Veteran midfielder enters eighth season with the club
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (January 12, 2024) – The Charlotte Independence announced today that Joel Johnson, the club’s all-time appearance leader, is returning to the squad in 2024. This will mark Johnson’s eighth year with the Jacks, across two stints with the club.
“Joel was a massive part of the group’s success last season,” Head Coach Mike Jeffries he embraced a more attacking role and was both dynamic and successful making plays in the final third early in the season. His versatility and soccer IQ are huge assets for us and I look forward to continuing to work with him in 2024.
A 2023 USL League One All-League Second Team honoree, Johnson ranked fifth in the league with 57 chances created. He scored seven goals, the third-most on the team, and added four assists. During the season, Johnson was named to the USL League One Team of the Week four times.
Johnson was one of six players to appear in all 35 matches for the Jacks in 2023. He started all but one game and played 3,013 minutes, including a full 120 minutes in both the league semifinal and final.
The Torrent, Spain, native originally signed with the Independence in 2016. He made 150 appearances from 2016 through 2021 before joining Hartford Athletic for the 2022 season. In 2021, Johnson scored the opening goal in the club’s first-ever playoff win against Memphis 901 in the USL Championship Round of 16.
“I’m happy to be back again,” Johnson said. “I hope we can bring great joy to the fans and this incredible city.”
Johnson adds to the solid list of returnees from the Independence squad who made the first league final appearance in club history. Johnson joins fellow midfielders Omar Ciss, Luis Alvarez, Rayan Djedje, and Bachir Ndiaye on the roster.
The 2024 season begins on Saturday, March 16 as the Charlotte Independence face One Knoxville SC in the home opener. Season tickets for the Charlotte Independence 10th Anniversary season are on sale now with packages as low as $5 per game. To see all exclusive Season Ticket Member benefits and purchase your tickets today, visit charlotteindependence.com/seasontickets.
ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE:
The Charlotte Independence is a Division III professional men’s soccer team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The club, founded in 2014, currently competes in USL League One and plays all home games at the newly renovated American Legion Memorial Stadium. As part of the Queen City Soccer Club, our mission is to make Charlotte a better place to live through sports. For information on club news, season tickets and more, visit charlotteindependence.com.
