USL W League

Phoenix pair bring youth and experience to the Jacks

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 7, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League Team announced today the signing of a pair of Elon University midfielders to the inaugural roster. Senior Carson Jones and freshman Kerri Coffman will join the growing midfield. 

“We are happy to have another couple of Elon players join the team this summer,” Greg Ashton, General Manager of the Charlotte Independence USL W League team said. “Carson recently graduated after a terrific career at Elon and gets to extend her soccer career back in her hometown.  She will provide a great attacking influence on the team from the midfield and upfront. Kerri is a tough central defender who is tremendous in the air.  It will be awesome to see Kerri back out in an Independence uniform this summer.” 

At the club level, Jones played with Lake Norman Soccer Club and won three NCYSA Premier League Championships in 2012, 2014 and 2016. She helped lead the Lake Norman Soccer Club 98 Eclipse to two Dana Cup Championships in Denmark in 2013 and 2015 and made three NCYSA State Cup Final Four appearances in 2013, 2014 and 2016. 

In high school, Jones played at Providence Day School where she helped lead her team to a 3A-Private State Runner-Up finish and earned her first All-State selection in 2015. She received her second All-State selection the next season and earned All-Region honors in 2016. Throughout high school, she was named All-Conference three consecutive seasons in 2014, 2015 and 2016. 

Across her five seasons at Elon, Jones was named the team’s MVP in 2018 and 2019 and earned Colonial Athletic Association Second Team Honors in 2020 and 2021. In 2020, Jones was a part of a historic Elon team that won the program’s first CAA Championship while also being named the CAA Most Outstanding Player that same year. 

“I’m really excited to get back on the field and play with Charlotte Independence this summer! I can’t wait to start the season!” Jones said. 

Coffman played high school soccer at Lake Norman High School and started her high school career by winning Rookie of the Year for Lake Norman in 2017. She later captained the team her junior and senior years and won team MVP in 2019. Coffman was named All-Region and All-Conference in 2018 and 2019. 

Coffman spent time in the Charlotte Independence Youth Academy and traveled to play with fellow Elon and W League teammate Kennedy Jones in Sweden, Portugal, Denmark and Iceland. In her two seasons at Elon, Coffman was a part of the CAA Championship winning team as a freshman and appeared in three games her sophomore year. 

“I am super excited to be in an environment where I am surrounded by great players that I know will make me better every day,” Coffman said. “I am looking forward to playing with previous club teammates and competing! I can’t wait to return to my former club!” 

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/.

SEC Champion and Charlotte Independence Academy product join the squad

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 5, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League team announced today the signing of forwards Taylor Barrineou and Eveleen Hahn. Barrineou is a sophomore at Lees-McRae College while Hahn is a junior at the University of South Carolina. 

“Eveleen and Taylor are two exciting attacking additions to the roster,” Greg Ashton, General Manager of the Charlotte Independence USL W League Team said. “Eveleen is a forward who has been part of an extremely successful USC program. Her explosive speed and ability to get in behind the backline and create goal scoring opportunities will be fun to watch. Taylor has continued to grow in her role as an out-and-out striker. She led her college team in scoring and will bring the knack for scoring in big moments to the team this summer.”

Before going to college, Hahn was named the North Carolina State Female Player of the Year at Charlotte Catholic High School where she was also named a United Soccer Coaches All-American and a two-time All-State selection. 

At South Carolina, Hahn was a part of the 2019 SEC Champions during her first collegiate season. After her freshman year, Hahn continued to be a mainstay for the Gamecocks up top being the second-highest goal scorer on the team in 2021 with four goals in 19 appearances. 

“I am super excited to get started with the team this summer with both girls who I played with last summer and new members to the team,” Hahn said. “I am looking forward to playing with a variety of people from different schools, and working with the new head coach!”

In high school, Barrienou set the record for career goals and most goals in a single season at East Lincoln High School in Iron Station, North Carolina. She earned All-Conference and All-Region honors all throughout high school and was named to the All-State team twice. While previously playing with the Charlotte Independence’s Academy, Barrienou won the USYS Soccer State Championship and US National League in 2018.  

Barrineou has become a consistent presence up top for the Bobcats in just two seasons. In her first collegiate year, Barrineou started in 10 games and scored one goal. Her second season, Barrineou earned All-Conference with six goals and two assists across 17 games played. 

“I am thrilled to be able to play with former teammates and honored to represent my club team with USL this summer,” Barrineou said. “I look forward to continuing to push myself as I play alongside such talented players!”

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/.

Huntersville native returns to Independence from Miami University 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 3, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League team announced today the signing of Miami University midfielder Hailey Matthews for their inaugural 2022 season. Matthews is from Huntersville, NC and returns to the Queen City this summer to compete with her hometown club.

