CHARLOTTE, NC – A historic night awaits in the Queen City as the Charlotte Independence face off against Charlotte FC for the first time ever in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
With a place in the Fourth Round on the line, Wednesday night marks the inaugural Charlotte Derby.
Match Details
When: April 15
Kickoff: 7:30 PM
Where: Mecklenburg County Sportsplex at Matthews
Watch: Paramount+
Ticket Information:
Tickets are available here. Fans are encouraged to pack the Supporters Section (111–114).
Current League Records (Last Time Out)
- Charlotte Independence: 1-1-1 (L, 2-3 on April 3 at New York Cosmos)
- Charlotte FC: 3-2-2 (L, 1-2 on April 11 vs. Nashville SC)
Charlotte Independence U.S. Open Cup History
- 2026 Run:
- First Round: W, 4-1 vs. Ristozi FC
- Second Round: W, 2-1 (AET) vs. Charleston Battery
- vs. MLS Clubs: 1-2 all-time
- Last MLS Meeting: 2024 vs. Atlanta United (Fourth Round)
- Third Round Appearances: 6th in club history
Charlotte FC U.S. Open Cup History
- 2026: First match in this year’s tournament
- Best Finishes: Round of 16 (all three previous appearances)
- 2025: Eliminated on penalties by D.C. United
The Jacks Thus Far in 2026…
- Charlotte has been one of the most dangerous attacking teams early in the season:
- 14 goals across all competitions
- 2.30 goals per match in USL League One (2nd in league)
- Midfielder Luis Alvarez has been the engine, posting:
- 2 goals
- 3 assists in 5 matches
- Teen standout Viggo Ortiz continues to deliver in big moments:
- Youngest goal scorer in club history
- Extra-time winner vs. Charleston (former club)
- Goal of the Week nominee vs. Cosmos
- Defensively, Javen Romero has anchored the back line:
- Leads team in clearances, tackles, blocks, aerial duels
- Back-to-back Team of the Week honors
Charlotte FC Thus Far in 2026…
- Before their loss to Nashville, Charlotte FC had gone:
- Unbeaten in five (4 wins)
- Dominant during a Bank of America Stadium homestand
- They average 1.90 goals per match, led by:
- Pep Biel: 4 goals, 2 assists
- Wilfried Zaha: 3 goal contributions
- Idan Toklomati: 2 goals
- Defensively:
- 1.30 goals conceded per match
- Anchored by U.S. international defender Tim Ream and Kristijan Kahlina (2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year)
- Young Talent to Watch
- Nimfasha Berchimas: 6 goals in 5 MLS NEXT Pro matches
- Rodolfo Aloko: 6 goals, 2 assists
Players With Ties to Both Clubs
- Brandt Bronico – Former Independence midfielder (33 appearances) before joining Charlotte FC in 2021
- Jonathan Nyandjo – Started his professional career with Crown Legacy FC in 2024 before signing for the Jacks in 2026
- Notable past connections:
- Christian Fuchs, Adam Armour, Quinn McNeill
A new chapter will be written in Charlotte soccer history Wednesday night. Grab your seats.
