up attacks and then start transition opportunities that we can exploit. Cadence is an extremely athletic keeper with great range.  Playing this summer will give her the opportunity to build experience and continue her development as a keeper.

At Geneso High School in Geneso, Illinois, Talbert was named the Team MVP and the Top Defensive Specialist as well as Big 6 Player of the Week honors. 

Talbert joins the Jacks after her freshman year of college at Eckerd College. In her first season, she was the starting goalkeeper for the Tritons and played a combined 1,076 minutes in the fall season.  She posted four shutouts while making 55 saves and posted a 74.3% save percentage during her first season. 

“I am most excited to share my love of soccer with other experienced players, all while improving my athletic and technical abilities,” Talbert said. “Dedicating my time to soccer outside of college is a great way to expand my knowledge  of the game, and I get to share this time with players who have the same athletic persistence as me!” 

Lauher, a Davidson, North Carolina native, played high school soccer at Cannon School where she was named the Offensive MVP in 2018 and 2019 by her head coach. She earned First Team All-Conference honors in 2019 and Second Team All-Conference in 2018. In her final high school season, Lauher scored nine goals and earned 15 assists. 

She returns to Charlotte Independence after playing with the team’s ECNL team where she was named to the Mid-Atlantic All-Conference team in 2021. During her freshman season at Syracuse, Lauher played in all 17 games and earned an assist against ACC opponent Louisville. 

“I’m so excited to come back home with former teammates and be pushed into a new level of my game as I prepare myself for another difficult ACC season,” Lauher said. “Being able to represent the club again is exactly how I’d want to spend my summer.” 

Hauk comes to Charlotte after playing two seasons at Delta State and plans to transfer to the University of Nebraska. With the Fighting Okra, Hauk became a mainstay on the defense in her short time with the team, starting in all 10 games during a shortened 2020 season while scoring three goals and was a part of the team that won the program’s first postseason game. 

In 2021, she made the All-Conference Second Team while starting in every game. She has scored five goals and earned one assist out of the back across her first two college seasons. 

“I am excited to get the opportunity to grow as a player and person over summer, surrounded by a lot of talented girls,” Hauk said. 

The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team kicks off their inaugural season on Sunday, May 15 at 3:00 PM (ET). The women will host Greenville Triumph SC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. To view the full schedule and purchase your season tickets, please visit www.charlotteindependence.com/2022-womens-usl-w-league-schedule/.