“Hailey is an extremely versatile player who will help in a number of positions this season,” explained Greg Ashton, General Manager of the Charlotte Independence USL W League Team. “She has grown in strength and confidence over the past couple of seasons away at college and we look forward to seeing the positive influence she has on the team this summer.”

The Miami University midfielder enrolled early to train with the team during the 2020 spring season. In her freshman year with the Red Hawks, she started in four games and appeared in six. In Matthews’ sophomore season, she earned her first college assist during the first game of the season against Austin Peay. She finished the season with two assists and appeared in 13 games. 

Matthews played high school soccer at Hough High School where she was a three-year varsity letter winner. She earned All-State honors and won Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2019. Matthews scored 17 goals and earned 18 assists her junior season. 

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to return and play for the Charlotte Independence this summer,” Matthews said. “I’m very excited to be a part of this new program and can’t wait to start competing!” 

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/.

NC State senior won Frauen Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich II at the age of 17 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 26, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League team announced today the signing of NC State graduate Krissi Schuster to the 2022 roster. Before her time with the Wolfpack, Schuster won the Frauen Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich in Germany during the 2014-15 season. 

“Krissi is a very experienced defender who performs at a high level in all practices and games,” explained Greg Ashton, General Manager of the Charlotte Independence USL W League Team. “We’re looking forward to seeing her leadership and organization as we look to build this new team.” 

Schuster joined Bayern Munich at the age of 14 in 2011 and played with Bayern II in the Bundesliga B, the top division for U17 women’s teams. While captaining the team, she helped Bayern II win the German Cup in 2014 after also winning the title in 2013. She made her Bayern Munich debut at the age of 17 and scored a goal against Paris St. Germain.   

In her freshman season at NC State, Schuster started in all 22 of the Wolpack’s games at right back and finished second on the team with five assists. She scored one goal during her first college season to help the Wolfpack advance to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Championship. 

Schuster again played in all 22 matches in her sophomore season, finishing with one goal and two assists in 2017. As a junior, she played all but four matches, and despite an injury, still produced one goal and three assists for the Wolfpack. That season her team advanced to the Sweet 16 in the 2018 NCAA Championship.  

As a senior, Schuster started all 23 matches for NC State and had her most effective offensive season. She finished with a career-high three goals while also adding three assists for the Wolfpack offense. Schuster helped lead NC State to another Sweet 16 finish in the NCAA tournament and a semifinal appearance in the ACC tournament.

“I am most looking forward to competing in a challenging league with many talented players and hope to be able to help the team with my experience,” Schuster 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 tickets, please visit charlotteindependence.com/2022-womens-usl-w-league-schedule/.

Duncan to help lead Independence women during inaugural USL W League Season and propel Girls ECNL program to new heights

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 5, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence and Charlotte Independence Soccer Club today named Erika Duncan as Assistant Coach to Charlotte’s newest women’s pre-professional soccer team. In her new role, Duncan will also work with the Girls ECNL Regional League North Teams. Previously, she was the Head Coach of the U19 Girls West Virginia United USL Academy Team and assisted with the U19 Boys at the same skill level. 

“Erika is fantastic, she’ll make an immediate impact on our players, staff and club,” said Chief Executive Officer Thomas Finlay. “Our game is definitely being upped with the addition of Erika in our Girls ECNL program and W League. Really looking forward to seeing her coach and develop within our environment.”

Duncan worked for West Virginia Soccer Club girl’s academy since 2011. Most recently, she was the West Virginia Soccer Association Girl’s Competitive Coach of the Year for 2021. As Head Coach, the Girls U19 were National President’s Cup Finalist and East Regional President’s Cup Champions in 2021. Duncan also coached teams to State Cup Championships in 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2019. During her time at West Virginia Soccer Club, she was the Assistant Head Coach for 7 years for the Marshall University Women’s Soccer team. 

“I am so grateful to Charlotte Independence and Thomas Finlay for this amazing opportunity to join such an established and prestigious club,” said Duncan. “The vision and culture of the organization is exactly what I was looking for. I am excited and eager to get started!”

Duncan played NCAA Division l soccer at Marshall University and is considered one of the most decorated athletes to step into the women’s soccer program. She still holds records for most career goals (23), second with most game-winners (8), and tied for most consecutive matches with a goal (4). She has the third-most career points (54) and posted back-to-back campaigns with the second-most goals scored in a season (9 in 2008 and 2009). Her success as an athlete did not go without notice as she became All-Conference USA second team (2009, 2010), Conference USA Player of the Week (2011), National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) all-region second team (2010), and four-year Deans List Scholar (2007-2011). 

