CHARLOTTE, NC (April 2, 2026) – For the first time ever, the Charlotte Independence will face off against Charlotte FC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32, igniting an inaugural Charlotte Derby.
The match will take place at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex at Matthews on April 15 at 7:30 pm. It will mark the first competitive meeting between the two clubs, with city pride and a place in the Round of 16 on the line.
Drawn into the “Clint Dempsey Group” alongside Charlotte FC, Atlanta United, and Chattanooga FC, the Independence landed the marquee matchup, setting the stage for a Queen City clash.
With a spot in the next round at stake, the Jacks will look to continue their Open Cup run against their MLS counterparts in what promises to be a charged and electric atmosphere in Matthews. The Independence knocked off Ristozi FC in the First Round before defeating Charleston Battery 3-2 in thrilling fashion on Tuesday night to advance on.
Ticket information will be announced soon. All U.S. Open Cup matches will be streamed live on Paramount+.
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 home games at American Legion Memorial Stadium and Mecklenburg County Sportsplex of Matthews. 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.