“The addition of Erika to our staff as an Assistant Coach is very exciting for many reasons.  It is awesome to have another woman on staff with both youth and college coaching experience,” said Robyn Horner, Head Coach of the Charlotte Independence USL W League Team. “In addition to this, she was very successful as a player not only in college, but as a youth international as well with Scotland.”

Duncan’s journey truly began at home in Easthaven, Scotland, UK. Here, she played for Scotland’s’ U17’s and U19’s. She competed in the European Championship and made the Scotland Women’s National Team. In 2004, She played for the Newburgh Ladies F.C., Scotland professional team for 3 years before she came to the states for college where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and continued to graduate school where she earned a Master of Science in Sports Administration. 

“Erika being an attacking-minded player will help us be successful on both sides of the ball and create a strong balance from back to front as I was a GK for the majority of my career,” said Coach Horner. “She understands what it takes for players to be successful in the collegiate and international game, and her overall experience will be very relatable to our young women.  I am excited to start working with her in a few weeks!  #FortheW!”

The Charlotte Independence women will open their inaugural season with a home match vs. Greenville Triumph SC on Sunday, May 15 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM. Purchase USL W League Season Tickets at charlotteindependence.com/uslw-season-tickets.

University of Georgia commit is also a member of the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 28, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence W League Team announced today the signing of midfielder Sutton Webb for the 2022 season. Webb will play Division I collegiate soccer at the University of Georgia this fall. She was a captain of Charlotte Independence Soccer Club’s Super Cup team and earned First Team ECNL All Conference Honors.

“Sutton has continued to develop as an attacking threat over the past three years playing in the ECNL program,” explained Greg Ashton, General Manager of the Charlotte Independence USL W League Team. “Playing against some of the best club teams in the country has prepared her to compete against high quality players in the W League.”

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.

“I am extremely excited to be one of the younger members selected for the team,” stated Webb. “I feel like this is a great opportunity for me to train with some of the best players in the state as I prepare to enroll at the University of Georgia this summer. I am most looking forward to pushing myself and developing my game even further all while creating new friendships!”

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 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 charlotteindependence.com/2022-womens-usl-w-league-schedule/.

Jones played professional soccer in Sweden in 2020 winning the Gothia Puma Cup Trophy

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 22, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League team today announced that Midfielder Kennedy Jones has signed for the 2022 season. Jones played professional soccer in Sweden in 2020 winning the Gothia Puma Cup Trophy. She is a freshman at Elon University and a former member of the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club where she helped lead her team to NCYSA State and U.S. National League Championship titles in 2018.

“I actually got a chance to play alongside Kennedy on last year’s Independence team, so to say that we are pleased to have her back is an understatement,” explained Charlotte Independence Women’s Head Coach, Robyn Horner. “Kennedy has a long and impressive history with our youth club, she is a talented player and will be a great addition to our team. She is a strong ball-winner, and a great distributor of the ball. She will help us a great deal in the midfield.”

During her first season at Elon University, Jones played in all 16 games for the Phoenix with 20 shots and one goal. She played four seasons of high school soccer and was a two-time captain at Providence Day School in Charlotte, N.C. 

Jones 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. 

“I am really excited to start playing this summer with the Charlotte Independence and wear the club jersey again,” stated Jones. “I can’t wait to start the season!”

Jones 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. She 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 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 charlotteindependence.com/2022-womens-usl-w-league-schedule/.

University of Arkansas commit is also a member of the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 18, 2022) – The Charlotte Independence USL W League team today announced the signing of Midfielder Zoe Susi ahead of its inaugural 2022 campaign. Susi competes for the ‘04 Charlotte Independence ECNL Girls team and was named to the 2021 ECNL U17 Mid-Atlantic First Team All-Conference. She has committed to play collegiate soccer at the University of Arkansas, home of the reigning SEC Champions.

“Zoe has had a great career in our ECNL program and locally within the state of North Carolina for her high school,” explained Charlotte Independence Women’s Head Coach, Robyn Horner. “We are very happy to sign her to our first W-League roster. She is a great student of the game, with a high soccer IQ. Her talents and abilities on the ball are not only why she was so highly recruited out of our club, but also a part of what will make her such a great addition to our team.”

Susi plays high school soccer at Wilkes Central High School in Wilkesboro, N.C. where she’s scored 125 goals and tallied 65 assists throughout her career. She’s been a two-time North Carolina All-Region Selection, two-time North Carolina All-State Selection and two-time Conference Player of the Year. 

“I am super excited to be surrounded by an amazing group of talented women who will constantly push me to be better everyday and prepare me for the next level,” stated Susi.

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. She is currently ranked the number 34 player in the South Atlantic Region by Top Drawer Soccer. 

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 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 charlotteindependence.com/2022-womens-usl-w-league-schedule/.